LM warmup (10 reps), 2 mile pre-race warmup w/ 0.5 @ ~ race pace (6:15/mi), 14:53, 7:26, HR 155. 20K race in 1:18:08, 6:18/mi, HR 167. Stretching. Wow, am I exhausted. Automatic PR since this is my first 20K, but this race just became my fastest distance adjusted race, so a great day. Woke up feeling tired and pretty crappy again, so normal for race morning. Warmup was okay, but the legs really felt tired although the race pace stretch actually went pretty well. Decided to overreach a bit and see if 6:15s were possible, but I was going to be happy with 6:19s since that equates to my goal MP of 6:40 for next weekend. In that vein and because I was neck-and-neck with another runner for 2nd place in my AG in the series, I went out pretty hard and although the first mile felt pretty good, that feeling fled quickly. I was really feeling the effort in my legs. Same course as the 15K a month ago, just extended by 5K over a section that was pretty flat, so I knew where most of the hills were this time around. Lots of negative mental baggage to deal with, ranging from being too tired to not being in 6:15 (or even 6:20s) shape (for frame of reference, my 15K last month was a 6:17/mi average. By the halfway mark, I was hurting but suddenly found myself in 4th place since the 20 milers kept going. Wasn't sure where my AG competition was, which helped spur me to continue to push while just wanting to walk for a bit. Did get a bit of a boost from the runners on their outbound leg, some of which were actually able to speak and gave words of encouragement....many thanks to them and sorry I couldn't return the favor, just didn't have the breath. Legs like melting jello by the 8 mile mark. Respiration rate at max by 10. Lower back (kidneys?) started aching around 10.5. Don't quite know how I really managed the last few miles....I'd swear I was slowing badly and was just giving it everything I had to keep going, but my garmin splits show my last 3 miles were actually a bit fast adjusted for the terrain. Actually, it looks like my worst mile was the mile just before the turnaround. Anyway, hit the track for the last 300 meters and had zero kick, just surviving at this point. Still having trouble believing I ran a 1:18:08.....but I can really feel it and will likely be hurting tomorrow too. Glad I'm tapering this week! | 