Another LSD run in the bag

I hadn't mentioned this, but a couple of weeks ago, I went on a long run (17 miles), and basically got reacquainted with The Wall. It was a bad, bad run, probably the worst I have had in well over a year. The first hour and a half wasn't bad, but the temps kept climbing, and even though I was toting water (and refilled past the halfway point), it just wasn't enough. My last 3 miles or so more closely resembled a death march than a run. My legs cramped up, almost seized completely, and I had to do a hobble/walk routine for a while until I could get them stretched out again.

So why do I bring this up? Because today's run, even though it was only 13 miles (possibly 13.2, but I'm only claiming 13, just to be safe), could not have been more different. Relaxed, easy pace, and if it had not been for a potty break, it would have been within a couple of minutes of my current half-marathon PR, for almost the same distance.

I'm waffling back on forth on whether or not I can really qualify for Boston at Chicago this year, but runs like today's really bolster my confidence.