Going Long...again and again

I had to take a few days off after my last post - the start of a cold before a 3-day trip to Pennsylvania. Still ran speedwork up there, but my tempo run never happened. Last weekend's run was not the best either. Started struggling early, but still ran 17 of my scheduled 20. Oh well - it happens. You never know how thew run is going to be...just have to go out and hope it's going to be a good day!
Got my running in last week. I am having a little foot issue that crept up the last few days...almost like a bone-bruise just under the base of my 2nd toe, right foot. Just an infrequent annoyance right now. while I'm nitpicking about pains - my left knee just below the kneecap has been a little tender too the last few weeks. Also just an annoyance at times.
Got an invite for a run this weekend...

This ~20 mile trail run at Camp Croft was to celebrate the birthday of a Pirate (AKA Charles, AKA Raff, etc). After of few days of thinking about it - I decided the group already going made this one not to miss...Psyche, Jason, Seth (Croft Half RD), Joe, Joy, Terri, and of course - The Pirate!
Sadly - Seth could not make it and the rest of us started off at 8:30ish. After some initial conversation with Charles and Psyche, they dropped back to run with Terri, and the rest of us stayed together for the duration. (Never get enough time with them - such nice people!)
We never pushed too hard, steadily moving, walking much of the uphills, chatting the whole way about anything running and non-running.
Dodged some horses, had to navigate a stretch of mud that almost ate Joy's shoes, put up ribbons so the other group could follow us, stopped ~halfway to refill our water that Jason had stashed (He also provided us with goody bags - awesome!)
We ended up running 3:33 for about 19 miles and I think we all felt great afterwards. My long runs have been very good overall and I may be getting too confident. I am so looking forward to getting back on the trails after Chicago.
PHOTOS:

the uphill mud section (after the stream crossing)

Lake Johnson

Joe and Jason finishing up

2 more weeks closer...

Hmmm, guess I missed a week or two's update! The hot weather is still sticking around. I thought last year was hot, but this one is the 3rd hottest ever (from I read on the news). I think I may actually be aclimating somewhat, although I still don't like it! :-)
So another long run: 20miles. 78°. Steady pace of 9:15's. Last mile same as 1st.
Following weekend (Aug 6) was a drop down mileage week - so only 13. 8:33 pace and felt good with medium effort.

Nothing too exciting about my weekday runs: some hills, tempo runs, some speedwork (I did 12x400's just under my 1:39/400 plan, last one being 1:28. Huh? Where did That come from?!)

Then this past weekend for my 18 miler. Skipped running on Saturday as I wasn't feeling so good. Little aches (right foot, calf, and just tired). Was feeling a bit run down. Sunday morning came and I felt the beginnings of a cold...little tickle in my throat and maybe a slight fever. What to do? Run it out.
Ended up being a great run. No real pains and plenty of fluid (and 72° overcast skies) helped! 8:50 pace pretty steady the whole way and finished it up with an 8:22 last mile! Plenty left in the tank too.
So that makes 5 out of the last 6 weekends running 17-20 milers for my long run. It is making a big difference. Never had that many that close together. Am feeling very confident in my fall/winter schedule of events, and I may have just added another one: Seashore Nature Trail 50k in Dec. My brother, now that he is in pseudo-marathon shape, wants to add a 50k to his resume.

8 more weeks until Chicago...

Oh - almost forgot the big news: We got Hospitality Passes for the marathon! It's good to have family high up with the race sponsor (Bank of America)! What this means:

-Covered venue in the case of sun, rain or wind
-Accessible location with venue positioned close to Start and Finish Lines
-Private Gear Check
-Private changing areas
-Massage Therapists
-Access to restroom facilities
-Light breakfast (water, Gatorade, bananas)
-Lunch (including beverages and beer)

I'll be spoiled...