The 22 miler

A whopping twenty two miles or 35.4 kilometres was on the schedule. Was not looking forward to it in some ways. The first six miles, my calves were tight so I stretched them out for a minute or so. It felt much better. I tried to keep on a faster pace but I didn't feel like testing myself until the second half. I brought two gels with me (which I took at the 8 mile mark and also at the 17 mile mark).

At mile 13, a runner came alongside me and we got to chatting for about three miles. We upped the pace and by the time we said bye, I felt pretty good, so I upped the pace even more. I started the run doing 8:08 to 8:18 miles but by mile 16, it was down to 8:05. Not sure if the Gatorade and gel was making me feel too good, but I dropped the hammer and logged a strong last six miles for the most part speeding it up: (7:50, 7:46, 7:49, 7:41, 7:39, 6:58). Twenty two miles done in 2:57:07 with average pace of 8:03 miles or 5 minute kilometres. Not half bad.

Was the perfect weather -- a little cool -- for a long run. Fourth of five 20+ milers is now int he books. Mission accomplished.

Tapering, but still running

There's a huge downpour in DC as I write this. I'm pretty wiped after this past week. Just catching up: I ran 5 miles on Wednesday morning, then I ran 4 miles on Thursday with strides, also in the morning.

It was warm in Washington yesterday and the schedule called for an 8 to 10K race, but there were none around. I also didn't feel up to doing track work or a faster-than-LT run, so I just got in some mileage, about 5.2 miles. I figure I've done three races in the span of a month.

Today's the last medium long run before marathon day. 16 miles. The forecast called for cooler weather but some rain and thunderstorms. I had more than a few beers last night so I wasn't feeling the greatest getting this run in. It also rained for a good half of the run. Ended up doing 16.16 miles in 2:13:39 with average pace of 8:16 miles and bmp of 145.

So that's in the books...

Good luck to all the Boston marathoners. Looks like they are going to get great weather for Patriots Day.