Thanks for that explanation, BNB!
Today was my final 20 miler (9:08 target pace) - to say I felt pressure would be a serious understatement after my less-than-ideal previous 20 milers (3 of them!!) and having been sick recently. I needed this one to go well.
Got up at 6am and had a big cup of coffee with my oatmeal - wanted plenty of time to take care of business before I got started this time around. Downed a bag of Sports Beans outside (upper 30s when I started) and headed off at about 6:50.
5 miles, 9:17s, 152 bpm - a touch off my 9:15 target, but basically exactly how I wanted to start.
5 miles, 9:06s, 156 bpm - a touch faster than my 9:10 target gets me on track and where I wanted to be after 10. Felt great
5 miles, 9:04s, 161 bpm - not only my fastest time to 15 on a 20 miler this year, but ties for my lowest bpm, too.
5 miles, 9:05s, 167 bpm - the strongest I've EVER been through 20 miles. Legs hurt a bit but definitely tolerable.
1 mile, 8:53, 173 bpm - wanted to get past 20 at least one time. Could have kept going without a problem.
Overall, 21 miles, 3:11:39, 9:07 ave pace.
Ice bath afterwards and felt really good. Just exactly what I hoped to get out of the run.