A clydesdale no more!

Yesterday was a very full day and there was no way I was going to be able to squeeze a run in.  I seriously considered skipping the long run for this week but do not want to get in the habit of missing runs.  Drove to the LPT and headed out for a 17 miler.  Was afraid that I was going to be tired but as soon as I started the run I felt good.  The pace was very comfortable and everything was moving well.  There was a slight headwind and I had a little heart burn but other than that everything was perfect.  I made the turn around and it seemed that I had a headwind going back, too.  How did that happen?  The pace naturally quickened a little and I was having a great time.  Got a little spunky towards the end and ran the last 2 miles in 6:50 and 6:34. 

Plan called for a 9 mile run with 4 miles at lactate threshold.  Not having a rest day between my long run and this run had me concerned that I would not be able to do it.  Figured that I would start with 3 warm up miles and start the tempo run and if it didn't feel right, I would turn it into a recovery run.  My legs were very tired during the warm up.  Started the tempo run and, while I could feel the fatigue in my legs, I felt that I could maintain the pace.  My target pace was anything under 6:30/mile.  Splits were: 6:25, 6:25, 6:24, 6:23.  The pace felt great and was well in control.  I am very happy with this run. 

My legs are feeling pretty beat up and putting in an MLR was not going to help.  I knew this run would be slow and I just had to focus on survival.  Did an out and back on the LPT.  First half was at 8:00/mile and second half was at 7:30/mile.  Once my legs got warmed up and I got used to the fatigued feeling the pace quickened and I actually felt decent.  This is going to end up being a weird week with me shifting runs around.  Unfortunately, it is the recovery runs then end up being left off the schedule.

Super easy recovery run.  Very tired.

Yesterday's recovery run and a good night's sleep did the trick.  I feel a lot better today than I did yesterday.  Ran at a comfortable pace (7:45/mile) because I am going to do my long run tomorrow and I did not want to beat myself up. 

Felt surprisingly good this morning.  Did an out and back on the LPT.  Kept the pace comfortable.  Maybe a little on the slow side but it was supposed to be long slow distance.