I’m gonna start this backblast a little different to help illustrate a lesson in Iron Sharpens Iron. For those that are familiar with the movie, Pulp Fiction, I’m gonna ‘Tarantino’ this one. Here we are- Pikachu, Skidmark, Cupid, YHC, and a newly named four legged-F3 canine- Backstroke lounging with Dunkin cold brews on the outdoor seats at 7:20am for a second F reviewing the Strava feed from this morning’s run. Skidmark turns to Pikachu with Strava segments in display and says something to the effect of good recovery run, but I think we went a little  slow…..

If anyone saw their times during yesterday’s Run the Quay, Skidmark was not far off in this statement as the run today was a little over 2 minutes what they recorded yesterday. Let’s face it, these guys are fast and their recovery run was my fastest paced run of the year. Did YHC take offense to this comment, absolutely not. In fact, I knew if I could keep the shirtless wonders in my site this morning, I knew I was having a good run and that’s the point of the story, along with the great push and fellowship shared by the 7 PAX that posted this morning, 2- with a 4-legged accountability partner in tow.

Arrived to the parking lot with a clear air at our backs with almost no humidity. A huge change from a week before. Red Truck- Skidmark, Grey Truck- Nemo, Pikachu rolls up and then in the backdrop I see Cupid making his debut and picking up an early morning deposit from his FNG. Yogurt comes rolling up with Crumb Snatcher, and then followed by Maybelline.

Warm Up:

5:59 hit just as something foul exited Pikachu. With that YHC called ‘Go Time’ manuevering around the scene of crime to the first picnic shelter. Called for PAX to occupy a picnic table for a set up 10-step ups IC. Mosey’d to Ivan lot for carioca to the halfway point and butt kickers to the far end where we circled up for Imperial Walkers X10 IC. Mosey’d back to the flag for a set of stationary high-knees X10 IC.

The Workout: YHC called for a squat hold while calling out the route. With 4 PAX looking for recovery runs, some looking for 3, others 6. YHC had a mix of payement and trails planned. Those wanting 3 would head down Stinson, left on Bass Lake, right on Holly Springs Road heading down to Linksland and head back. For those wanting 6, they would take a right on Linksland, right on Salem Ridge, and a left onto Bass Lake to the trail along the boat house by the canoes and then head to the greenway. At the greenway, we would take the HSHM route up the trail into Sugg Farm and then back out to Grigsby. With the first mile down, Maybelline made the first push out ahead of the PAX followed by Pickachu, Skidmark, Nemo, Yogurt and Crumb Snatcher, YHC, then Cupid and FNG-Backstroke. As we made our way to Linksland with Yogurt picking up the six, gave Cupid the heads up that if he heads back from the point where we stood, he’d have a little over 3 by time he made it back to Womble. “I think he “Backstroke” is ok and we can do 4. Yogurt gave the nod and said, “I’ll head back with you once we hit 2mi.” This seems to happen spontaneously at AGS, PAX are always recording more miles than they think they’ll record. With a few extra fist bumps at the pole, YHC was off to join the remaining PAX. Made the right on Salem Ridge dreading that up and down hill before hitting Bass Lake. Just as I was thinking stop to take a quick breather at the bottom of the short hill before Bass Lake, down comes Skidmark to pick up the six. He began to start a conversation (which I can’t remember as I was focused on the hill and keeping up), but in any event, I somehow managed to carry the conversation and the hill at the same time. Somewhat relieved that I survived and kept up, we then joined the remaining PAX- Maybelline, Nemo and Pikachu. Nemo gave the warning to not venture 10 feet into the wooded area just to the right about 50yards up. Apparently, Pikachu adjusted gross weight, but was polite enough to do so while maintaining ’10 foot woodage’- a new standard for pathway deposits delivered during running AO’s.

PAX took note of the Sky Q’s incredible sunrise before making their way up the trail to Sugg. Strong push up the hill and to the remaining stretch to Womble, where we reunited with Cupid, Yogurt, Crumb Snatcher, and Backstroke

Mary:Stretches OYO
Announcements: Crazy Train next Saturday
T-Claps (Recognition): Cupid, Skidmark, Pikachu, and Yogurt for strong showings on Saturday and having the energy for a run this morning. Maybelline for setting the pace and Nemo for the added push throughout the run.

Prayer: Maybelline’s dad and all PAX with family members who are battling cancer. All PAX with injuries and safe\healthy returns to the gloom. YHC took us out.