Do you hear that? That's the sound of me breathing a sigh of relief as I completed my last really long, long run for marathon training. I completed my third 20 mile run today (well actually only my second because I cut my first 20 miler to 19 because I'm lazy like that). Regardless my longest runs are over and done with and as far as I'm concerned, I'm in taper mode and I'm HAPPY, HAPPY, HAPPY!
I miss my Texas tan!!! |
I don't think I allowed myself to dread this run because I didn't allow myself to think about it. I knew I'd just have negative feelings about it, so I decided to just not think about it at all. So Tracey and I set off running and we were .6 mile into the run and I realized-- I didn't want to be doing this. The good thing was I had .6 miles done and only 19.4 to go. Ha!
Luckily I felt pretty good physically and the miles were ticking by without much pain. I was thankful that my body was at least cooperating. In fact, a couple of times I asked Tracey to back off the pace, not because I couldn't handle it, but because I was afraid we were going too fast for my 20 mile jaunt.
Mile 1: 10:31
Mile 2: 10:22
Mile 3: 10:09
Mile 4: 10:13
Mile 5: 10:08-----> First Gu
And just like that the first 5 miles were finished. I remember thinking that it had gone by soooo slowly and it seemed as though 10 miles should have gone by.
At this point we were joined by Charlene. It's always fun to have someone else come along because it opens up a whole other line of things to talk about. We settled in for our second loop and things were a little slower.
Mile 6: 10:49
Mile 7: 10:34
I still felt pretty good at this point, but knew I was coming up on mile 10 which meant I was going to be left ALL ALONE. Woah is me, I know, but I've become so accustomed to running buddies and I'm a whiner. Sue me. I mean seriously, don't we look like we're having fun? ALL ALONE isn't as much fun.
Even though we were running slower this loop seemed to go by much faster.
Mile 8: 10:48
Mile 9: 10:43
Mile 10: 10:46 -----> 2nd Gu
We were back at the boat house before I knew it and I had to say goodbye to these ladies. I begged them not to leave me, but they are selfish like that and had to go home to their families. How rude!
Oh well, 10 mile were finished and I was VERY thankful that I had made it half way.
I had 5 miles to do on my own. One loop before Jami was coming to meet me and I told myself it wasn't going to suck. I put in my Yurbuds and headed back out with the sweet sound of Rhiana blaring in my ears. And that's when it happened. The running gods shone down on me.
I don't know what it was, but the stars must have all aligned or something and I started cruising right along. I wasn't complaining to myself in my head. My body wasn't hating me and I was actually ENJOYING myself. Who am I? A running Goddess! (Go with it will ya?)
Mile 11: 10:33
Mile 12: 10:18
Mile 13: 10:17
These running Gods are fickle people, however, because they must have starting shining down elsewhere. Around the 13 mile mark by body started to get tired. I kind of cursed myself for being such a Wimpy McWimperson because I had only just hit the half marathon point. I should have plenty more in the tank.
I gave myself a pep talk and cursed the running Gods and kept moving along. Who needs running Gods anyway. I had Usher and Pitbull.
Mile 14: 10:20
Mile 15: 10:29 -----> PB & J
Um did you see that???? My third lap ALL ALONE (did I mention I was ALL ALONE?) was faster than my second loop. Take that!
Just as I got back to the boathouse again I saw Jami pulling in. I knew she was carrying my secret weapon. The peanut butter and jelly sandwich. Oh yes I did. I wolfed it down and Jami and I set back out for my fourth and final loop. I warned her to not be too gung ho. I felt like this would be a slow loop.
Nevertheless, we got in a groove talking and got going. I think I complained a lot about my body rejecting itself and I took one very short walk break up a hill at about mile 17.5, but I probably honestly didn't NEED it. It was more for my mental strength than anything else.
Mile 16: 11:03
Mile 17: 10:35
After my short walk break, I knew we'd have a decent flat stretch and I just wrapped my head around finishing strong (as I could). Jami and I chit chatted along the way and it really did go by so quickly. I thank God (not those damn running Gods) that Jami agreed to join me because I needed her there by my side. I have so much more confidence when I'm not going it alone. Thanks Jami!
Mile 18: 11:31
Mile 19: 10:59
Mile 20: 10:57
Total: 3:32:22
Average: 10:36
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