Feel the Need, the Need for, uh, Slowness

Last night's 5.1 miles wasn't so bad. Wasn't too comfortable the first two miles, but finished feeling fine. Also ran about 9min/mile pace.

I have to keep in mind that I'm supposed to be building my mileage carefully, even though I feel impatient to pour it on. I'll taper 5 days before the Salida Marathon, and then back off the pounding. I need to do more mountain climbing and hiking and less running.

In order to get a belt buckle at Leadville, I only have to average 15min/mile. That's 4mph, or a quick walking pace. If you figure that I can't hike some inclines that fast (notably Hope Pass), and I'll have to stop several times to eat, change shoes/clothing/etc., then that means I'll still have to run much of it to keep the average. But I shouldn't have to run much faster than 12min/mile.
So I guess I shouldn't even worry about last Monday's pace.