Will I ever learn? I knew I had to run a tough 5 miles at MT pace (6:23 per mile). I knew it was going to be hot. I knew I still felt fatigued from last weekend’s race and long run.
Surprise, surprise, tonight’s run was not my best. 5 miles at MT pace turned into a “hang on for 3 miles at the fastest speed you can manage”. The temperature was 93°F with an estimated heat index of 105 and I must admit, sounds more and more like an excuse every time I use it in my workout reviews. The wind turned out to be a factor also – blustery at around 18mph and enough to sap what energy I had left. On top of all that, I feel like I left my legs on the sand at last week’s Mud Run.
I really don’t have many positives to report from tonight’s run. I couldn’t manage one mile at anywhere close to MT pace (my three best efforts were 6:47, 6:31 and 6:38) and it makes me question if the plan is indeed working for me. Kind of ironic that just 5 days ago I was bragging about “the turning point in my marathon training“.
Another nagging doubt I have is my right foot. It was only a few months ago that I was laid up with a possible stress fracture and was forced to take several weeks off. Tonight on the run I experienced a similar pain which now feels like a dull ache. I really hope this is nothing more that a slight overuse situation and something that won’t develop into a major issue.
So, Friday is a rest day and then on Saturday I get to race a mile on a local high school track. Every year the Tidewater Striders Running Club organize a mile race – a rare chance to race fellow club mates on a 400m track. Last year I ran a 5:06 mile, but I’m not expecting much better than a 5:20 this year. We’ll see.
Sunday’s sees another 20 mile long run at PMP + 45-60 seconds. Should be ok, but I’m a little worried about my right foot. Let’s hope this long run turns out as good as my last one!