My long run today was TOUGH. I was surprised because my last 11-miler went really well. I had planned on taking my power bar breaks at 3, 6, and 9 miles. I had to add a few breaks in at 8 and 10 miles too. And I went through 3 bottles of water! I usually only need 1. When I have a bad run this close to a race it really shakes my confidence so I am trying to think of reasons why this run was hard...

1. I had 6 days of solid workouts this week, and while yesterday was technically a rest day, we probably walked 4-5 miles around the city.
2. Because I delayed my long run last week, I ran a total of 26 miles in the last 7 days. During my peak training I usually top off at around 21 miles a week.
3. I ate a lot yesterday, but before that I had only been eating around 1500 calories a day all week.
4. I am only 14 days out from a half-marathon, at which I had a big PR.

I tried to shake off the bad long-run mojo by wearing my favorite post-long-run t-shirt:



And eating my favorite post-long-run meal:



BBQ chicken sandwich from Claim Jumper. Best.sandwich.ever.

And I am about to indulge in another post-long-run favorite - a foot/leg rub from hubby! All-in-all not a bad day.