22 miles - AP: 7:58
(7:49, 7:45 -- stink, I know better than starting out this fast, I will pay for it later, 7:53, 7:56, 7:56, 7:52, 8:04, 8:02, 8:12 - need to get my head back in the game, 7:59, 7:58, 7:54, 7:53, 7:56, 7:55, 7:59, 7:55, 7:57, here come the hills - 7:57, 8:37, 7:58, 8:11 - I have nothing left in the tank. Solid effort.)
Lower left leg pain. But with the taper I am sure it will be fine. I did have to stop and stretch for about 30 seconds to 1 minute about 4 times though. My pace would have likely been slower had I not had those breaks. I am certain the pain is a result of me pushing too hard this week. What was I thinking? It is so easy to push when you feel you are improving and are not in pain. It is hard to stop before you have signs of danger. A lesson I am still learning. The bright side is that I was able to still run at a solid effort.
Ran out of fluid at about mile 18. Stink.
Threw in some hills the last four miles. Home-strech Hill twice, Oreo Center Hill once, and Puke Hill once. I walked down Puke Hill because I was afraid that steep downhill would aggravate my leg even more, but was able to run up it.
Took gu every 6 to 7 miles as Smooth suggested.
Hit the wall around mile 20 and was very thankful that I had to stop for a traffic light. I am really hoping that with a proper taper and some race day adrenaline that I will be able to hold this pace for another 4.2 miles. There is no way I would have been able to do it today.
Hope everyone is having a wonderful weekend!!! :) |