Notes
21st, 2:23:33. Second attempt at the distance. If I Ann speaking honestly I think I lost some confidence in the last few weeks for some undetermined reason but I can't deny I ran tough today. Started out in a group clipping off consistent 5:20's which was a little quicker but not too fast. Cruised along for the first few miles, very little effort, mainly concerned with not pressing as to end up with side stitches like the last two weeks had warned. Around mile 10 the group made a stronger surge and I let the most go, still running close to 5:20 for the 11th mile. Stuck myself in nomansland and just focused on each mile. was only 25 sec off my goal at 15 miles but my legs were starting to fatigue prematurely. From then I didnt worry about the pace as much as running under control, pressing too far out could leave me reeling too far out. Even with focusing on clipping off miles at my own prerogative I found I was gaining on a few overzealous stragglers. They didn't come back fast, I would go miles at a time before pulling up to someone's side, and when's I did they were unwilling to come with. I hit 20 in what seemed an enormously short amount of time and that's where shit started to get real. Miles passed slower and slower, not only pace wise but the effort to run 5:40's was considerable. Still I did not panic, just did what I could with where I was. 22 came with a big climb wthat was a 200m March but got to 23 and the race seemed like it wouldn't not end but finally 24 came to pass and I was back in downtown duluth. I could start to conceptualize the finish, only 12 min to go I thought . 25 seemed like an eternity but I was focused on the back of a guy in a bright yellow brooks kit, instead of concerning myself with the finish I focused on him and only him. Finally and mercifully made the turn to the events center but the winding final mile was full of false promises, at one point I was sure we'd taken the wrong turn. Proud of the fact that I didn't walk but I wasn't nearly as close to that fine line of break down as Chicago a few years ago, and the delirium was considerably less. I came up short of my sub-2:20 goal but I did prove to myself that I have the ability, and through time and consistently training I can be successful. For now it is time to rest, rebuild.