Weather is still crappy but at least the rain was extremely light until near the end of my workout. I drove to Liberty and did a 10 mile tempo run at 6:40 pace. That's about where I would like race pace to be at the marathon. Well... It would be great if I am there. That would put me at a 2:55 and I got a cool pace tat for that time from lovely BB :) However I will also be happy if I run under 3:00. I will also be happy if I finish :) Figure it out yet? I would love to get a 2:55 or under 3 but since it's my first I am not too set on those goals. Finishing will be a great accomplishment in my book so that's what I am shooting for. I did 1 mile warm up and cool down. The tempo run was rather difficult unfortunately. I actually ended up with an AP of 6:37 like last week's 8 miler so that's good. My legs were tired from the leg work I did yesterday in the gym. This workout was going to be on Thursday but I am changing my week to do the long run on Friday instead of Sat and I wasn't too excited about the idea of a 10 mile tempo followed by a 20 mile long run. So I switched it up. All things considered, I am quite happy with today and know that my body will do well for the race. I brought a power gel today. It was in my pocket. After 1 lap around Liberty I decided it was rather annoying so I threw it next to a tree by the water fountain. I figured it would be ok there. Sure enough I hit six miles right there and I can't find it. PISSED!!! WHO TOOK MY GEL???? I think everyone understands how angry a runner can become if someone messes with his or her workout. I was so angry! I went over to the trash can and there it was at the bottom... STILL UNOPENED!!! Who the crap throws away an unopened gel???? Let's think that maybe someone left it there for a reason!!! You wouldn't throw away a water bottle! Well perhaps if it was just a cheap one but still!! ANGER!!! I wanted to get a sign saying "Thank you for throwing my gel away so I could fish it out of the trash can to eat it." I would have taped the eaten package to the sign. Yeah... Anyways... I was mad. Sure enough after I ate the gel and drank three swallows of water I was off. My stomach started to make noises and I could feel a bubble of air move every time I stepped. Not very enjoyable. The rain also started heavier at about mile 8. I felt like I was pace chasing the whole time. I am not too comfortable with my pace memory for the 6:40. I was looking at my watch every 10 seconds and felt like I had to keep adjusting. Trying to pace of GPS watches is hard due to the delay. Another factor was that I stayed on the wood chips to lessen the impact on my legs. That tends to make it a bit more difficult in my opinion. Finished the run and came back to the training room. I treated my legs to foam roller and an a cold whirlpool. They are actually feeling really good now. | 