Notes
Long run with Drew and Sac and Fox, just like last week. A bit more trepidation this today. At least for me, though Drew started off a bit less enthusiastic as well. I took a bathroom break just 2 miles in. That's never a great sign. And the thorns that bloodied and trapped me seemed to make it an omen. I spent the rest of the way out just waiting for something to change. I figured things were likely to change for the worse but maybe not. Still in limbo at 7 miles, I opted to turn around rather than get to the endpoint.
The 7th mile through the end of the singletrack were a step slower as I took 2 stops to relieve myself (maybe only 1 was needed but I rushed the 1st one, being in a more exposed position). I had some ups and downs during this time as my stomach would get tight (which is painful) while my back threatened to get tight (which is debilitating and painful the rest of the night). Thankfully after the final pit stop, I felt more assured I'd finish fine, and I did. I still held us back for the final miles though.
Not an enjoyable run in the least, but we got the long run done, I didn't notice my legs getting tired at all (as I was distracted), and my back didn't give out like last week.
P.S. It was comforting to see we were only 10sec/mile slower than last week. On the other hand, we ran the same exact time and were a mile shorter!