Notes
Started out with about 15 guys at NCC. Headed out to Mac Dowell in the pouring rain. We went into the muddy path and the group got very strung out. I got stuck behind a slower moving group. When we came out near the park entrance, the faster group was nowhere to be seen. We guessed they got on the limestone path heading Northeast and I put on a surge for a mile or so to see if I could find them. I found out later that they went a completely different way. I grouped up with three other guys and started heading North along the river path. One of the Freshman decided to head back so we gave him directions. Rj had to dump, so we circled around for while and then continued. By this time we had a good pace going. RJ and the other guy (maybe Relio?) were targeting about 90 minutes, so we did the end of Nike park loop but then added on down to the Rive Walk, crossing the river and up to reverse 4 Corners. We still needed more time, so we went up to Charles and down Elizabeth. I dropped the other guys aff at 91 minutes and continued on by myself to get 2 hours. AT this point I was dead. I've done many 2 hour runs this year, but my legs we totally shot and I was running on empty. At this time it just became mind over body as I willed myself to continue. Slight ills felt huge and my body felt heavy and dehydrated. I did the Monday Wednesday morning run route to get to two hours. I came in completely exhausted but really pleased with myself for pushing on. These long runs are just as much about building mental toughness as they are physical.
I'm guessing I just ran too hard the three days prior to this. Wednesday was a hill workout, Thursday was 94 at a good pace and then I ran way too fast in the midday heat yesterday. It's now 1:30 and my legs are still jello.