The last two long runs on my training program for the Afton 50K are both 26-milers. I actually ran 25.88 two weeks before the Marathon and, of course, the Marathon is 26.2. I trust them to measure that right. I did about the same time...well, no...by the chip, I was considerably faster - even though there's a lot more wandering around on your feet before any race than there is before any training run.
Interesting factors: I mowed the lawn the night before the race. Probably not recommended. It was under 50 degrees (F - 10 degrees C) for most of the race and windy as hell. Mostly a tail wind, but when the strong gusts hit your sweaty back, it's quite a chill. Nasty day to be outside in shorts and a t-shirt - and all wet besides. I didn't stick around the Finish Area any longer than it took to fill up on free food.
They had the white "Hypothermia Danger" flags out. The fast runners liked it. The cold and the tail-wind, I mean. They might have liked the flags, too, I suppose. I doubt that anyone asked. (I know I didn't.)
Anyway, I took Sunday and Monday off, except for trimming my hedge, which was quite a bit overgrown. It made me sweat, but it didn't seem like terribly hard work.
Today I ran 8.35 miles or so. Since I the 50K is a trail run, I ran beside the paths, roads and sidewalks as much as I could. I avoided places where the cant was too steep and deep puddles. We had a thunderstorm today. And, actually, another tornado touched down a few miles north of where I work.
The run went pretty well: 87 minutes, and I felt strong enough to kick up to an 8-minute mile pace for the last 3/4 of a mile. I was feeling like freakin' Superman, actually. I wanted to go faster, but I've injured myself that way, so I didn't.
Edit: Oh, hey! I just looked at my training log on Map My Run. I did the 25.88 run in 5:23. That's almost a full 11 minutes slower than I did at Grandma's.
