Loop #4, Now known as the Outback

Two more weeks until the taper! I am going to try to log fifty miles this week. I decided to do the trail loop. This is my only true loop run out here in the boondocks and it's a beaut!
The hills are beginning to show a hint of fall. The views are opening up and the orange and yellow colors are gradually appearing. It was absolutely fantastic today! I started out very strong and feeling good but at mile 15 I totally toasted. The trails sucked the energy right out of me but I loved it!
I ran and walked the rest of the way in, 2K hill really kicked my tail and my time but it's in the books! Overall my body is holding up quite well; the heel is burning a little, the left calf some tight, but that's just marathon training!
Totals-18.95 miles/ 3:52:26/12:16's. the last four miles took 59:25! Like I said, I toasted but I persevered, too. Peace!

Loop run-#3

Today I had to run early so I had everything set out and ready by last night. I had in mind the loop which is 18+ miles of hills, trails, and chip'n'seal. With around 50 oz's of fluids, cliff blocks, accel-gel, phone, I got out the door by 6:45. That's early for this bird!
It was truly a beautiful morning with heavy air, clear skies, and a lite breeze. My secret plan was to try to average 12 min miles the whole way by doing 4/1's. I also set out with a fueling strategy adopted from Aron, and Spirit Flower, not to mention the many other great Bloggers out there. I definitely noticed the benefits of the cliff blocks, and salt tablet!
I also had an accelerade mixture in one of my water bottles that I hit on the last leg.
After 8 miles I was a little under the goal so I picked up the pace. I felt real good. As I hit the difficult trail section at mile 13 I was pleasantly surprised how I was handling the trail and how the pace was staying strong.
When I arrived to 2K hill I had to walk! I could actually go faster by walking! I'm telling you 2K hill is a bear!! When I hit the top of the hill I thought I was behind goal. What did I do? I goosed it!! I notched my fasted mile in the home stretch a 9:55.
The heel felt fine the whole way. It didn't start bothering me until I iced it??
So training continues! I am believing I will break four hours in the marathon!
19.16 miles / 3:48.02 / 11:53 avg / total ascent 4052-This is a new PR by over 14 minutes! Plus I added on! I saw two Copperheads on the roads today!! Yikes!
Peace!

The Loop, again-

I set out earlier this morning trying to beat the warm-up, it was perfect!! 70 ish degrees, some clouds, nice breeze. So, loaded down with water, two gus, six endurolyte tabs, phone, and a desire to better my loop time, I set out with a 1/4 plan. One minute walk four minute run. I managed this until the last big hill where I had to walk. At about 15 miles I began to get light headed. I also noticed I was hungry. So obviously I didn't bring enough food. I'm still a little spacey? I got in with a 4:02.49 for 18.88 miles. 18 minutes and 28 seconds better than last week. The eight miles of trails really suck the energy and strength out of a person. I believe I will come out on the stronger end!
Well I'm off to the hospital. Father-in-Law had surgery today. Peace!