I joined Stephanie's group for their long run this morning at 5:30. Stephanie's group was scheduled for a 20-miler. The ChampionsFit "Green" group has scheduled for 6 miles followed by a hydration seminar.
About 10 runners started from Memorial Park. I was planning on 18 miles which would bring me back to the park. The route took us south to Rice University's campus for a loop then back up the Buffalo Bayou to downtown and back to Memorial Park. (... sounds easy put in those terms!)
Stephanie's group consists of experienced runners and triathletes. Bottom line is they're good and they know what they're doing. I'm really not in their league so it was kind of them to allow me to tag along. Jonathan was also along for the run so minimally I wasn't going to be alone.
The run started well and a generally felt pretty good. My left calf started tight but loosened up within the first mile and didn't bother much. The route included water and bathroom stops which were strategically scheduled along the way. I enjoyed talking with Stephanie again since we haven't seen each other for a while. The weather wasn't bad for July in Houston.
The first 8.5 miles felt pretty good. By the time we hit 10.5, I had to decide if I was going to cut it short and only go 12 or continue for the full 18. I figured I'd just stay with the group as long as possible. Only 6 runners pressed on ... somehow that made me feel good even though I knew most of the people aren't training for a fall marathon. At 13 miles, I was feeling very fatigued but that's where we dropped onto the bayou for the return to the park. The softer surface of trails was refreshing! After a water break at 15 miles, the group left me. Which was fine. I didn't want to be the cause of them changing their routine and I knew my way back. My form was shot and I was just dragging myself back. Fortunately we were going back to the park and I could envision that as a clear goal. It kept me going. At about 17 miles the lead group stopped for water. Stephanie came back for me. Which I really appreciated but, at the same time, was embarrassed by the fact I needed an escort. We caught up with the group which was walking then ran into the park. They took a loop and I went the other direction back to the car to finish 18 miles.
I'm glad I did it. The long runs now seem as important mentally as they are physically ... and they're very important for me physically! Next week I'm scheduled for 20. I hope to run with Stephanie's group again. ChampionsFit is only scheduled for 7 or 8 miles. However, Bob will be back in town so I'll need to check with him to see what he's thinking about for Saturday's run. The following week will be a "pull back". I only mention it because I'm already looking forward to it! I'm planning to travel to Utah to run in my hometown 10K event. 6.2 miles sounds really good after today's 18!
My watch was a bit messed up today so I'm not completely certain about my time. But for the record here's what I had:
18 miles @ 9:38 (2:53:24) (yes, I know that's much slower than the plan called for!)
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