It's 11AM. Joan and Quin came down to Del Mar to pick me up after my almost-19-miler today. I left the house at about 10 minutes after 6 and spent the next 2 hours and 50 minutes covering the distance from 4S Ranch, through Rancho Penasquitos, and finally to Torrey Pines. Similar to last weekend, the difficulties started around 15 miles as my hips and ankles began to protest, making each mile from that point onward a mental battle.
From the very start, I ran as easy as I could for 9 minutes, taking a 45-second walk break to do a Galloway-inspired 9:1 ratio run/walk. I wound up with an average pace of 9:04, which was slower than last week's pace but only felt fresher through the first 15 miles.
I had just about everything going for me on this run: the temperature, humidity, wind, water, pre-run fueling, sleep and the week's mileage...all were geared to making this a successful run. I'm a little disappointed that I didn't last a little longer before the muscle and joint fatigue started to build.
Still, it's my longest distance to date, even if it is less than a mile increase over last week; and I've got a cutback week coming up before entering the 2nd stage of my marathon training plan and tackling that mystical 20-mile barrier.
This was today's run:
I'm going to have to serious consider making a shoe upgrade. I think my cheap-o Sauconey's have been fine up to now, but I believe their limitations are starting to manifest now on the longer runs, since I suspect they are to blame for my sore ankles. The collar comes to just under the ankle bone, and after 2+ hours of pounding, the ridge under the bone is getting beaten up. There's a new neighborhood running store in Scripps called "Laces" that I'll check out. I'd rather give them my business than a big chain store.
I could recount the run, blow-by-blow, but I won't unless I'm feeling bored later. As it stands, the route was pretty good. The only disappointment was finding no water fountain at the park at the 4-mile mark. Fortunately, I was carrying water with me so it wasn't a problem.
Oh yeah, I know I said I wouldn't do it again, but I ran with a pack, which is great for having supplies at the ready, but carrying that and a hydration belt added about 5 pounds which had to have made the running harder. It all fit nice and securely and the set up worked. I'd just rather not have to carry the water weight.
I ended the run at the parking lot at the foot of the road leading up to the Torrey Pines State Reserve, which is about the 5.5 mile marker of the La Jolla Half Marathon. I walked the hill up to the lodge, just to remind myself of the grade and the distance. I couldn't run it today because I was spent, but I don't find it to be so intimidating as I remember. I've run steeper grades on some of my training runs, and it's not quite as long as I remember. I would like to come back and do some hill intervals on it to help de-mystify it a little more. I'll be racing it for real on April 25th.
I walked back down the hill and back to Carmel Valley Rd where Joan and Quin met me. I rewarded myself with a carne asada burrito from the Roberto's on the corner. The run expended anywhere from 1700-1900 calories, so after replenishing my carbs with 2 power bars, a banana and some gatorade, I felt like 700 fatty calories was well-earned. I only ate half; quite a difference from the days I used to have a whole one but wasn't working out at all. My how things have changed.
I have a recovery run scheduled for tomorrow, but it'll depend on how my legs (especially foot bones) feel and if there's a break in the expected rain.
Tonight, Duke host Carolina. Go Blue Devils!
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