Tough tower run - -Sun. May 16

We all slept in this morning, so I missed the SRRC run, but went out after the later mass and phoning home, probably a bit after 1.p.m. It was sunny, warm, but dry, really nice, with a gusting breeze and some clouds occasionally. After much dithering, wanting a trail AND hill run, with about 13 miles, I figured I'd head out to the Quabbin tower via a possible route for the B'town 10K. GeoHannum to rail trail, into state school and stretch; then out by Checkers and up 202 and down Jabish, then along 9 directly to Blue Meadow, and in: the lane proves to be a tough climb (given how clunky/tired I'm feeling), but chug away, and eventually come to a gate, which I go over and on along past the refueling spot, then back to tarmac as road heads to Quabbin main; continue over the dam, then up the hill--lots of tourists and bikers, perfect Sunday for it. Hit the top just as clock hits 8 miles and 1 hour, plus a few seconds. Forgo a climb up the tower, but eat one part of PB sandwich as I jog round then restart clock and head down hill. Inevitably fast down the hill, but keep it going over the dam too, then run into the visitor center to refill empty water bottle (leaving clock running). As I head out suddenly overcome with tiredness, at only ten miles; keep running, but decide to do Early street and Enfield to Allen and 202, as maybe a bit shorter or easier on way back. Heading to Early feel even tireder, and stop once or twice to walk while getting a drink; moving very slowly, but leave clock running all the way. Finally as I reach trails end and come out onto Enfield, feel a bit better; eat remaining sandwich half and chug along the road section, still not very brisk, but at the downhill to 202 pick up a bit of speed, which stays with me to the end. Stop clock as soon as 16 miles are up, just by the supermarket, thus:

Time: 2:00:09
Distance: 16.01 miles
Pace: 7:30s

Comment: this should have been a negative split, but I used all my energy (clearly!) on the way out, so it almost ended up a positive split. I'm still amazed that the second 8 was as fast as it was, on average, given how awful I felt -- really ready to lie down beside the trail and sleep at several points. I was tired afterwards, and drained a third complete bottle of water, but I don't think fluids or food were the real problem. Trail running is hard, and this was after my first 40+ mile week since Boston. I'm just TIRED. So, two days off now (though I did a 5 mile trail hike with F in the evening to show her the beaver dam. . .)

BTW, the ascent for the first 8 was 738' while for the second it was just 194' -- really should have been a negative split. . .