Previous marathon training long runs:
- 8.0 is better together
- 10.0 for the win
- 11.0 miles: Attempt #2
- Half Marathon Thursday
- 10.0 Glorious Miles
- Friendly 15.0
- 15.0 Miles With Emma and General
- 15.0 Miles (Again, Again)
- Suffering 16.0
Yayyyy! Fall running RULES!
I had to dig through the back of my workout clothes drawer to find one of my three long-sleeved workout tees! It was super chilly this morning when I left for my 17.0 mile run. I even wore another shirt UNDER my long sleeve shirt, but I shed it around Mile 9.0.
However, it’s not yet WINTER because I still could wear shorts. :) I’m going to have to head to the running store and plunk down some serious cash for some actual winter running pants. Everything I own is made for running in Central Florida!
This morning’s run started off like ALL long runs – I really recommend getting into a routine with your longer (which is a relative term, of course) runs because it definitely makes race day go a lot smoother if you know what to eat, what to drink, when to use the bathroom, etc.
PB and banana sandwich, down the hatch! Plus a coffee and a big water.
I had trouble getting motivated to leave the house, but some inspirational tweets from fellow bloggers got me moving. Also, I had not one but TWO running dates with friends. Even if your friends aren’t running the distance you’re tackling (or the reverse), you can always meet up and do a few miles together.
My rest date was with a reader named Mary. She was so nice! We ran 5.0 miles together, and it set a great tone for the rest of my run. The miles flew by when I was with Mary because we had plenty to chat about.
When we parted, I stopped into the grocery store to grab a large Powerade, and then I ran back to my house to drop it off on the porch. I looped back three times during the rest of my run to refill my water bottle and consumed about 150 calories in Powerade. I also ate a Mint Chocolate Gu (which actually tasted pretty good) around Mile 12.0. It seems that 250 – 300 calories is the “magic number†for me on runs from 15 – 18 miles. I don’t get too hungry or feel too full, and I never feel weak. I’d rather eat most of my long run calories back in “real food†anyway.
At Mile 10.0, I met up with Nicole! I was so happy to see her since I was started to feel a little bored. I told her that I was feeling really good and she was happy for me! My long run last week was SOOOOO HORRENDOUS due to 1) exhaustion; 2) the heat; 3) the humidity; and 4) my attitude. Today’s 17-miler was so much better! I hope the weather for the marathon (in 27 DAYS!) is just as nice as it was today.
Nicole and I did 4.0 miles together, and then I wrapped up another 3.0 on my own! I even managed to pick up my pace a little at the end. I felt like I could’ve kept going, too (which is a very, very, VERY good sign).
- Distance: 17.0 miles
- Duration: 2:58:05
- Average Pace: 10:29 <— right on pace for my dream marathon pace!
I fantasized about this breakfast for the entire run!
Wouldn’t you be fantasizing about THIS?
I made French toast and smashed Pumpkin Yogurt in between. It was so delicious. I literally licked my plate clean.
Topping with a heap of raspberries!
I’m grinning from ear to ear today! Having a strong run is such a confidence boost before my race!
Any recommendations for cold weather running gear?
Congrats on the awesome long run! I tackled my longest this morning (11 miles) and it felt great. I had the same clothing issues as you did, though, it was chilly and I didn’t know what to wear! I’m in upstate NY and it was damn cold when I stepped out the door but I was warm enough with a pair of shorts, a tank top and a lightweight fleece, plus a little fleece cap.
Last winter I spent most of the really cold days on the treadmill, but I am training for my first marathon in January and know I won’t be able to tackle my long runs on the treadmill, it would be tough, so I too, will have to head to the running store and get some better cold weather gear. I look forward to read some of the suggestions from others.