A brisk 28 degrees at game time. Clear skies with hints of orange provided the perfect backdrop to what would be one of the best sunrise runs of the year at AGS. If you haven’t posted yet to this AO, you need to try it at least once. I’m not just saying that as the Q, but honestly, there is no better way to start your week than with some miles to clear your head…oh yeah and the gem of AGS- the sunrise views.

Flag planted as Deadbolt arrived. He was then followed by Coal Ash, who was seeking his first AGS experience. Lipstick was a late scratch on Slack and no sign of Kid Cracker, who had shown some interest in running the Bass Lake route based on an earlier post to social media. Not sure if he ran it this morning, but hoping he was committed and not motivated.  YHC was open to an audible this morning if majority of the PAX wanted to run the lake, but the 3 PAX that were present decided on the hill route that was planned for this morning.

6:30am hit and started with the following warm up.

Warm Up: Light jog to far end of the lot w\Carioca back left to right and then switch right to left at the half way point to the start. YHC gave quick instruction to follow to the paved path around the soccer fields, stopping at the picnic table shelter for Imperial Walkers x10, then a quick mosey to the Crazy Ivan lot for Prison Squats x10, another quick run to the 3 corner for Hillbillies x10. PAX then performed toe walks\heel walks to stretch the calves. Butt Kickers with alternating Frankenstein walks back to the parking lot starting point.

The Workout: This week’s route started us downhill on Stinson. At the top of the hill, we took a left on Bass Lake and proceeded straight to some new territory- Rhamkatte. Always driven by it, but have never run it. After the views we saw today, we’ll be back. The new territory provided a gradual incline on the aptly named Jones Hill Road. To the right, you could see the glow of orange, pinks, and blues of the sky in the distance as if it was beginning to catch fire. PAX rounded Jones Hill Road to the end of the construction and pushed up Old Ride Drive now with the sunrise on the left. Proceeded downhill, taking a left on Holly Springs Road and then a right on Linksland. Heading down Linksland, PAX took a right on Salem Ridge. This provided just enough distance to mentally prepare for the the two hills YHC planned for miles 5 and 6, up Bass Lake and then eventually back up Stinson. As we approached Stinson, Coal Ash came back to pick up the six, first YHC, then Deadbolt. All PAX gave each a look at the top of Stinson, knowing that we had a little less than a mile and one more hill to climb. “One more, let’s do it” was the call and tackled the hill together. As we reached the first lot (Crazy Ivan lot), performed one last loop to pick up the 6 and then attacked the last stretch with a jail break. A great push by Coal Ash who helped YHC find another gear I didn’t think I had. As the saying goes “Iron Sharpens Iron”.

Deadbolt proceeded forward (YHC short changed him on the route) at a solid pace half way around the soccer fields, with PAX continuing to follow. I was hoping for a cool down run during this segment, but it felt more like a continuation of the jail break. #strong

Quick walk back to the tennis court lot for COT. Was joined by Farva, who got a Ruck in this morning around the Lake. A great way to start the week and an even better way to start the morning.

Mary: Stretches w\mumblechatter
Announcements: Wrightsville Half-Full\The Mule March 9th. Carpex Dad 2.0 workout next week Bond Park. Tobacco Half Marathon-March 17th

Prayer: Shredder-praying for a speedy recovery. Double D’s dad, Moby’s Dad. Deadbolt took us out.