I took a couple of extra days off since I am in the "taper" part of my training and I've had a few aches an pains - nothing major, just a little soreness - nothing for me to worry about. I was able to get in a 6-mile run today, which felt great. I'm beginning to watch Orlando weather, and really beginning to look forward to getting to Florida!
Mi 1 - 8:50.56
Mi 2 - 8:55.21
Mi 3 - 8:40.19
Mi 4 - 8:48.5
Mi 5 - 8:45.63
Mi 6 - 8:33.08
Total = 52:33.17
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Saturday, December 26, 2009
Last "long" run
On Christmas Eve I mentioned that my long run today would "only" be 12 miles. I mentioned how it seems so strange to say it's only 12 miles, considering that just a few months ago I had only run 12 miles once, and that was for a half-marathon last year. However, during this marathon training, I have definitely gotten stronger. On Christmas Eve I mentioned that while it is "only" 12 miles, it still isn't easy for me. I'm really not trying to be arrogant, but today 12 miles was easy! I am not sure that I've had a stronger run than today's run. Though it was cool out and the wind was pretty strong, I was stronger. Which was pretty amazing, considering I had such low expectations for today's run, and I almost decided to not even run. Last night someone broke into the church (again), so I was over there for quite a while and didn't get back till close to 12:00, then I need to settle down - so it was a late night.
I ran out on some country roads, and I just really felt amazing. Part of it was definitely mental. At some point I began thinking about all of my friends who will be supporting me in the marathon in a couple of weeks, and I just kept thinking about how I didn't want to let anyone down. For whatever reason, those thoughts just seemed to push me harder and my last mile was my fastest. Interestingly enough, at the end of my run as I was walking back to my car I saw 2 friends who are going to be running in the Disney marathon in a couple of weeks also. They were running 20 miles today, which I'm not sure is a great idea this close to the marathon. All the training plans I've seen call for you to begin cutting back 3 weeks out. However, everybody needs different preparation, and I'm hoping it works well for them. They are both good guys (and ministers as well - one a Methodist pastor, and his son is a baptist pastor).
Here are the splits:
Mi 1 - 9:07.65
Mi 2 - 8:56.87
Mi 3 - 9:03.03
Mi 4 - 8:54.64
Mi 5 - 8:51.28
Mi 6 - 9:14.09
Mi 7 - 9:06.31
Mi 8 - 9:07.43
Mi 9 - 9:14.04
Mi 10 - 9:00.66
Mi 11 - 8:52.1
Mi 12 - 8:41.5
Total = 1:48:09.60
I ran out on some country roads, and I just really felt amazing. Part of it was definitely mental. At some point I began thinking about all of my friends who will be supporting me in the marathon in a couple of weeks, and I just kept thinking about how I didn't want to let anyone down. For whatever reason, those thoughts just seemed to push me harder and my last mile was my fastest. Interestingly enough, at the end of my run as I was walking back to my car I saw 2 friends who are going to be running in the Disney marathon in a couple of weeks also. They were running 20 miles today, which I'm not sure is a great idea this close to the marathon. All the training plans I've seen call for you to begin cutting back 3 weeks out. However, everybody needs different preparation, and I'm hoping it works well for them. They are both good guys (and ministers as well - one a Methodist pastor, and his son is a baptist pastor).
Here are the splits:
Mi 1 - 9:07.65
Mi 2 - 8:56.87
Mi 3 - 9:03.03
Mi 4 - 8:54.64
Mi 5 - 8:51.28
Mi 6 - 9:14.09
Mi 7 - 9:06.31
Mi 8 - 9:07.43
Mi 9 - 9:14.04
Mi 10 - 9:00.66
Mi 11 - 8:52.1
Mi 12 - 8:41.5
Total = 1:48:09.60
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Christmas Eve run
Merry Christmas! Today while so many people were out doing last minute shopping, I was out doing a 6 mile fartlek! Once again, if you're not familiar with that term it is a Swedish word that means "speed play." To run a fartlek, you first eat lots of beans (ok, no - I just added that in - I know, that joke stinks . . . ), and then you go run. As you are running at a nice relaxed pace, you pick out a spot up ahead of you and you pick up the pace significantly till you that spot, and then you can resume your nice relaxed pace. It's really just interval training, but without designated interval lengths, and it just breaks up the monotony of a run. I can't say that I enjoy it, because it really is tiring, but I am very glad that I got it done.
Friday I will have to go run 12 miles, which stinks because it's the day after Christmas, but at least it's only 12. I still think it's funny to refer to it as "only 12," considering before I began this marathon training I had only run over 10 miles once. Not that 12 miles is easy for me now, but after having logged some of the long runs that I have, I feel pretty confident in running 12.
I truly wish you a Merry Christmas!
Mi 1 - 9:10.4
Mi 2 - 8:22.07
Mi 3 - 8:22.5
Mi 4 - 9:00.93
Mi 5 - 9:13.83
Mi 6 - 8:33.91
Total = 52:43.64
Friday I will have to go run 12 miles, which stinks because it's the day after Christmas, but at least it's only 12. I still think it's funny to refer to it as "only 12," considering before I began this marathon training I had only run over 10 miles once. Not that 12 miles is easy for me now, but after having logged some of the long runs that I have, I feel pretty confident in running 12.
I truly wish you a Merry Christmas!
Mi 1 - 9:10.4
Mi 2 - 8:22.07
Mi 3 - 8:22.5
Mi 4 - 9:00.93
Mi 5 - 9:13.83
Mi 6 - 8:33.91
Total = 52:43.64
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Taper
Just found out the other day that you can sign up to track me at the Disney Marathon on January 10 by going to the following site and signing up: (CLICK HERE)
It's free, and you'll have to sign up, but it's really simple and easy, and apparently you'll get emails or texts (your choice) regarding my progress as I run the race.
Today was my first run of the "taper" time, and it was an easy 5 miles. Maybe it's because it was so cool out, or maybe it was because I haven't run since I ran 20 on Friday, but I felt really strong out there this evening. I was breaking in a new pair of shoes, and though they are the exact same pair as the pair they are replacing, it's nice to break in a pair of shoes with no blisters or pains!
Mi 1 - 8:53.3
Mi 2 - 8:44.42
Mi 3 - 8:41.38
Mi 4 - 8:39.18
Mi 5 - 8:24.98
Total = 43:23.26
It's free, and you'll have to sign up, but it's really simple and easy, and apparently you'll get emails or texts (your choice) regarding my progress as I run the race.
Today was my first run of the "taper" time, and it was an easy 5 miles. Maybe it's because it was so cool out, or maybe it was because I haven't run since I ran 20 on Friday, but I felt really strong out there this evening. I was breaking in a new pair of shoes, and though they are the exact same pair as the pair they are replacing, it's nice to break in a pair of shoes with no blisters or pains!
Mi 1 - 8:53.3
Mi 2 - 8:44.42
Mi 3 - 8:41.38
Mi 4 - 8:39.18
Mi 5 - 8:24.98
Total = 43:23.26
Friday, December 18, 2009
Bonk! 20 miles . . .
According to my marathon training schedule, today was my last "long" run! Yippee!!! I've got to admit I am glad to be done with it - getting yourself pumped up enough to go spend over 3 hours running alone takes a lot of will power, and I'm not sure I have the drive and determination to do this a lot. I never really doubted that I could do it, but I can't say that I felt over-confident going into today's run - it really was more of a sense of dread. I think that feeling of dread contributed to my tremendous "bonk."
Just in case you're not familiar with the term, "bonk" means to "hit the wall." One of my favorite scenes in the movie "Run Fat Boy Run" (which if you haven't seen, consider it a "must see" according to Adam Seate), is when Dennis (said fat boy) hits the wall. In his mind, it is a literal brick wall, and he stops and stares at it. Some many people have gathered to cheer him on, and they all realize that he has hit the wall, and there is this tremendous sense that he is done. Dennis begins to visualize all the things that have driven him to run this marathon, and he sees one of the bricks moving. As the brick moves out, he peers through the hole remaining and he sees himself on the other side beckoning him on. At this point, he backs up, and tries to run forward only to hit the wall once again. Now he backs up one more time, and with all his might and determination he breaks through that wall and goes on to finish the race. Today, I hit that point at the 18th mile.
In hindsight, it was still a good run. Maybe I went too fast at the beginning. Maybe I didn't eat well enough yesterday. Maybe I ran too many miles (10) on flat country roads before I went into the country club and the up and down hills. Maybe it's that I defeated myself before I even started my run. All I know is I began hitting the wall at mile 13, and by mile 15 I had to stop and walk for a bit. When I run, one of my goals is to never stop (other than bathroom breaks). But today, I walked plenty. Those last few miles were truly a struggle today, and of course that just creates more fear because I was only running 20 miles, and not the 26 for the marathon. However, deep down I still believe that I have it in me to complete the marathon, and I believe that I, just like Dennis, will break down any wall that gets in my way.
Here are my splits:
Mi 1 - 9:18.03
Mi 2 - 9:16.93
Mi 3 - 9:24.66
Mi 4 - 9:26.72
Mi 5 - 9:30.44
Mi 6 - 9:26.79
Mi 7 - 9:15.83
Mi 8 - 9:25.78
Mi 9 - 9:19.77
Mi 10 - 9:36.28
Mi 11 - 9:30.79
Mi 12 - 9:32.13
Mi 13 - 9:49.62
Mi 14 - 9:58.41
Mi 15 - 10:02.94
Mi 16 - 10:15.33
Mi 17 - 10:17.07
Mi 18 - 11:29.66
Mi 19 - 10:45
Mi 20 - 11:02.72
Total = 3:16:44.90
Just in case you're not familiar with the term, "bonk" means to "hit the wall." One of my favorite scenes in the movie "Run Fat Boy Run" (which if you haven't seen, consider it a "must see" according to Adam Seate), is when Dennis (said fat boy) hits the wall. In his mind, it is a literal brick wall, and he stops and stares at it. Some many people have gathered to cheer him on, and they all realize that he has hit the wall, and there is this tremendous sense that he is done. Dennis begins to visualize all the things that have driven him to run this marathon, and he sees one of the bricks moving. As the brick moves out, he peers through the hole remaining and he sees himself on the other side beckoning him on. At this point, he backs up, and tries to run forward only to hit the wall once again. Now he backs up one more time, and with all his might and determination he breaks through that wall and goes on to finish the race. Today, I hit that point at the 18th mile.
In hindsight, it was still a good run. Maybe I went too fast at the beginning. Maybe I didn't eat well enough yesterday. Maybe I ran too many miles (10) on flat country roads before I went into the country club and the up and down hills. Maybe it's that I defeated myself before I even started my run. All I know is I began hitting the wall at mile 13, and by mile 15 I had to stop and walk for a bit. When I run, one of my goals is to never stop (other than bathroom breaks). But today, I walked plenty. Those last few miles were truly a struggle today, and of course that just creates more fear because I was only running 20 miles, and not the 26 for the marathon. However, deep down I still believe that I have it in me to complete the marathon, and I believe that I, just like Dennis, will break down any wall that gets in my way.
Here are my splits:
Mi 1 - 9:18.03
Mi 2 - 9:16.93
Mi 3 - 9:24.66
Mi 4 - 9:26.72
Mi 5 - 9:30.44
Mi 6 - 9:26.79
Mi 7 - 9:15.83
Mi 8 - 9:25.78
Mi 9 - 9:19.77
Mi 10 - 9:36.28
Mi 11 - 9:30.79
Mi 12 - 9:32.13
Mi 13 - 9:49.62
Mi 14 - 9:58.41
Mi 15 - 10:02.94
Mi 16 - 10:15.33
Mi 17 - 10:17.07
Mi 18 - 11:29.66
Mi 19 - 10:45
Mi 20 - 11:02.72
Total = 3:16:44.90
Wednesday, December 16, 2009
7 at 7
OK, so it was a little earlier than 7, but sometimes coming up with these blog titles is just a bit silly. Not a whole lot to say about my run this morning - it was 1 mile warm up, 5 mile tempo, and 1 mile cool down. I probably could say more, but I really need to get to the office.
Mi 1 - 9:29.88
Mi 2 - 8:38.92
Mi 3 - 8:25.66
Mi 4 - 8:41.21
Mi 5 - 9:00.27
Mi 6 - 8:46.87
Mi 7 - 9:15.34
Total = 1:02:18.15
Mi 1 - 9:29.88
Mi 2 - 8:38.92
Mi 3 - 8:25.66
Mi 4 - 8:41.21
Mi 5 - 9:00.27
Mi 6 - 8:46.87
Mi 7 - 9:15.34
Total = 1:02:18.15
Monday, December 14, 2009
23 days!
Starting to get even more excited about not just the marathon, but also the Disney trip! Just gotta get through Christmas and the New Year - oh drat! ;-)
Today I was able to work in my 6 "easy" miles. As I was running it I was trying to visualize where I would be on the marathon course at each mile marker. Ready to get there. I felt pretty good and strong today, and looking forward to knocking out my last 20 mile run this coming Friday. One issue that has cropped up that I'll need to pay attention to is some pain in my right arch - AKA plantar fasciitis. Been doing some good stretches and that has really helped, but it is something I'll need to be aware of over the next few days.
Here are the splits:
Mi 1 - 9:02.96
Mi 2 - 8:47.55
Mi 3 - 9:06.95
Mi 4 - 9:15.78
Mi 5 - 9:06.67
Mi 6 - 8:45.24
Total = 54:05.15
Today I was able to work in my 6 "easy" miles. As I was running it I was trying to visualize where I would be on the marathon course at each mile marker. Ready to get there. I felt pretty good and strong today, and looking forward to knocking out my last 20 mile run this coming Friday. One issue that has cropped up that I'll need to pay attention to is some pain in my right arch - AKA plantar fasciitis. Been doing some good stretches and that has really helped, but it is something I'll need to be aware of over the next few days.
Here are the splits:
Mi 1 - 9:02.96
Mi 2 - 8:47.55
Mi 3 - 9:06.95
Mi 4 - 9:15.78
Mi 5 - 9:06.67
Mi 6 - 8:45.24
Total = 54:05.15
Saturday, December 12, 2009
Charity question
An idea came to me on my run on Friday about raising money when I run the marathon, and I have no idea if this kind of thing is in place right now or not, so I thought I would put it out there and begin researching it. I am extremely grateful for the men and women of our nation's armed forces. The commitment and sacrifice that they make is remarkable, and most of us in the ordinary world have no idea what they go through. As I ran past the Air Force base on Friday, my thoughts turned to the airmen and other military people who are serving in locations far from home, and how many of them may not be able to travel home for the holidays due to the cost of the airfare.
What I began to wonder about is this: Is there a charity or organization out there that helps cover the cost of airfare for soldiers and their families to be able to travel for the holidays? Maybe they already get a discount, but I know they aren't paid enough for what they do. If there is something like this in place, I'd really like to try to raise funds for it by running the marathon. If I can find something I'm going to try to get people to pledge for every mile I run. I'm sure I wouldn't be able to raise much, but if it could help one soldier travel home for the holidays next year, then at least it would help that one. If anyone knows of anything, please let me know.
What I began to wonder about is this: Is there a charity or organization out there that helps cover the cost of airfare for soldiers and their families to be able to travel for the holidays? Maybe they already get a discount, but I know they aren't paid enough for what they do. If there is something like this in place, I'd really like to try to raise funds for it by running the marathon. If I can find something I'm going to try to get people to pledge for every mile I run. I'm sure I wouldn't be able to raise much, but if it could help one soldier travel home for the holidays next year, then at least it would help that one. If anyone knows of anything, please let me know.
Frozen Dozen
Well, since I wasn't able to do my 12 on Friday, I got up a little early Saturday morning and ran my it. The problem with getting up early Saturday morning was that early Saturday morning it was FREEZING cold. It was so cold that at one point an old man rolled down his window and yelled at me "You're crazy," and I just laughed - at him. Crazy is not getting out and enjoying all the complexities of life - the good and bad, the hot and cold, the joy and pain - and I was getting all of that in the span of a dozen miles on a cold Saturday morning. I wouldn't trade that for much of anything.
I could tell that I had run 6 miles the day before, but I still got it done. My legs were definitely "heavy." One of the common things I've had to deal with on my long runs lately is the dreaded "bathroom break." I just knew for sure this time I was going to be OK, because I planned out my run perfectly that at mile 6 I would be right at local park where for months they have had a couple of port-a-johns, and wouldn't you just know it, when I got to the park they were GONE! Frustrated and needing to . . . umm, find a tree where no one would see, I continued down the trail at the park into the woods, making sure to avoid any briars this time. My wife is convinced that she is going to get a call from me at some point in time having been arrested for indecent exposure and public urination, but I hope not. Hopefully I could out run the cops.
Here are the splits:
Mi 1 - 9:28.15
Mi 2 - 9:22.76
Mi 3 - 9:29.32
Mi 4 - 9:28.91
Mi 5 - 9:32.29
Mi 6 - 9:25.71
Mi 7 - 9:35.5
Mi 8 - 9:08.54
Mi 9 - 9:30.97
Mi 10 - 9:36.11
Mi 11 - 9:39.25
Mi 12 - 9:34.5
Total = 1:53:52.01
I could tell that I had run 6 miles the day before, but I still got it done. My legs were definitely "heavy." One of the common things I've had to deal with on my long runs lately is the dreaded "bathroom break." I just knew for sure this time I was going to be OK, because I planned out my run perfectly that at mile 6 I would be right at local park where for months they have had a couple of port-a-johns, and wouldn't you just know it, when I got to the park they were GONE! Frustrated and needing to . . . umm, find a tree where no one would see, I continued down the trail at the park into the woods, making sure to avoid any briars this time. My wife is convinced that she is going to get a call from me at some point in time having been arrested for indecent exposure and public urination, but I hope not. Hopefully I could out run the cops.
Here are the splits:
Mi 1 - 9:28.15
Mi 2 - 9:22.76
Mi 3 - 9:29.32
Mi 4 - 9:28.91
Mi 5 - 9:32.29
Mi 6 - 9:25.71
Mi 7 - 9:35.5
Mi 8 - 9:08.54
Mi 9 - 9:30.97
Mi 10 - 9:36.11
Mi 11 - 9:39.25
Mi 12 - 9:34.5
Total = 1:53:52.01
Friday 's effort
This was a bit of a busy week. As I got my run in on Tuesday morning, my plan had been to run again on Wednesday so that I would be able to at least get in 2 runs before my long run on Friday. However in life, plans often have to change. I realized lately that I have not been able to be around my family as much - meetings and other things have consumed my life so much lately I have missed out on playing with my boys, which is truly one of my greatest joys in life. So Wednesday when I came home, fully planning on going for a quick 5-mile interval run, I spoke to one of my sons who was just sitting in his room watching TV, and something just told me that he needed some "daddy-time." So I asked him, "Aaron, do you want to go out and play?" That kid's disposition changed IMMEDIATELY, and he was grabbing his shoes before I could even get out of his room. I quickly got changed (while Aaron kept yelling "Hurry up dad!"), and the boys and I went out and kicked the soccer ball around. It was fun, and it was something we all needed. I felt like in a way I got in a speed workout from running around chasing them, and I thought I would still be OK for my long run on Friday, especially since it was only 12 miles that I had to run this week.
While playing with the boys was a good thing, not running any more than I did all week was a bad thing. Friday morning I went for my run, and it was miserable. Part of it was because it was absolutely FRIGID. But a large part of it was because I just simply was not conditioned, or at least I didn't feel like I was. It really didn't take me too long to realize that I simply was not going to do 6 miles. I've read so many times about people missing their long runs during marathon training, and missing one long run won't ruin you for your race, so I just accepted that was going to be me this week. As I was struggling to just do half of what I had planned to do, I decided to really dedicate myself to BOTH my running and my family over the course of the next month. If I have to get up and run in 20 degree weather, then that is what I will do so that I can preserve the time with my family. And if I want to spend time with my family and know that I have to get a run in that day, then that is exactly what I will just have to do.
As I ran, I ran past Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and it really got me wondering about something - but I'll post that separately in another blog. It's just something I need to research, but it involves me trying to raise some money for our nation's soldiers who may need help with airfare to be able to go home for the holidays.
Back to the run, it wasn't until later in the day that I actually realized that I could still get my long run in on Saturday (which is what I was able to do), so I convinced myself I wasn't a failure this week ;-)
Mi 8:42.88
Mi 8:51.21
Mi 9:00.62
Mi 9:19.06
Mi 9:29.95
Mi 9:59.85
Total = 55:23.57
While playing with the boys was a good thing, not running any more than I did all week was a bad thing. Friday morning I went for my run, and it was miserable. Part of it was because it was absolutely FRIGID. But a large part of it was because I just simply was not conditioned, or at least I didn't feel like I was. It really didn't take me too long to realize that I simply was not going to do 6 miles. I've read so many times about people missing their long runs during marathon training, and missing one long run won't ruin you for your race, so I just accepted that was going to be me this week. As I was struggling to just do half of what I had planned to do, I decided to really dedicate myself to BOTH my running and my family over the course of the next month. If I have to get up and run in 20 degree weather, then that is what I will do so that I can preserve the time with my family. And if I want to spend time with my family and know that I have to get a run in that day, then that is exactly what I will just have to do.
As I ran, I ran past Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and it really got me wondering about something - but I'll post that separately in another blog. It's just something I need to research, but it involves me trying to raise some money for our nation's soldiers who may need help with airfare to be able to go home for the holidays.
Back to the run, it wasn't until later in the day that I actually realized that I could still get my long run in on Saturday (which is what I was able to do), so I convinced myself I wasn't a failure this week ;-)
Mi 8:42.88
Mi 8:51.21
Mi 9:00.62
Mi 9:19.06
Mi 9:29.95
Mi 9:59.85
Total = 55:23.57
Tuesday, December 8, 2009
Lost and Found
I simply could not get in a run yesterday, so I decided that once the kids got off to school this morning, I would head off for an easy 5 mile run at 7:00AM. It was nice and brisk this morning - just the thing for a quick morning run! I wore my gloves and ear muffs because it was quite cold, and as I was running I decided I would actually go ahead and do 6 miles - just because it felt so good out. However, around mile 5 I got hot and took off my gloves and put them in the pocket of my jacket. Unfortunately, somehow I realized a little bit later that I had lost one of my gloves - and since I seem to be completely incapable of keeping gloves, I decided to run back and look for it. I finally did find the glove, but my easy 5 miles became 6, and then my 6 became 7.
Mi 1 - 9:12.54
Mi 2 - 9:09.25
Mi 3 - 9:09.69
Mi 4 - 9:20.99
Mi 5 - 9:21.98
Mi 6 - 9:11.43
Mi 7 - 9:19.82
Total = 1:04:45.70
Mi 1 - 9:12.54
Mi 2 - 9:09.25
Mi 3 - 9:09.69
Mi 4 - 9:20.99
Mi 5 - 9:21.98
Mi 6 - 9:11.43
Mi 7 - 9:19.82
Total = 1:04:45.70
Friday, December 4, 2009
I ran 20 bloody miles!!!
As you can tell by the title, I'm pretty excited today. Today I ran farther than I have ever run, and I actually felt pretty good while doing it. What makes this accomplishment special for me is that last Thursday I attempted to run 20, and I failed. As you can can from my blog, my attempt last week was on Thanksgiving morning while at Nags Head, and I was only able to run 16, which was 2 miles less than I had run the week before. I was VERY discouraged by my failure, and as much as I tried to tell myself after-the-fact that I could have gone ahead and run 4 more miles if I really wanted to, the fact is that I did not run 4 more - I simply quit.
I really did feel pretty good from the start of my run, and the weather was ABSOLUTELY perfect! I drove out to the country club where I was going to do my run, but I decided that since it was pretty cold to start, that I would run the first 3 miles or so down a country road and then come back to the car to drop off my warm up jacket once I had warmed up a bit. I could tell after mile 3 that I had hydrated properly, and unfortunately there are no port-a-potties or rest rooms out on country roads. However, there are woods. The problem with woods is that there are also briars. As I ran off the road into the woods I stepped directly into a puddle, that was camoflaged quite nicely by all the fallen leaves. As I jumped away from the puddle I found a beautiful briar patch, or maybe it found me. I could not believe how scratched up my leg got, and I considered showing a picture, but unfortunately on of the scratches goes up a little higher than I wish to show. Fortunately, I had not yet begun to answer nature's call. I did stop my watch during this woods venture, because it took me a couple of minutes just to find my way out safely. So I tried to wipe up the blood as best I could (good thing I was wearing black shorts and black gloves!), and off I went again. I ran the last 15 miles with a soaked left shoe and a bloody right thigh. Yeah, I felt like a total bad butt hardcore runner.
A couple of notes before I post my splits: I used a 5-hour energy shot this morning before I ran. I don't know if that contributed to anything, but I know I felt good for the run. I also used PowerBar energy gels at mile 6, 12, and 17. I kept waiting to hit the "wall," but it only came around mile 18, and it did not last long and I felt strong for the last mile. I am beginning to believe that I'll be able to do this marathon thing ;-)
Next week my long run is quite a bit shorter - only 12 miles! 2 weeks from today I'll do one more 20 mile run, and then begin the taper. I cannot believe I'm only a few weeks away from the DisneyWorld marathon!
Mi 1 - 9:02.61
Mi 2 - 9:30.51
Mi 3 - 9:54.96
Mi 4 - 9:59.38
Mi 5 - 9:57.18
Mi 6 - 9:30.06
Mi 7 - 9:48.2
Mi 8 - 9:43.67
Mi 9 - 9:55.3
Mi 10 - 9:55.41
Mi 11 - 9:56.12
Mi 12 - 9:26.73
Mi 13 - 9:43.48
Mi 14 - 9:38.19
Mi 15 - 9:53.86
Mi 16 - 9:44.66
Mi 17 - 9:41.44
Mi 18 - 9:51.21
Mi 19 - 9:59.52
Mi 20 - 9:50.47
Total = 3:15:02.96
For all my calorie counting friends, that is 2,778 calories!
I really did feel pretty good from the start of my run, and the weather was ABSOLUTELY perfect! I drove out to the country club where I was going to do my run, but I decided that since it was pretty cold to start, that I would run the first 3 miles or so down a country road and then come back to the car to drop off my warm up jacket once I had warmed up a bit. I could tell after mile 3 that I had hydrated properly, and unfortunately there are no port-a-potties or rest rooms out on country roads. However, there are woods. The problem with woods is that there are also briars. As I ran off the road into the woods I stepped directly into a puddle, that was camoflaged quite nicely by all the fallen leaves. As I jumped away from the puddle I found a beautiful briar patch, or maybe it found me. I could not believe how scratched up my leg got, and I considered showing a picture, but unfortunately on of the scratches goes up a little higher than I wish to show. Fortunately, I had not yet begun to answer nature's call. I did stop my watch during this woods venture, because it took me a couple of minutes just to find my way out safely. So I tried to wipe up the blood as best I could (good thing I was wearing black shorts and black gloves!), and off I went again. I ran the last 15 miles with a soaked left shoe and a bloody right thigh. Yeah, I felt like a total bad butt hardcore runner.
A couple of notes before I post my splits: I used a 5-hour energy shot this morning before I ran. I don't know if that contributed to anything, but I know I felt good for the run. I also used PowerBar energy gels at mile 6, 12, and 17. I kept waiting to hit the "wall," but it only came around mile 18, and it did not last long and I felt strong for the last mile. I am beginning to believe that I'll be able to do this marathon thing ;-)
Next week my long run is quite a bit shorter - only 12 miles! 2 weeks from today I'll do one more 20 mile run, and then begin the taper. I cannot believe I'm only a few weeks away from the DisneyWorld marathon!
Mi 1 - 9:02.61
Mi 2 - 9:30.51
Mi 3 - 9:54.96
Mi 4 - 9:59.38
Mi 5 - 9:57.18
Mi 6 - 9:30.06
Mi 7 - 9:48.2
Mi 8 - 9:43.67
Mi 9 - 9:55.3
Mi 10 - 9:55.41
Mi 11 - 9:56.12
Mi 12 - 9:26.73
Mi 13 - 9:43.48
Mi 14 - 9:38.19
Mi 15 - 9:53.86
Mi 16 - 9:44.66
Mi 17 - 9:41.44
Mi 18 - 9:51.21
Mi 19 - 9:59.52
Mi 20 - 9:50.47
Total = 3:15:02.96
For all my calorie counting friends, that is 2,778 calories!
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Easy Monday
Monday afternoon I was able to squeeze in a quick 5 mile run before the rain came. I know! I was shocked that I didn't have to run in the rain again! The nice thing about this run was that it was supposed to be an "easy run" according to my training plan. The even nicer thing was how "easy" my 5 miles went by, and at a much quicker pace than what I normally would have called an "easy" pace. It really was a good confidence booster - something I needed after not doing by 20 mile run last Thursday. It showed me that my training is paying off, and my definition of "easy" is now changing. Right now, I feel very confident about my 20 miler on Friday - and for once, I'm actually looking forward to my long run!
Here are the splits:
Mi 1 - 8:49.74
Mi 2 - 8:35.5
Mi 3 - 8:37.65
Mi 4 - 8:26.63
Mi 5 - 8:05.4
Total = 42:34.92
Here are the splits:
Mi 1 - 8:49.74
Mi 2 - 8:35.5
Mi 3 - 8:37.65
Mi 4 - 8:26.63
Mi 5 - 8:05.4
Total = 42:34.92
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