5 miles of foot placement

An out and back course, sent me directly into the famous Oklahoma late December SOUTH wind! These 20-25 mph sustained winds keep the focus on short powerful strides. Each step is a link to the overall strength of the run. Keeping a consistent push-off timed with the ensuing foot-plant is vital to maintaining momentum. Break the pattern and you feel like a kite whose string has been broken.
Upon reaching the turn-around, the wind machine forced a gear change. The wheels were now free to roll . Lifting the knees only a fraction of an inch higher and standing tall allowed the wind to push me home almost effortlessly. I felt like I had the stride length of a hurdler. Definitely gave the hamstrings a good flex work-out.
The internal heat that had been building unnoticed before the turn-around now had an almost smothering effect. It didn't last long though.
It doesn't take long to run two and a half miles with a strong wind to your back.