9.8 miles to go...

I knew that this morning's long run (16.4 miles) would be much more difficult mentally by considering the big picture. Instead, I took it 4 miles at a time (splits: 4(1): 10:01 pace; 4(2): 9:34 pace; 4(3): 9:23 pace; 4.4(4): 8:53 pace). This seemed to work well. I was tired going up the last hill to my house, but I wanted to see how much I had left, so I pushed it. I had plenty left but at that point really wanted something sweet. The almonds were no longer cutting it.

I carried a Kelty Neptune hydration pack, which holds 2 liters of water. I didn't finish the entire bladder. This beats the hell out of having to stop for water. I love this thing. It's also great because the bladder is removable and can function as a backpack for when I run to and from work. I have no idea how much it retails for because I found it at Sports Authority in the hydration packs section with no price. It ended up being $2.62 (clearance/last year's model/etc.--AWESOME...I'll take it!). This was just before I was about to drop $55 on a North Face.

Real Men Runners Wear Running Tights@

HAHA!