Triumph and Failure

Isn't it funny how running seems to be a mix of both - often at the same time? Very much like life. Made up of many many successes and fails, but all that matters is how we respond to them. So my triumph or success is that I really did have a good run today. I felt great and I am totally confident in my ability to do the marathon. My time won't be great, but it's all about having fun. So I will absolutely be able to be a success with that! My failure is that I didn't do my full miles. I stopped around 17. Why? Partially because I left late (around 8) and it was warmish, but that's actually just an excuse because it really wasn't bad and I've sure run in hotter weather! But my left quad (both, actually, but especially the left) really started cramping around mile 13. Not a dehydration muscle cramp, but just "use/overuse/what the heck are you doing!?!" muscle cramp. Don't worry. You know me. I totally have a theory. I think it is related to those new insoles. And they are really helping me, I think. I'm very glad I spent the money to try it out. But I bet they are changing my gait. Maybe I've been running in a way that relies more heavily on the hamstrings and my quads have not been as involved? What do you think? Did you get new soreness when you started using your orthotics? Next week is supposed to be 15 (I'm already starting the taper - can't believe it!), and I'll replace it with the 20. Well, that's what I'm thinking now!