a PR by 3:35. i didn't try to "pull" my stride back; instead, i focused on running upright and landing on the balls of my feet. and then, with a mental focus of trying to stay light on my feet, forward momentum took care of the stride. i ran the first mile a bit too fast and so fought oxygen-debt the rest of the way. but it was just so nice out, and i felt so good that first mile. i even blasted up a short hill at about mile 1. but i need to remember to keep it a bit slow and save some for later. better to use any "excess" energy at the end, or have it for a tough spot in the middle.

i had a big glass of pinole & chia about 20 minutes before running. that might have added energy; it's what the Tarahumara drink. not the funnest thing to drink (takes way too much water to chug down, so i may need to drink it less dilute). i think i prefer to add it to my oatmeal. it does bake up pretty nicely — some people online suggest it could be considered "cram"! i think i need to find a way to use it as a morning muffin or energy. drinking it is less unpleasant than flax seed oil, but not much.