Mammoth Weekend

I threw down some serious mileage this weekend, doing my first back-to-back long runs in a very long time.  I did a combined 8.5 hours of running between Saturday (4 hours) and Sunday (4.5 hours).  I really have no idea where I get my endurance from, or more importantly, my tolerance for the endurance.  For some reason, I can just go.  And go.  And go.  What I lack in speed, I more than make up for in endurance.

Anyway, on Saturday, I simultaneously reminded myself whey I don't run at the greenbelt and why I need to run at the greenbelt more often.  The interstate highway of a trail that is the main artery of the greenbelt is ridiculously busy on a nice Saturday.  Its not my idea of a good trail run.  However, I went and explored the trails across from the Hill of Life.  I'd always known there were some trails over there, but I had no idea of the extensiveness of the trail system over there.  I spent just over 4 hours on those trail and rarely retraced a step, while not even covering everything out there.

Yesterday, I went back up to Lake Georgetown and explored the south side of the Goodwater Loop, after a quick three mile out-and-back on the north side to scout out a low water crossing.  I've previously covered almost the entire north side of the loop, and I have to say, the south side is definitely the more scenic, interesting, and fun side.  There were sections that made me feel like I wasn't even in Texas.  With all the recent rain, everything was green, so short sections reminded me of being in the Catskills or even the Adirondacks.  As usual, traffic away from the trail heads was extremely light.  Crockett Gardens and Falls was a nice little treat to see.  I did miss a trail marker on my return, which lead me down the wrong path adding mileage to my run.  It wouldn't have been that bad, but it caused me to run out of water before I finished.

Overall, a great weekend of running, but I'm glad to have a day off from running to let my legs recover.  Sometimes it hurts to go long, but it's a good hurt.