09/17/2005

Workout: long run 17mi.

Throughout the week I debated as to whether I should use this as a practice run along the MVT South, in preparation for the National Capial 20-Miler next Sunday. I finally decided that since I already knew the trail (course) pretty well, the only advantage I'd have would be to get some work on the various hills. The disadvantage, as with last week, was the distinct possibility of stepping off the trail in the pitch blackness, and turning and ankle. So I decided to head over to the TC Williams track again.

Aside from the "toe issue" which started on Thursday, today brought yet another physical ailment, though one which will also likely pass with time. For most of the duration of my run, my left Achilles tendon was extremely tight, so much so that I stopped twice to re-stretch and even once altered my running form for a lap or two. Instead of taking advantage of the extra 1/2 mile for this workout, I cut it short after just the requisite 17 miles.

GEL REPORT: After mile 10 I had a GU Plain gel. These packs are a bit smaller than the PowerGel and Clif shots, but in honesty perhaps a better size, as the two gulps it took to finish it seemed less overwhelming than the other brands. The tast was as advertised--pretty much none, perhaps a slight twinge of vanilla. But no aftertaste, either.