Monday. Saw the same red shouldered hawk that I saw yesterday in the same area. No deer though.Deer flies were particularly bad today, especially in the paths that were more open. Seems like I could lose them better in the winding trails in the thicker areas of forest. But on the fire road and more open trails, they were pretty vicious. And unfortunately, I've yet to find any bug spray or anything else that effectively thwarts these little bastards. Just have to live them for the next few months.
Deer flies aside, it was a pretty good run. I felt pretty sluggish for the first 3 1/2 miles. At that point, I had reached the lake and decided to climb out on a fallen tree that goes over a shallow part of the water. I sat there for about five minutes, enjoying the scenery and listening to the green frogs calling, which is sporadic and sounds a bit like a banjo string being plucked. After I got going again, I felt great and was on cruise control. Worth noting I fell twice during the run. Once pretty hard, but zero injuries from either. I gotta be a little more careful being this close to the big show.
Ran 8.0 miles @ 8:44/mile pace.
Trails, fire roads.
Very hilly.
Upper 60s, partly cloudy, very humid.
Shorts, short sleeved shirt.
