Notes
It's amazing sometimes how different runs can be. Some days are smooth and natural and others feel like your fighting it the entire way. Especially on long runs. A few weeks ago on the Boston course I struggled badly to run 22 miles at 8:48 pace. Today on the same course I ran strong for 21 miles at 7:44 pace. I hooked up with Mike, Barry and the Hopkinton Running Club. We all started at the marathon starting line. Each running starting and estimating their finish at mile 21 by 11:00 AM. Mike went out about 15 minutes before Barry and me. We went out conservatively. First few miles at 8:43, 8:16, 8:11. At this point I made a pit stop and Barry was gone. I never did catch him. He is running great. With his diet changes the 7 lbs he dropped in the past month are really making a difference. I think he really has a great shot of breaking 3:20. Mike felt OK, managed to evenly, but not his best day. I was between 7:50 and 8:00 from miles 4-15 and then I picked up to MP, last 6 miles at 7:04 which was tough over the hills. This is actually faster than my planned MP, but I felt strong so I just went with it. My leg/hip loosened up nicely and wasn't a problem after the first few miles, so this is a good sign. :)
The club had checkpoints every 4 miles or so with fluid options. After the run the they had a nice spread of food and drinks before we were bussed back to the start. This was a well organized event and I appreciate that I was able to run with them.