Shopping for some Humble Pie

Lately, everything has just seemed too fast and too easy. I'm reaching new heights in total miles, while running faster and faster, and yet it doesn't seem to be beating me up too much. So after the last two record weeks of 44 and 45 miles, I decided to do 50 this week, and finish it up with a hard 20, just 7 days after my last fast 20.

And just to make things interesting, instead of the magic Kinvaras that I have been wearing for the last two weeks, I would wear my Saucony Rides, now known as those clunky brick shoes. And they have 450 miles on them, so that should take the pep out of my step.

And I would dial up the warmest day of the winter - sunny and temps in the 60's and 70's.

And I would weigh myself down with my water bottle belt.

And I would pick the toughest course around - back up to the hills of Palos Verdes that kicked my butt a few weeks ago on my 18-miler.

So, with all those handicaps, I headed out at 8:30 this morning and told myself to take it easy. None of this sub 8 nonsense. Work on my endurance.

First 3 miles were to the base of the hill. 8:52, 8:28, 8:23. Hmm. A little too fast already
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The next three were basically up hill. 9:24, 8:49, 8:48. Trudging along, but feeling OK. Definitely not feeling light on my feet without my K shoes. But not too bad.

The next 9 were rolling hills with several tough ups and of course some nice downs to match, explaining the wild variation in pace. 8:04, 8:20, 8:52, 8:18, 9:01, 8:19, 8:33, 8:49, 9:02.

At this point (15 miles) I was getting pretty dam tired. The day was warming up. My legs were sluggish. But I was still moving. With my water bottles, I never paused once between miles 3 and 17. Had 2 GU's along the way while running. The strategy was working. This run was kicking my butt. Luckily it was all down and flat from here.

The next two were downhill - 8:22, 8:14. Then I had a lengthy stop for more water and a little stretching. Note to self - 2 bottles are not enough for 14 miles on a warm day. I wondered what kind of pace I could manage for the last 3 on tired legs.

Well, not much apparently. 8:40, 8:49, 8:52. Plus I stopped for a walk break after 18 and 19. I was wiped out. But, I made it! Total average time of 8:39 for the 20 is much better than the 8:55 I did for 18 on the same course 3 weeks ago. Two hours and 53 minutes of endurance training, done! 50.2 miles for the week, done! Niedermeyer, dead! (Sorry, 70's flashback)

I never thought I would see a 50 mile week again, but there it is. Now I get to rest this week with a mini taper before Surf City. It looks like next week will be like today; Beautiful for vacationers, a little too warm for marathoners. I think some loopsters will be dipping their tired legs in the Pacific. The beach was packed like a summer day today. Shorts and bikinis and topless runners all over. And it is possible to tan in January - I have a nice red glow after today. We'll send some Northerners home with a nice little tan present.