16.04 mi, 2:12:10, 8:14 avg
Slightly shorter version of last Sunday's run minus the rolling hills. Ran in Starkey Park. Was pretty quiet this morning, nice weather again. Not as cool as yesterday but more clouds and a cooling breeze. 8 miles out with goal of an "easy pace" Last 3 of those 8 miles were in the 8:20 pace range. Turned around and was able to get onto a pretty good pace, into the 7:30's and then into the next mile, then brief stop at the water stop on Suncoast just north of the Starkey entrance. Plan was to not stop anymore, but then changed my mind when I got to 4ish mile water stop. My pace was slowing, had trouble staying in the 7:30's, settled for 7:46. Next mile was worse, found myself running at what felt like the same effort but pace was in the 8:00's. Decided I wouldn't beat myself up over it, relaxed a little and then finished mile 13 in 7:56. Next mile a little better at 7:45. Then, finally for the last two miles felt myself get into a good rhythm, mile 15 in 7:24. Then I was excited to finish.
The last mile has signs with the planets (and everyone's favorite minor planet), 1 mile from Pluto to the Sun. Counted down the planets and then turned onto the skinny path to the bike parking lot, last mile in 7:07.
Next week I'm back on the original schedule so I'll finish up for the marathon on 12/15. Getting excited but trying to not get lazy and/or injured.
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