I'm retired from racing. Really.

PM- These Friday evening trail long runs are tough, especially when it's hot, humid, and at the end of a high-mileage week.  Went to Croft State park- it was 85 deg and humid when I started.  Did a 5 mile loop then changed shoes cause my arch was hurting and I wanted more support.  Then did 14 more miles.  There is a variety of trails here- some very flat and smooth, some very technical and twisty.  I forgot how many spider webs there would be, though, so wasn't mentally prepared, which meant they annoyed me.  Especially the ones right in the mouth.  I felt pretty bad and had a few walking breaks around 90 min, but then felt better by the end.  Saw 1 person on the trails the entire time and two dozen or more white tail deer- they were everywhere.  Didn't take my headlamp and got caught in the dark, which is always an ankle-twisting adventure.  But there were a number of lightning bugs out, a neat experience.  Finished with a slow 19 miles and 1600 ft climbing in 3:17.

Finished with a burger and ice cream at Culvers.  Tomorrow morning, I will be a moderator for iRunFar's race coverage of UTMB, a first for me.  Follow us at this link: http://www.irunfar.com/2013/08/2013-the-north-face-ultra-trail-du-mont-blanc-utmb-live-coverage.html.  After the race, I have to help someone move all their boxes that have been filling my garage for the last 6 weeks.  It will be a busy day.