Giant confidence boost today! Met up with Mike for a long run, the intention was 18 easy, but about 11 miles in Mike started to feel bad. I told him I would go get the car and come back for him. At mile 12 I struck out at a brisk pace. I told myself to run smooth and steady, but stay well within my aerobic range, no straining, nothing so hard as tempo pace, just a strong steady pace that I would not be afraid of if today was marathon day, and no peaking at the watch to keep myself honest. Checked splits after, and was pleased to see that a smooth and unstrained pace was 6:40, 6:36, 6:42, 6:48, 6:49, 6:44. Give me good conditions on race day and I believe I am currently in sub-3 shape--this happened in 80 degrees, 61% humidity, but there was cloud cover which helps immensely.. Drove back and found Mike, he was cruising along, had found his second wind. We were both happy! Off to bed, one more night at work before a few days off! Totally stoked!!
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