Cruisin'

Tried to sleep with my night splint last night - lasted one hour and I decided sleep was more important than a less sore foot.  Had annoying cramps and aching on the bottom of my foot.  I decided to try a new pre run nutrition routine - had 12 oz of accelerade and an ww english muffin with jam.  Went down easy and I left for the run not feeling full (good thing).  Since I'm trying to use up long run food I took a package of shot bloks with me.

Was planning to do the 16 mile Campus loop today.  Happily the distance of the long runs is long longer an issue.  I still get nervous at the start that I'll run out of gas and have to shuffle the remaining miles.  Only has to happen once for me to worry for the rest of my life!  Started of with Javier and a few other shirtless runners.  Let them go on Congress and some how caught them again at Speedway.  As we were heading north on Speedway, I knew the pace was too fast - at mile 4 I had clocked 32:08 - way to fast.  I let them go for go and worked at settling into a steady pace.  I know I can maintain an 8 min mile for 16 miles but I also know that would be plain stupid and Karen would likely tie a heavy weight to my ankle for the next long run.  Water seems to be a minor issue with Rogue these days - no cups at Bull Creek and Hancock.  Everyone was just drinking out of their hands and of course there was a lot of wasted water - hopefully there was enough water for those behind us. Amy, at the next waterstop said she would take some cups back tot hat stop.  

At Amy's stop, Jason caught up...forgot he was low on gas so was a little late and had to play catch up.  We ran the rest of the way together.  He was obviously feeling good as I was feeling the run once we hit the trail.  Once we got back onto asphalt though, the aches in my glutes eased up and I felt a lot better.  Did some pathetic strides although by the last one I did feel my feet relaxing a little.

Good - stayed off my toes way better today, was smart and backed off the pace before it was too late, ate a big recovery lunch and had a massage.

Not so good - ran too fast at the start, should have eaten all of the Shot bloks - not just 3.  Might need a little more calories before the long run.

Overall pace 8:17 - need to back off a little more as we add miles.

Last but not least - a shout out to Scott McIntyre who's kicking some Lake Tahoe ass this weekend!