Run #59

14 miles, 2:41:17, 11:31 pace, 153 average heart rate.

28 miles this week, 338 miles total.

I worked a day shift today, so no running in the morning, though there was an extra guy on the desk, so I got to go home early. The question, then, was whether to run in the mid-afternoon when it was hotter and be able to go to bed early, or wait until evening and end up running after dark. I decided to go earlier. It was 77 F and by the time I got home it was still 73 F, so I guess it didn't matter much. Nice to be done before dark, though.

However, that was all that was nice. I was very sluggish for the first four miles, picked it up a bit for the next 6 miles, but the last four miles were a struggle. Not soreness or anything, but my muscles and brain were very tired. Despite that, my pace was right around average for these long runs. Around mile 13 I saw some people sitting on out their front porch enjoying the nice weather and I suddenly got a strong desire for a Grey Goose & tonic. Perhaps not the most recommended post-run beverage, but as soon as I get done stretching, I'm heading into town for a drink.

This was the last step-back run before next week's 20 miler. That's the longest training run, and then it's three weeks of taper. The Twin Cities Marathon is in one month! Sunday October 4.