The big hill postponed

It was muggy and already 25 C early this morning, but the temperature was forecasted to drop, and it did, but not enough.  I did not do the tough 8 mile loop.  Instead the dog and I jogged/okmostlywalked 1.5 miles while I deliberated: should I take advantage of the overcast weather, which would make the dog's participation easier although he would be miserable in the rain and there was a chance of rain, OR should I trust in the forecasted low nighttime temperature and have a cooler and less humid but sunnier run tomorrow morning?  It is probably a more stunning route in the sun.  The hill is tough and I need something to look forward to at the top.  A good view goes a long way.

Hopefully we get some thunderstorms tonight to clear the air a bit.  I jogged 6 miles on the treadmill and felt a little congested at first, but the feeling subsided as I got distracted by other considerations.  Lately, I have been equating the treadmill to a laboratory: conditions are controlled, which allows me to delve into matters underlying changes in elevation/pace/footing.  I was trying to loosen up some parts, particularly my quads, while engaging others more, particularly my hip flexors and parts of my glutes; my ultimate goal was, as always, spurred by my laziness: to reduce strain and effort.  The stretch from 20ish minutes to 30ish minutes felt especially efficient.  For a couple of minutes, I actually felt a different downward stroke from my hips--this is a simplification of myriad minute processes, but they had all coalesced into an overall sensation of one side tipping downward and then airily floating upward, and then the other side tipping downward and airily floating upward, etc.  I didn't feel anything else going on, just the overall motion governing everything else going on below.  So efficient!  So fleeting!

The usual sloppiness crept back and I spent the rest of the run trying to ease this or that, but it was easy breathing and effort throughout at 5.7-5.8 mph.  My easy runs will stay at this pace for a while, I think. There's still more to learn from it.