Notes
Twice this spring I've lost it somewhere around 16 -18 miles. In both marathons I managed to hold on to somewhat respectable times rather than walking in as in years past.
This spring I noted something different. It was very clear, especially in this race, that every single time I took a gel I got a nice boost in energy. This race I took one at ~9, 13, 18, and 22. And while the splits don't necessarily reflect it, it was there. If I had to guess, my current maximum aerobic pace is probably 8:15 ish. The pace I held the last 8 miles of both this spring's marathons. It's not complicated. I'm burning through glycogen too quickly in these marathons. I evidently need to be more efficient at MP. It can't be base at 3000+ the past 3 years. I need more speed work. Last September I raced a couple of the best races I've ever run, after a summer of intervals and 5k - 10k races.
And so... I need to make a decision. Cut volume and hit the track, or fuck the fall marathon, go jog some trails, run an ultra or 2 this fall, and then train for next spring.