This was one of the better long runs that I have ever had. Drove to the KPT and started out with 3 comfortable miles to warm up. Had the whole light headed, seeing spots thing for the first 2 miles but wasn't worried because it usually passes without much of an issue. Typically I would run 10 miles then the last 12 at MP but wanted to hit the MP miles before the achilles flared up. Transitioned into marathon pace and was hoping to maintain 6:55 throughout the run. My plan was to run 7 mlies then return to the car and switch my empty flasks for full ones. Splits for the first 7 miles were: 6:56, 6:52, 6:49, 6:53, 6:52, 6:54, 6:39. Felt very, very good during this portion. The pace was very fluid and felt like it took very little effort. At the car, swapped my flasks and choked down a GU-cicle and started back up again. It took awhile to get back into a groove but I was patient knowing that it always takes a bit to get going again. The last 5 miles did not feel as smooth but they still felt good. The splits were: 6:49, 6:37 6:54, 6:51, 6:42. Averaged 6:49 for the 12 miles which I was very happy with. The pace was a little erratic but I don't mind since they were almost all under my target pace. On the faster miles, I knew I was going too fast but the effort felt right so I thought I would just go with it. After the MP miles, I had 7 more to do and my achilles decided to start acting up. Strange that it felt so good up to that point. It hurt pretty bad for a couple of miles. I met up with Lora on the trail and we ran the last 5 together. I ran a little faster when I was running with her and the achilles did not bother me as much. I finished the run feeling completely fresh and if it weren't for the achilles I think I would have kept going. Total Time: 2:45:42 (7:28/mile)
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