BlackJack

21 the hard way.  21 miles that is.   21.11 to be precise, and surprisingly it wasn’t nearly as hard as expected.

After my week of traveling and eating like a goat, I didn’t have high hopes for yesterday’s long run.  It actually turned out to be a solid outing with little in the way of drama.  Hydration worked out well, gels/food were timed right, weather was cooperative, no blisters or chafing.

Both of my feet starting getting sore around the 10-mile mark, and were moderately painful for the rest of the run, but that appears to be the Plantar Fasciitis reality I’ll be living in until after the marathon.  My right knee felt pretty good throughout, and is somewhat sore today, but nothing unbearable.

This gave me my first chance to try my new Ryders sunglasses on a long run, and I was VERY pleased.  I’ll be putting together a review in the near future.  Tried an Orange flavored Hammer Gel for the first….and last time.  Not a fan.  When I went to get the gels on Saturday I was browsing the chews selection, and having never tried Clif Shot Blocks before I thought I’d give them a try.  Bought a pack of the Cola flavored and dug in at the 16-mile mark.  I think they can be best described as a small, squishy square of sadness.  I think my mouth cried a little when I tried to eat them.  Made it through 3 of the squares before my jaw refused to chew any more.  I wish to apologize to my Gu Chomps that have served me so well in the past.  Please take me back.