Run: Long Previous Next

2/16/2020

10:30 AM

17 mi

1:53:30

6:41 mi

Weather

35 F

Ratings

7 / 10
5 / 10

Notes

I arrived in Fort Collins with plans to run with Pollux. And of course, since it was Pollux and I had just arrived at altitude, obviously we did a long run (this has happened each of the last 3 times visiting, though previously it had been trail runs and they felt good).

Pollux had a ~16.5mile route and a ~15.5mile route mapped out. Then while on the run, Pollux eyed a shortcut so we could still do the longer route that would keep us off roads. So I'm not sure how we ended up with 17 without adding on anything.

We started off casual with some road crossings and snow running. But once we hit the bike trail, the pace became 6:30 and stayed around that. We both hit the bathroom around 5 miles, then I needed another stop at 9 miles. My stomach was not feeling great, either from driving or too many cookies or not enough fiber.

We hit halfway, which meant every mile was now slightly uphill. Pollux still predicted 15.5, which is probably good since I would not have been happy about hearing 17miles when we were 12miles in. There was a section of trail closed, which required a detour, maybe that added on some?

Around 14miles, I started to suspect we had a bit to go as I had just driven in on this road. It was also the worst part of the run as we were back on sidewalks with too much ice. On top of that, we had to stop a few times for street crossings (stopping long enough to lose momentum but not long enough to feel more rested).

I had finally started looking at mile splits and was baffled how we were still hitting 6:40's while feeling slow. That was answered afterward when I saw all our faster splits.

It would clearly seem an impressive run. Faster and longer than my previous long runs and at altitude. However, it was tough. My stomach kept me from ever feeling comfortable and the final miles were a grind.

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