Notes
Longest training run of my life to date. Loved the course of Kroger back to Kroger. Didn't have to get up as early as the one way route. Roads were clear, weather was perfect. Had a great time. It was a more difficult return than it was going out but that was good I think to keep my pace slow since my goal was 3:30 on my feet with no particular concern for pace other than to keep my heart rate up. At the end I was able to accelerate to the finish and felt like I had some in reserve. Ran the first 9 w Amaya which was great. Was by myself out to the turn around. I went across Hillsboro and did a lap at the Grassland Elem. track, then on the way back I caught up with Pam, then Vicki, then a lady I didn't know but said she was running Chicago, got back to the last water stop with her, took some time to really get my gatorade down and the last of my chews. Then ran 3 of the last 4 miles with Jenny which was great to take my mind off the growing pain that comes from running over 20 miles. Was a minute from making 3:30 when I got back to Kroger so I went around the parking lot once and had to come up a big hill in an alley between buildings, pretended this was the end of Chicago and tried to sprint up it. Overall, I'm not too sore, no stomach discomfort today. I've been worried that I wasn't ready for this race but I think I feel a little better about it now and I can go into my taper with more confidence, will probably still do a good marathon pace simulation next weekend, up to 18 miles but I don't think I need to go 20 or more again. Time to let the legs heal, it was a long hot summer, now It's about nutrition and staying helathy.