I’ve run around Forest Park in St. Louis many times. That ‘s where I spent the majority of my training for the Alaska marathon back in 2005. 
I worked for FOX 2 KTVI in St. Louis, which at the time was located across the street from Forest Park, so I would change after work and walk across the Highway 40 overpass and start my run.
We made it to St. Louis Friday evening after a stop in Bardstown, KY and Lexington, VA. This is part of our road trip to visit family and attend Lindsey’s godchild’s christening. The weather is about 20 degrees cooler and less humid than Washington, DC right now. Lindsey’s mom, Vicki, went along with us to paint scenery from Forest Park as part of her art project she is working on.
10 miles around Forest Park is to run a little over 2 miles out and back, then run around the park completely. The first 3 miles were tough as usual, and I ran my typical 10 and 2 run (10 minutes running, 2 minutes walking), but about halfway through, I stopped paying attention to the clock and ran the last 3 or 4 miles without stopping. I didn’t even need any Gu gel. I had a steady pace the entire time and never lost a lot of energy.
The running path changed a bit since I ran it last, since construction crews are working on Highway 40. They routed the running path under the road going into the park, so there’s no need to cross at that busy intersection. What a great improvement!
Summary:
Location: Forest Park, St. Louis
Conditions: Sunny and cooler, 63
Goal: 3 miles
Results: 3 miles nonstop
Time: 2:07:57
Pace: 12:47/mile
Total Training Miles to Date: 60
Click here to view my complete training schedule
Thoughts:
It was great to have one of my long runs in St. Louis! This could not have been a more perfect day to run!
What I’ll remember most:
The surprise of finishing with one of my fastest runs.
