My lungs still hate SLC

below are the distances/times from my last 4 runs. My legs have felt surprisingly good- even my hamstrings- which only hurt when I think about the fact that they don't hurt. seriously- at some point in every run I think about the fact that my hamstring doesn't hurt for the first time in OVER a year and suddenly i feel a twinge. fortunately the pain from the hell-fire burning in my lungs takes over and I stop thinking about my legs. sometimes i wonder if i am a pack a night sleep-smoker. what does one expect when i haven't run seriously in 6 months.

so here are my times. my runs on monday and tuesd

a

y were the exact same distance and pace (eery) and today i felt pretty good despite the wind and crappy weather. it's been 60 degrees (which is nice) with 20 mph winds, gusts to 40 (not so nice). as kelly mentioned, can't bitch about the view- snow in the mountains- grab your boards!

sunday, 10.11.09: 3.10 mi @ 8:56

monday, 10.12.09: 3.32 mi @ 8:23

tuesday, 10.13.09: 3.32 mi @ 8:23

wednesday, 10.14.09: 3.93 mi @ 8:13

Just to give you an idea about the terrain here.....this is the elevation chart from today's run:

I also learned a few things about running down steep hills:

1. it's not as fun as it sounds (much more fun on a board)

2. quick footstrikes and long strides both help (at least for me)

3. look ahead- it's hard (and dangerous) to try to avoid objects/potholes/bumps/etc. at the last minute when all your momentum is going downhill

4. with conscious controlled breathing it's a good time to rejuvenate the lungs