Today was the day I’ve been scared of for a while now, my second (and last) MP run on the Pfitz plan: 17 miles w/14MP.  With my 3:40 goal, we’re talking 14 @ 8:23/mi.

If you’re just tuning in, my fear of this run arose from a not-so-great first MP run last month.  Though I completed the run as required, I was disappointed that it felt harder than I think it should have, and although that was likely due to the fact that I got sloshed the night before, I couldn’t help thinking “what if that’s my fitness talking, not the booze?” so today was very important as far as determining if my goal pace is a pipe dream or a viable prospect.

With that in mind, I knew I could complete the workout today no matter what (I’m bulldog determined, if nothing else), but I was truly concerned with how it’d feel – if it was in any way a struggle like the last one, I would have to reassess my goal, no ifs, ands or buts.

So yesterday was full of freakouts while I scanned the weather sites all day.  First it was set to be 21mph winds, then it was 97% humidity with a high dewpoint, both of which would make it uncomfortable and harder.  In the end, both threats were totally unfounded, it was a gorgeous morning today, sunny and 68 at 7am, humidity from 67% to 50% by the end of the run.

Had a pretty good sleep despite the fact that I’ve developed a habit of waking up around 4am for tossing and turning when an important run is scheduled.  I’m used to it now, so no surprise.  Woke up, made myself eat a bit of oatmeal, had the prerequisite coffee for poop-making (works every time), dressed, filled the flask with a couple gels, took the handheld out of the fridge, clipped on my mp3 player, stuck sunglasses on my head and out the door I went.

My plan was to stay on my favorite side of the river today, even though it meant covering the same ground a couple times, it’s more fun due to better people-watching and I wasn’t disappointed, runners were out in droves.  It was a fuel-belt fashion show today with all the marathoners doing their thing.

But I am wasting time getting to the good stuff, huh?  hee hee

I KILLED IT!!!  From the very beginning of the MP miles, I felt so comfortable about it, I was reminded of what it’s like when you’re looking for a new place to live, you look at a few houses and you know they just aren’t right, then you open the door to the one and you just know, this is it.  That’s how I felt at Marathon Pace today.  All the doubts that have been living with me, for oh…since I registered were quieted in an instant.  I just KNEW this is the right pace, the right goal – my Marathon House.

When I got to the 10th MP mile (mile 13 overall), I started to feel a bit tired, but I said to myself, “This is MY house!  I belong here!” and wouldn’t you know, I owned it again, gathering strength as it went.

My MP splits were: 8:23, 8:23, 8:16, 8:17, 8:20, 8:23, 8:23, 8:25, 8:21, 8:25, 8:21, 8:13, 8:12, 8:09.  Avg MP miles 8:19.  And remember folks, Steamtown is a net downhill of 955′, so it’s looking beautiful for Oct. 12.

And with that, I’m high on life right now…seriously.  My body feels great, legs feel fab, the only reminder is my butt’s a bit tired (go figure), but that’s it!  So tonight I’ve got some serious celebration on tap, a delayed birthday dinner with friends, but in my mind, I’ll be celebrating this run and the excitement of an adventure on the brink.

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