Weather - 60 degrees, clear. Ran 3 easy miles at sunset, then 3 sets of strength exercises and stretching at the arboretum. No stomach problems today, so fortunately a quick recovery. My legs feel very fresh and strong. I am guessing it is because I am unable to run fast due to my allergies, thus my legs are spared the strain. I have put in 3 long runs in the past 4 weeks, but those do not seem to have had a negative effect, which makes me conclude that running fast is more stressful than running long. Farmdale is a little over a week away, and I have been reflecting upon pacing strategies. The race website lists the 11 mile loop splits from last years finishers, which has given me a glimpse into the experiences of the runners. A few of the top runners were able to manage even splits, although the first place runner blazed the first loop, then slowed considerably in the 2nd and 3rd loops. However, his first loop was so fast that he was able to maintain his position for the entire race. He must have been hurting in the final 5 miles, though. The majority of the runners were unable to control their pace in the first loop, going too fast for the distance, and thus slowed in the 2nd loop, and slowed further in the third. The third loop is where many runners crumbled, some running 45-60 minutes slower than the first loop, which shows not only a lack of endurance, but discipline. Another observation is that some of the younger runners fell into the trap of going out too fast, thus dying in the final loop. Perhaps this is because of their lack of patience, and also having too much pride - it has to feel good running away from the other runners for 2 hours, but their lack of foresight punishes them during the final 3 hours. It can't be fun being passed by older runners with only 5 miles to go. It being my first attempt at such a long distance, I am almost certain I am going to be one of those runners who goes out too fast. Not because of pride or impatience, but because I have never run at 10:00 pace before. My long runs are at 9:00 pace, which I am afraid will be too quick for the distance. I went to the track last week to time myself for a mile. Unlike earlier in the year when I was trying to run as fast as possible, this time I was trying to run as slow as I could. I wanted to see what pace my slowest possible running stride produced, and it was 9:50. It was painfully slow, just a bit faster than a walk. Yet some runners in an ultra move at 12:00 pace and greater. For this reason I believe I am going to be one of those people who dies in the final loop, walking dejectedly towards the finish line. #328
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