18.11 miles, 7:58 average pace, last 6 miles at 6:47
Met Dixie at Longleaf this morning and we got started just after 5:45. I was relieved that it was not hot already and glad to be beating most of the heat. It was about 74 degrees at the start. We ran up Starkey Blvd to Starkey park. Kept the pace pretty even and relaxed. My legs felt tired a bit around mile 7 or 8 and was debating whether I'd be able to do fast finish today or not. Kept going until we reached 10 mile point, then Dixie turned back so he could finish at the parking lot in the park and get 15 miles total. I went out another 1.5 miles before turning around, and then when I had six miles left I decided to go for it. I eased into the pace and about a half mile into it I was at a 7:00 pace, then went a little faster from there and finished the first mile at 6:50. The next few miles were just slightly faster than that with the last miles being the fastest at 6:42. I felt a lot better this time compared to the last time I tried 6 miles fast finish. I think it was a little hotter the last time I tried this, but I hope some of it was due to improved fitness. Also, last time was 16 miles total and today's was 18 miles total, so I was glad to be able to do that pace on more tired legs. Enjoyed some cold water and fresh fruit at the social hour. David had picked up our bags for us at Longleaf with towels and fresh shirts. Saw Steve was heading back that way so asked him for a ride. I don't think the morning could have gone any better! Happy about 70 miles this week!
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