![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPR1ih8EnmCitOskV-F_YJ4hGNtfPXl0exjRDBFXQkdMVsGhe6fXPQT5LBYezdk08km-BPxpU06T8yZX0_iqP2gy-soZbM4nuGPZKX_96nE2YQ_1HeCy3wcm_PWULtKYRgIopubOLkw2A/s320/pancakes.jpg)
We went to our favorite local breakfast joint - Gillie's. It's right downtown and has been around as long as I can remember, with the character of the place evident in the sturdy but lived-in solid wood chairs, specials written up on the chalkboard, and the excellent staff that serves up the best food pretty quick - one you get a table. It's worth the wait and Spencer and I enjoyed some nice uninterrupted conversation. We split an order of pancakes and the Gillie's Special of eggs, potatoes, cheese, and salsa with a homemade biscuit. SPLURGE!
It's Virginia Tech's homecoming weekend and I was treated to a preview of the parade floats as I headed out of town on my first loop. It was only in the 30's but once the sun burned off the fog I started shedding layers.
I knocked out 18 happy miles, with a nice speedy one thrown in at mile 16 just to show I was feeling spunky and finishing with plenty in the tank! I should have my marathon pace dialed in by now but I don't exactly. I keep coming in about 10-20s/mile faster than what is suggested for my "marathon paced" work. I don't know if it's belligerence/denial/delusion/inability to follow directions, or if my happy pace really is faster than we thought. There is a big difference between 18 miles and 26 though. I'm meeting with Coach next week and I'm confident he will bring me back to reality.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuR1eW2cRqLL870JZoJWNXwnETlZyCz01V8flmUTM0r-dl8yhXx69Y03HEEGZKnwES7zpGxW7nUhi1yV7Z1QR8B8mXTE_AtSZMURFvgWsJwmsjBR8YhUKTzlcqPLmZK1dkDpFWoqaSOx8/s200/pittstop.jpg)
Run happy!!