March 24, 2007

Temp at start: 62; finish: 73. High humidity, sunny for the second half.
I took my 20 miler to Smithville again. Man, it was humid, but it was cool, at least early on. By the time I hit 10 miles, maybe a little before, the sun was fully out and it was warming up fast. I proved to myself once again that I just don't do well under such conditions. This run was eerily reminiscent of last June's Grandma's Marathon, with temps, humidty and sun conditions almost identical. I doubt I could have made it another 6 miles today, like I did then.
I went out slowly, running 11- plus quite a bit in the early miles. It seems like all it did was keep me out there exposed to the elements longer. I had a long string of 10 - 10:45 between 5 miles and 16 miles, but I really pooped out about 17 miles, so I took a 5 minute break and sat on a picnic table. After taking off again, I ran the flats and downhills, but walked the uphills.
It wasn't the greatest quality run, but it'll do. My average was exactly 11, and that included all that walking in the last three miles. I think part of my struggles have to do with training-tired legs, and of course a left leg that has some issues, although it felt better than I expected today. I have high hopes that the taper, which starts Sunday, will really rejuvenate my legs and get me ready for the marathon.
I left the house weighing 169, and returned at 163. That despite drinking at least 85 ounces of liquids during and after the run. I think that qualifies as a high sweat rate.
My long ones are finished. Let the healing begin.