Long run today of 12 miles. First few miles were very slow, about 9:00/mile due to pain in my left hip area due to the back issues. After several miles the pain tends to subside and I am able to pick up the pace. Picked up the last few miles to a sub 8:30/mile pace and felt pretty natural and good. These shorter "long" runs just aren't as challenging as they used to be. I still remember my first 10 miler last year like it was yesterday, what a struggle that was at the time. Since this is a cut back week the shorter run will help me recover more for the upcoming huge week. I have been contemplating taking a few days off next week to see if the hip and back feel any better with less running. We'll see how it's doing Sunday and then see how it feels on Monday morning and go from there. I hate to miss any days with the last six big weeks staring me in the face before the taper but if I'm going to have a chance to be completely healthy for the marathon, rest sooner rather than later is probably a better choice.
Time: 8:35/mile |