Red Lizards!!

Last night, I did the Wednesday run with the Red Lizards for the third time.  They are a super friendly group and their unofficial Wednesday night motto is 'no runner left behind'.  The route starts at the Fulton Pub (YAY!!) and heads down to the Waterfront then turns south.  When the trail ends, we run along the railroad tracks and then cross the Sellwood bridge and continue to the Oaks Pioneer Church where there's one of Portland's famous bubblers.  There, people drink, catch their breathe and wait for the slower runners (me) to rejoin the group.  We then continue through a small park and then onto a mile-ish long dirt trail that ends up at Oaks Bottom - where the second break and regrouping takes place.  We then head out of Oaks Bottom towards the Springwater Trail and take the Springwater back to the Oaks Pioneer Church for the final break and regrouping before retracing our path back to the Fulton Pub. 

I must say, this is a group of generally fast runners.  Or, fast as compared to ME anyways!!  This run always ends up being a great mid-length tempo run for me - at least taking into account where my running is at the moment.  Here are my splits:

Mile 1 - 9:35
Mile 2 - 9:24
Mile 3 - 10:00 (trail)
Mile 4 - 8:58
Mile 5 - 9:09
Mile 6 - 8:35
Overall - 55:06/9:18 pace

The best part of this run might be the beer and burgers at the Fulton Pub at the end!!!  There are usually at least 6 and up to 20 or so runners who stay afterward to socialize, eat and drink.  It is a good time of comparing races and running experiences. 

Upcoming posts:  biking and fitness classes