The picture shows the elevation profile and as you can see it's somewhat challenging with a total ascent of 50m for two laps. The climb grade is between +1-1.5% and the descent is -1%. Basically 3k of one 5k lap is running up- and downhill, the remaining 2k are flat but often times very windy. And even though it's a lap you don't get things paid back in tailwind. I often wonder why...
Did I say earlier today will feel like a recovery run? Far from it and I already have to thank Mystery Coach for his advice to back off 15-20 sec per mile. I think this saved me from wiping out big time today. Only the first 3k felt like heaven due to the slower pace. Breathing was easy but the legs started to feel heavier. I managed to go 13 sec per mile slower, the slowest run in the series - but it felt bloody hard! I don't think I could have gone much faster today. If I had, I would have experienced a very bad day.
It also didn't help that a nasty blister appeared yesterday under my left forefoot. It's exactly the same spot where I got a big one during the Shinjuku Half Marathon 3 weeks ago. My feet are just not used to running at continuously faster paces as I naturally have to use more mid- and forefoot. I dumped my Adizero CS2 and went out in my heavy duty Kayanos to get some sort of relief. But Kayanos for a 7 miler is like racing a tank on a Formula One race track! I also used a Compeed blister plaster but it all still feels like walking on a waterbed. The plaster is 70-44mm and it just covers the blister - ouch! I am not sure at the moment if I will be able to complete the test under these conditions.
And finally the headwind was vicious today! I feel like a beer now.
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