Notes
Feeling depleted now, but even the third loop of the run wasn't bad. No gut problems at all.
Last night and this morning, I was rather worried about PTT, because it was very much there. Considered bailing on this, but that would pretty much mean bailing on the marathon. It wasn't really that bad, just worrisome.
Carb loaded yesterday with pancakes, egg, and sausage blunch at Stouffer's. Lots of simple carbs from the syrup, too. Today, I'm theorizing that that really works. Last evening, I was drinking a lot of iced tea. I think that also helped today, but also had its downside.
Loop 1: A little chilly at first. Feeling out my PTT and resolved to practice relaxation of the legs, ankles, and feet. I think that is crucial. Also, resolved to practice pacing, and Lots of runners doing their thing, some friendly, some less so. The only issue was needing the bathroom fairly early in the run made the later parts uncomfortable.
Time: 1:02:40, Pace: 9:35
Pit Stop 1: Bathroom and two ounces of juice, then back out the door, ready to continue.
Loop 2: Felt good to go, at the same pace. This would amount to a half, and I knew that I'd have to make this and much more to prove my marathon-worthiness. Fortunately, it wasn't a struggle, even on the J Street incline. Saw Pam J (rather, she saw me) by the zoo. Once again needed to pee, in spite of having had a pit stop.
Time: 1:02:04, Pace: 9:33
Pit Stop 2: Bathroom was doubly necessary. Changed pants because of chafing. Dog needed to go out and sniff the world. All made this a long pit stop.
Loop 3: The breeze was stronger, but at my back going out. I was still feeling pretty good with good tiredness becoming evident. Not much of a problem as long as I continued to relax. Felt good enough that I considered taking the south shore, but was smart enough to know that extending this run would be counterproductive. Three hours+ is more than sufficient. Finally, no bathroom issues.
Time: 1:03:56, Pace: 9:47
Interestingly, none of the loops seemed long. The first two had the thought that I had much more ahead; the last was just occupied with how many miles I had covered, and soon it was nineteen.
Feeling good about this.
MTA: Went and looked at my log for the same run last year. I included the pit stop time for that one, so this year's was *much* slower. I'm not fretting over it.