i really, really didn't want to do it, but i decided to run my 16 miler today. running 16 miles is tough all by itself, it's even tougher when you're really not into it. so i made a little game out of using this run as a test of my mental fortitude. all things considered it went o.k. the biggest problem was that i ate like crap [ various processed fish parts and some squash ] last night, figuring that i'd just run on sunday. no carbo loading means less stored glycogen in the muscles, which means it's easier to poop out. and given my experience with the goo last week, i decided that i needed a new strategy for replenishing my energy stores during the run.

fig newtons. i love fig newtons. packed with easy to process carbs with just a hint of moist sweetness. yummy. i wolfed down a half a dozen of them at around mile 11 with chaser of gatorade and it seemed to work pretty well.

so things are feeling pretty good. my left knee has started to bother me a little on the longer runs, which i think is due to the fact that my hamstrings are getting quiet a bit stronger and my quads aren't really keeping pace which tends to put stress on my patella. i probably should be cross training on a bike to prevent things from getting out of control.

after 3 weeks of 16 milers, it's time to add a few miles on to the long run. next week, the schedule will be 5, 8, 5 and 18 miles. hooooohaaaaah!