Long and Slow Before More Snow

With the Mid-Winter Classic postponed for three weeks (see yesterday's post), I was fine with changing gears and doing a long run today. It was a bummer the race was pushed back, but truth is it actually works out better for my training plan this month (another long run in two weeks, then the race in three weeks).

Given some of the faster workouts earlier this week, I was very content with taking today's run really slow. I stuck to that plan, and looking at the week as a whole, that fit in very nicely. This has been a solid training week, and a short run tomorrow will give me over 60 miles for the week.

Pretty nice to just take the pace chilled out and enjoy it. Saw a pileated woodpecker early on in the run. Cool birds. The run then took me on a rolling overall downhill trek to the river. First half of this route is pretty easy, but the second half has some pretty intense hills that give a good workout.

Good run. Glad to get this one in before we get yet even more snow later today.

Ran 20.8 miles @ 8:39/mile pace.
AHR/MHR - 134/153
Paved and dirt roads, several sections coated with packed snow.
Very hilly.
8 degrees to start, lower 30s at finish, partly sunny.
Saucony Kinvara, long tights, windbreaker, long sleeved shirt, short sleeved shirt, beanie, gloves, handheld bottle (water).