Surprise

I had planned to try and get to the AM run today since it was going to 105 degrees today.  Unfortunately that plan fell through as it was too busy at work and we were down one nurse.  I figured it would be another death march like Tuesday.  Karen sent out an email starting the run at 6:30 instead of 6:15.  Temps were 105 with 25% humidity at the start.  Started out at an easy pace up North Hills.   Let Karen, Debbie and Jim go ahead and tucked in with James to maintain an easy pace.  Mile 4 involved a long gradual up hill - I settled into a conservative pace and let James go.  Mid way up the hill, my climbing legs kicked in and I passed James and started gaining on the other 3.  Tried to be patient as we were only half way through the run.  Passed Debbie with authority on North Hills and let Jim and Karen hammer to the mile 5 water stop.  After a quick refill of my water bottle we headed back out up North Hills.  I was patient and put a little hurt on Jim as we neared the top.  My overall goal was to have the last 2 miles be my fastest 2.  Granted the last 2 miles are flat to downhill but if you're trashed, you're trashed.  Jim caught back up on Greystone and every time I picked up the pace he was right there.  I checked my garmin and I was right where I should have been so I locked into my pace...I did not let myself get sucked into a foot race and let him go.  Last 2 miles 8:02 and 7:57.  Woo, hoo!!  Did my strides and core workout.  Feeling great!!  Oh yeah...it was 99 degrees as I drove home at 8:30.