twenty and counting

It was another warm day here in California. I decided to run around the reservoir again and again for another 20 mile run.  I took off in the opposite direction, hoping that this would make it look and feel different enough from last time to motivate me.

The reservoir, which was drained late last year for some repair work, shows the scarcity of rain that we’ve had. One can almost hear it screaming “draught season ahead.” It’s not a pretty sight.

The road, however, isn’t pretty either. I find it is has more uphill segments going this direction compared to running the usual way. Also, with a half marathon up in the city, the streets are devoid of life.

I follow the double yellow line and try to keep my mind entertained with anything interesting. Sadly, I find myself thinking in 3rd person and, as if posting tweets or status updates, noting my every move.

When I pass by the fire station, I am surprised to find their newspaper just off the main road. I look up the road where the station is, and wonder what the likelihood of one of them coming out to retrieve it as I am passing by. It doesn’t happen of course; you’d really have to want it badly to walk that distance for it. I’m not surprised to find it still there when I run past over an hour later.

The run itself was fine. My body held up well, with only a few twinges now and again. My pace was nothing to write home about but I also didn’t feel the need to write a long explanation in my run log either. The only thing that I would have liked to have controlled better was the amount of fluid/weight lost in the run. A 4-pound deficit left me a bit concerned.

I celebrated the completion of the run with the thinking that I was officially tapering. Now, as I look at my training calendar, I see that coach has another 18-20 mile run schedule this coming weekend. And although I was looking forward to backing down to around 16 miles, I can see value in doing one more 20 mile run. I’m thinking that I might pick a flat course and see how it affects my run time. I can also see if my issue with hydration repeats itself or not.

Then…I can taper.