Hinsdale to Chesterfield

Pre Run:  I admit to being anxious and apprehensive this morning - not sure what to expect.  Swanzey to Richmond run was a good confidence builder, but this leg has an additional 400+ feet of elevation climb.  I must hold back early and keep it slow.  This is NOT a race ... it is an endurance and fitness journey and test.

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There will be more like this ahead ... and even tougher!  I spent much of yesterday working on logging elevation changes.  Made it up through leg 32.  Of the bunch, this leg has 2nd most net elevation gain from start to finish ... and 5thmost up elevation.  I feel I'm in shape to run this, but need to be wise -- especially at the start.

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Haley is meeting me half way where the elevation peak crests.  It's a good weather day for running (not however for driving and cars as it is soupy foggy).  Now it is time to do the deed and see how I make out.

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Post Run: Made it -- success!!   I'm in better shape than I gave myself credit for.  The route was indeed tough.  We arrived by driving the course in reverset.  Very very foggy, which helped from a distraction stand point as there was no distance view to take in scope of hills.  I ran without music so I could focus on maintaining a more deliberate pace.  Wanted to go out slow slow slow with hill climbing starting right out of the gate.

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I was able to maintain a reasonably level pace without tiring.  If Swanzey to Richmond was a quiz - this was a test.  Passed with flying colors!

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I feel more and more that this crazy quest is attainable if I can be smart about my approach and Nancy is able to support me along the way -- am so grateful and thankful that she's on board.

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Random Notes:

 - I forgot Fritz the frog (mascot) at the flagpole in front of Chesterfield town hall... he was there when we came back for the next leg.

 - Apple watch logged 71 flights of staris from the run.  My new record.  Will be interesting to see where this rates in the future.

 - Haley has agreed to see this quest through in event I'm prevented from finishing.  I'd never hold her to that, but sure was a nice gesture to say.  She mentioned she's interested in running a marathon (she wound up registering for Philly Marathon in Nov '22).