We were supposed to start at 5:30 this morning. Hubby inadvertently forgot to set his alarm, so we were an hour behind schedule when we finally started. Weather was FREEZING!!! Upper 30's this morning. I so hate to have to run all bundled up. Here's hoping the weather cooperates in a few weeks for the marathon! The run actually started pretty good. We were doing sub-9:00 for the first 6 miles and feeling pretty good. Made it to the 10 mile marker/turn around, and still doing good. Got back to the 15-16 mile marker and I started to slow down. All my muscles were starting to tighten up, not only from the pounding, but from the cold. And, I think I was a little dehydrated this morning. By 16, I felt like I couldn't get enough water. Had to really pound out the next 2 miles, and then finally turned on the music. Why I didn't do this earlier is beyond me. The last 2 miles, while slow and exhausting, I felt like I had a little spring back in my step with the music. We both just ran out of energy by the end. Snacked on granola bars throughout the run, but probably should have brought some gu's along or something else. Did the run in 3:16, so if I continue that, I'm looking at a race similar to SL last spring of 4:20. However, I'm hoping that I can pick up the pace just a bit for the race. Usually, I am faster there than in training runs. I'll fuel better, and hopefully the weather will be better. I would really like to get closer to 4 hours again. Glad to get this over with. I know those last six miles will probably be brutal (they usually are!), but I'll just have to pound them out. Passed A LOT of people out running this morning, too. Many training for the same race. I love living here!! | 