My training plan had me running 12 miles today. So, we met Carolyn and Laura at 7:20am so we could run three miles before joining the Portland Marathon Training Clinic to run the renaming 9. The first three felt great. We ran out 1.5 miles and then came right back to see a large mass of people getting ready to take off. This was our first time running with this group. While some of the people ran with our group throughout the winter, there were a lot of new people and it was a lot less intimate. We found our group and took off with them. I felt like Laura, Carolyn, Mike and I were the only ones talking within this group. As the training clinic continues, I get the feeling that the conversations will begin to happen...
Around mile 1.5 (the second time out), I started to feel my IT band. The group was supporting 5, 7, and 9 mile runs. All of them were out-n-back. I knew that I would have to decide when to turn around. While my goal was to do the entire 9 (for a total of 12) I knew from the past week of discussions and reading that if I shorted this run by 4 miles, it would not be detrimental to my marathon. So, at 2.5, when I could really feel my IT band, I told Mike that I wanted to turn around. It turned out to be a good thing because, as we headed back, my knee started to feel worse. It never got excruciating like it has been in the past - and that was a good thing.
On the way back, Mike checked his GPS watch and let me know that we were moving. Moving as in 9:30 minute mile pace. Now, normally, this wouldn't be a big deal. But today, to me, it was. For the 2.5 miles back, we ran at an average pace of 9:37. Now, these were the last 2.5 miles of an 8 mile run. Turns out, after you train for 15 weeks running ridiculous distance, finishing and 8 mile run at a good pace comes naturally. It felt great. It was an amazing boost in confidence.
As for my leg, it feels fine. I am able to walk normally immediately following a long run for the first time in WEEKS. I think that is a good sign and will help with healing. I think I should be able to wrap up the rest of this taper according to Hal's plan :)
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