The Last Long

The final 20 miler of marathon training was on a beautiful late fall morning. The coolest morning yet this year and I could see plumes of smoke were streaiming out of runners' mouth as I drove down kelly Drive. I met up with Seebo, Kev J and E-mike at 8:30 in front of the museum.

We looped through Fairmount Park and Mike dropped off at Girard bridge around mile 7. Seebo and I continued on our way down 34th into University City, to South and then back up the path to the Art Museum where Seebo and I parted ways.

I had a nagging ache in my upper left calf that started on the downhill at Lansdowne. I stopped to relieve myself behind a tree and when I picked it up to catch up with the group I felt a twinge in my calf. Nothing bad just letting me know it was there and it was feeling to good this morning.

I could feel it tightening up as we continued on our way. I was heading up MLK and stopped at the first water fountain for a sip. When I started running again I could really tell it had tightened up. I debated on just running home from there and saving myself the 5 miles back to the Art Museum. Was this something bad or just an ache? Was it worth cutting my last long run short?

I decided to keep going. I ran into some of the Phily Runners group heading down Kellly Drive and fell into pace with Ben, a newer runner to the group that kept me company to the Art Museum and for one additional mile on the path exstension. 21 miles total in 2hr 45 minutes.

My leg was sore and after a 15 minute ride home in the car it was tight. I limped into the house and iced it up for a while, stretched and hoped for the best.

Thankfully this morning it isn't to bad. It is a little tight walking and sore to the touch. I had planned on 5 miles today, taking me to 70 for the week but not anymore. I'll take today and tomorrow off and depending on how I feel maybe Tuesday as well. No sense in pushing it if I don't have too. I guess it couldn't have come at a better time considering I start my taper this week.

286 miles for September, my biggest month by almost 30 miles. Yesterday was my 20th day in a row and my biggest mileage week. I am happy to take a break.