The feared 20 Miler – WEEK 15

Saturday was every first time marathoners scariest moment (besides marathon morning). I woke up wondering how in the world was I going to run 20 miles. Was I ready? Did I fuel properly the days leading? Was I hydrated? Will my calves cramp? Since my training partner was running her marathon the following day I ran with a friend that is training for Philly. It helps so much knowing you have someone waiting for you. There’s no way I could not show up!

I ate a piece of bread with PB and half a Pumpkin Spice Cliff bar. For some strange reason I wasn’t hungry and couldn't eat. My stomach felt off. I watched the sun come up and the sky was a beautiful pink. I wish I took a picture. Around 7:15 we were off. I told my friend that I wanted to run at 11:30 pace. Sound familiar? I said the same thing on the 18 miler 2 weeks ago. Let’s just say we ran 13 miles at 11:15/pace.  I tried to slow down but it’s hard when running with someone else.

We ran out 7 and turned around. At mile 14 we stopped at our cars to refuel and use the bathroom. Deja vu? Did the same thing 2 weeks ago and had a hard time getting back into a groove. Why did I think this week would be any different? I had to stop though. I was out of water & needed the bathroom. I switched to Fruit Punch Powerade (MCM drink of choice – boo).  Less then 5 minutes later we were off again. All we had to do was run 3 miles and turn around.

It seems that Mile 15 is when I really start to slow down. Surprisingly I felt pretty good. I wore my calf compression sleeves and I had ZERO calf cramping – PRAISE THE LORD.  My legs just didn't want to move. At one point I thought I was going fast and I looked at my garmin and my pace was 11:55 – ha. I focused on putting one foot in front of the next. I decided to run for .90 and walk for .10.

At some point my garmin started acting strange. At mile 19 it didn't show my split time and then at 19.47 it beeped for Lap 20 and showed me my split time?! At this point I wanted the run to be over so I picked up the pace and saw 10:00 on my garmin! I finished 20 miles with a smile on my face and feeling good. My feet hurt but that’s to be expected when you run for almost 4 hours! I didn't have any sharp pains, I wasn't light headed, my stomach felt good – I say I finished 20 miles the right way!

Splits (which seem to be a little off but who cares):

• 11:10
• 11:09
• 10:58
• 11:09
• 11:26
• 11:13
• 10:50
• 11:45
• 11:09
• 11:22
• 12:34
• 11:26
• 11:36
• 11:55
• 12:37
• 12:53
• 13:42
• 12:24
• 12:53
• 12:12
• Total: 3 hours 55 minutes   Pace: 11:45

I got home around 12:30 and spent most of the day on the couch relaxing with my legs up. I went to bed early b/c I had to be up bright and early the following day for the local marathon & half marathon. What the hell was I thinking?!  My alarm went off at 7am and I just wanted to sleep. But there was no way I was missing my training partners first marathon. Cheering for a marathon a few weeks before your own is so invigorating!!! I am pumped for MCM.

I was on my feet for 8 hours AND I ran with my training partner a little and my legs felt great. I couldn't walk for days after I ran 16 & 18 miles. Must mean I am doing something right with my training? I am running 13 miles this weekend and I plan to run it alone. I feel its necessary to run another long run alone and I want to reflect on my training.

19 DAYS AND COUNTING

PS – My training partner rocked the marathon. She finished in 4:35!