I Delivered: 22 miles (!!!!!) with the last mile at 8:13!
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| Ready to rock n roll |
This week's long run was my longest run in my training plan, my longest run in 2 years, and just plain long: 22 miles! I was dreading it all week while trying to stay in my positive mindset. I've been reading a great book, Running Within, about improving your mental state while running. It's a little cheesy in parts but I've been trying to take what I can to help me reach my true potential by getting my brain to cooperate.
Today I tried to put some of the advice into practice during my run and I felt like it really helped. The ideas about pushing through fatigue and relaxing your face and body were especially helpful and got me through some rough parts.
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| Only my knees didn't get compression |
I decided to break the run up into 2 loops: my hill route that has the mile long uphill which I thought would be about 10 miles back to my house and then the half marathon loop which is a little less than 13 miles. So I set out on my hill loop and really tried to concentrate only on that loop and not think about the giant 22 number which was too much for my brain and legs to comprehend. Luckily with our new location, the mile-long hill came up at mile 1.5 so I got that out of the way at the beginning. I got yelled at by a biker for running in the bike lane (whatever!) but otherwise it was a pretty chill run. I kept working on keeping my pace slow, between 9-10 minute miles, and enjoying the run. On my way back I decided I was going to swing by the house and go to the bathroom and get cold water. At mile 9 I was just about to call Matt to warn him when he drove by me and pulled over. The kids got out and gave me cold water and oranges then rushed home to open up the house for me. I ran in, did my stuff and hit the road again pretty quickly. It was a good stop though because my spi belt had been bugging me so I was glad to take that off.
I set off again on my second loop and just putted along, listening to my music and trying to keep up my positive attitude. When I got to the first bridge I saw a lot of runners out training for something as part of a team from a gym. They had matching t-shirts and coaches and water stations set up along the road, it was very impressive! After I crossed the bridge, I ran along a mall parking lot and just when I got to the end, at mile 16, my support vehicle pulled up! They filled my water bottle and admitted that they had been at McDonald's having breakfast while I was running-a big treat for the kids!
I continued along and then headed down to the JK Bridge. Just as I was running on to it, I looked over to the playground and saw Matt running towards me with the water bottle. I waved him off and told them to keep having fun on the playground and not to worry about me. 3.5 miles to go! As I was crossing the bridge my legs really started to feel tired but I worked on pushing those negative thoughts out of my mind and concentrating on how far I had come and how close I was to finishing. There are a couple of hills after the bridge but I just worked my way up them and thought about hitting mile 21 and starting my strong finish.
When I hit mile 21, I picked up the pace and it felt great! My legs were tired but I felt like I had the strength to run a little bit faster. It was such a different feeling from the trudging, crying slog fest that is the usual end to my long runs. I loved it! I kept thinking, I can run the marathon! I could run 4 more miles now! It was an amazing feeling! My time for my last mile was 8:13! Race pace! I was really happy with that, it shows that I can pick it up at the end.
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| Ah endorphins! Feeling a little silly post run |
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| My legs loved the cold water |
After I finished I sat down in the pool for an improvised ice bath and Murray kept me company. I was so happy and proud of myself that I ran so far and finished so strong. I felt confident that I can finish the marathon and achieve my goals. But more importantly, that it could be a fun experience. Bring on Rio!!!
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| Murray was good company |
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