Notes
The goal of this run according to El Presidente was to run the last 15 miles at marathon pace after a 2 mile warm up. I've tried this run before and when we ran and was completely successful due to being not rested enough or no one to push me. Today, we had Ryan, Tom, Dan, and Andy and Hugh also ran most of the course and then diverted to home. After the 2 mile warm up, Dan and I got right to business getting to marathon pace. Felt kind of fast at times, but I held on and eventually it felt easier. Tom & Ryan did not catch us until on Nifong. We made a wrong turn in the Highlands after I took a gel. We went down a street with no outlet so had to go all the way back and got back on course. I think this added 1.5 miles. Eventually, I realized I was going to make it all the way since I still felt good. It was great having someone to pull me along. The last couple miles on the trail were good too so no fade and we actually did 16.75 miles at marathon pace. Throw out the warm up and a 6:48 pace or 2:58 marathon. Considering, no taper, no course support, and slowing at a couple intersections, I think we ran very well. I am not sure I could have kept that up for 8 more miles today, but finished feeling good. Not sure if it is the spinal decompression therapy from last week, but I am feeling a bit better.