~10.7 mi @ ~9.5 min/mi

"Soften!" is the Word of the Day, as left hip adductor begins to twinge after 7 brisk miles on the Rockville Carl Henn Millennium Trail. Midday temps rise toward the mid-20s. Crows flock. A tiny chihuahua peers up and takes a tentative step forward. Traffic lights fortunately conspire to minimize crosswalk delays. Scattered sticks decorate the path after recent gales.

"You too!" responds the lady in a lavender quilted coat to "G'day!" Splits by GPS = 9.1 + 9.2 + 9.4 + 9.6 + 10.2 + 9.8 + 8.9 + 9.2 + 10.0 + 9.5 plus 9.6 min/mi final fraction. Pause for a Mile 0.0 selfie in honor of a warmer run in the opposite direction last August. (cf. 2017-08-05 - Rockville Millennium Trail with Stephanie) Net pace is ~30 sec/mi slower than 6 years ago, perhaps due to carrying ~15 extra pounds. Can't possibly be explained by age! (cf. 2011-12-26 - Rockville Millennium Trail Loop)

(trackfile) - ^z - 2018-02-13