Last long run, last miles FAST

RUN 17.1 miles in 3hrs 10:30 something pace
RUN 5.9 miles in 50 mins 8:20-something pace
Total of 23 miles in 3:50

This was really one long run, but was broken into two very distinct segments. My original plan was a long trail run with TV, but since both of us have nagging mild pains that could become injuries we changed plans. He at least stayed home to rest. Me? Nah. I ran. A lot.

The first 3hrs with RM and BS. This was BS's longest run evah! And I think RM's longest training run evah! I remember those days, I still have them, but they are fewer and far between. This segment was super casual, talky, and fun. I LOVE these runs--social but with a goal to keep it serious. I kept drifting ahead of them towards the end, BS was less talkative and hurting. RM 's injury was holding off (with some Rx help). My knee was hurting but not enough to stop me. More of an ache than a pain.

I sipped my EFS, probably didn't drink enough, and really enjoyed the time. Great conversation that covered everything from Club business to the symphony, to orbital trajectories. I laughed to think we were out there long enough for the trees to change between the first and last loops.

The 2nd segment was alone. I was at 17 miles and thought I'd just out-n-back to round up to 20. But when I hit the halfway point I didn't want to turn around. So I didn't, figuring I could make a zoo loop. But when I hat that split point I didn't want to go left to the zoo. So I didn't, figuring I could just hit the next hill then go left. But I didn't. Why?

Because I was having the damnedest awesome last few miles to a long run!!! I was clocking 8:20 ish miles to my surprise. But the real boost was the feeling--I felt STRONG, FAST, FRESH, I felt the PUSH I want to feel the last 6 mile of a marathon. In my mind, I was running MiTi and closing the gaps to competitors. It was as if these were my first miles of the day, like the first 3hrs didn't happen. Amazing.

It was hard to stop, I could have kept going, but to no gain. I walked instead and marveled over what just happened. The rest of the day my energy was phenom. No crash until late.

My knee? Ached during and after. Hurts to kneel on. And late in the day after bending it felt a sharp painful twinge. See what happens tomorrow.