The first 5 miles were torture. I can't explain it other than to say that there was just no oxygen. I can't even imagine running at altitude. It was a tough day. I started with Jorge and Victoria from Longleaf. We stayed in the 8:30-45 range most of the first 5 till we got in the park. The PHCC girls team was there and in double file line on there way out of the parking area at what looked like a 9 min. warm up pace (smart for a day like today). I found Mark in the crowd in the dark and we took off about 6:15 while everyone else was still kind of ... talking (Isn't that what the next 13 miles is for?). I was starting to fade around the 9 mile mark so I decided to cut my 18 to 15 for today and settle for surviving to finish strong. That was a great idea as I struggled not to walk those last couple of miles. Averaged around 8:15 for those struggling miles but they were still tough. But I finished! On to a football coaching clinic at 9:00 am and then drive to Gainesville to take my daughter back to UF. Got her moved in and hit the road for home at around 9:45 pm. Got home around 12:30 Sunday morning. What a loooong day.
Time: 5:22 am Total Time: 2:09:24 (8:37 avg)
Temp: 82º Humidity: 85%
|