This week’s long run was suppose to be 18 miles (per the training plan I created for myself) but I kind of always knew that it would really be a 20 miler. After all, I’m only 3 weeks out from my marathon, and it’s pretty much now or never!
For my first (and only) marathon, Megan and I ran our 20 miler in 3:27:48, but that number is kind of deceiving because we really pushed it the last 5 miles (not a maintainable race day pace). Realistically, it was more like 3:32 or so. And of course, around Mile 18 of the actual Disney Marathon, my pace completely fell apart, climbing as high as 13:55/mile.
But today was SO different. With a little help from Nicole and Emma, I smashed 20 miles in 3:25:34 – an average pace of 10:17!
(Side note: Emma’s trophy is because 1) she’s awesome and 2) she won it at the Half Marathon were suppose to do together a few weekends ago, but Jen gave it to me to give to her because she missed the award ceremony.)
(In case you can’t tell, that’s a painting of Nicole and I! Hehe)
Honestly, I feel like I borrowed someone else’s body for this 20 mile run. I felt so ridiculously strong the entire time. I took walking breaks every now and then, but at no point did the run feel like torture. <– Evidence that I’ve been fueling right and treating my body well! Good 20 mile runs do NOT happen on accident.
I ran the first three miles with Nicole, and then Emma joined up to do 12 with me (her marathon is in December). I was alone with my iPod for the last 5 miles, but it was fine! I actually relished being able to pop my earbuds in and just zone out.
I took walking breaks when I wanted to up until Mile 15, but then I started to walk/run with regularity. Every mile, I took a 0.05 mile walking break, but it didn’t impact my overall pace at all.
Newer runners – don’t ever let someone telling you that you aren’t “allowed†to walk. Walking is the bomb! Repeat after me: It is OK to walk!
Pre-run snack was the usual PB sandwich with a banana:
Mid-run fuel included about 200 calories of Gatorade and a bag of dates, which actually worked out quite well.
Statistics:
- Distance: 20 epic miles
- Duration: 3:25:34
- Average Pace: 10:17
Came home, ordered Thai food, showered, and then walked to get Thai. Yes, walking to get Thai food after running 20.0 miles is kind of a sick joke on your legs. But the place is sooo close to my house that getting into the car felt like a waste of time.
No, Thai food. Thank you.
Wonderful bowl of Tofu Pad Thai with extra veggies, extra sauce, and a spring roll on the side. More food will be going inside my belly as soon as there is room!
Feeling on Cloud 9… Marathon, here I come! Only 3 weeks to go!
(If anyone else is going the Spinx Marathon, Half, or 5K, e-mail me! I’m organizing a pre-race meet-up!)
Wow. So well done to you!! You are seriously incredible! I’ve got my 1st 20miler on Sunday (my marathon is the 31st) and I’m SO scared!! What are your top tips!? And you said you’ve been treating your body right/fueling well etc – kind of a big question, but what exactly did that involve? Like, lots of sleep or lots of pasta!? I really really want to rock Sunday, cos I had an awful one last weekend 🙁