I really thought today would be terrible. Saturday's run was especially hard because my midweek run had not been long enough to physically prepare me for 22 miles. So I was pretty beat afterward and a little sore in the hips/hamstrings. Then Monday was like mud, Tuesday I did a little better and tried to push a few 200 Meter's a long the way and yesterday's mileage was fine. Except the rest of the day, my legs and lower back were so tired!! Every time I got up, sat down, moved, I felt them fatigued and lheavy. But last night, I got excellent sleep, waited until noon to run to put more hours between runs, and I had an amazing run! You hope for a day like today on a race day. Everything comes together at one time-- the rest, the training, the mental strength. I guess, also, it felt like cake because it was only 6 miles. But it was a decent, relaxed effort and I averaged 8:40. It hasn't felt this good since July. Man, every day is different. But sleep and recovery play a huge role. | 