The Long Stretch

On Saturday, I completed 20 miles. No, that's not a typo!!! 

I'm not even sure what to say. 

I truly can't believe it.

I knew it was bound to happen, given that I'm training for 26.2, and it was on our May calendar. But still, it seems mind-boggling. 

It was tough. Especially in the early miles. That was a surprise actually, because I didn't think that the serious difficulties would occur until mile 14-17 range. Not so. 

I started off early (6:30) because I wanted to avoid as much of the unbearable SF Valley sun and heat toward mid-day as I could. I guess I didn't properly warm up though, because within the first few minutes of my run, my shins started throbbing. I tried to push through it for a few intervals when I realized that 1) I really wanted to complete 20 miles, 2) slow and steady wins (well, actually merely finishes) the race, and 3) I am training for the marathon, not for a team practice. So I swallowed my pride and decided to walk the remainder of the miles. 

At this point, I'm not sure what I'm going to be able to do during the marathon. I feel like I will be able to walk it, and I feel as though I will be able to jog parts, but I'm not sure I'll be able to keep a steady interval during the entire event. 

One thing that I found particularly helpful though about Saturday's practice was that I learned that I need a bit longer of a warm-up than other people. That's especially true when I'm running first thing in the morning. So I may decide to simply walk the first mile or two of the actual event. I think that will help me not trip over the many people who are going to be running with me, and, because the first part of the marathon is a long uphill onramp, will help me conserve energy for the remainder.  

I'm really glad that on the run two weeks ago, I pushed through for that 17th mile. Because I did that, even though I ached during my entire 20 miles yesterday, I was so much stronger at mile 17 than I was during practice two weeks ago. I expect that I'll go through a lot of painful I-can't-make-it moments during the marathon, but now I have a few extra things that I didn't have previously. I have the knowledge that I can push through a hell of a lot of physical discomfort and am strong enough to accomplish tough goals. I have the confidence that I can follow through and push through. I have the experience of all of the ups and downs over the past 3 months. And I have the support of people who genuinely want me to succeed. And best of all, I know that I did absolutely everything that I could do to prepare. 

From here on, our Saturday mileage drops to 10, and then 5 pre-race, but I will make sure to make the most of those practices, and all of the mid-week speed work, strength training and mileage building. 

I can't believe the marathon is so close. I am starting to feel like a real athlete.

The Calm Before the Storm

I am in the final stretch.  It's May and I am running a marathon at the end of this month. Wow.  I can't believe how far I've come since January, when the thought of running a mile seemed an impossibility. Yesterday, we had a "recovery" run which had originally been scheduled to be 9 miles, but which our coach decided would only be 8. I was finished by 9:30. It was a "short" run.

Our team trained at Griffith Park, which was a good change of scenery from Balboa Park. The disadvantage was that we didn't use a clear circular path and instead, we were given maps of the route.  Unclear on the map, however, was that the road split.  Of course, it was at that split where I realized that I had become separated from the rest of my pack.  I chose a path, hoping I was still on our intended route, and within a few minutes, realized that I luckily chose correctly; one of our team's fastest runners had already reached the turn-around point, and passed me on his way back to the starting point. 

I ran at a 4 minute run, 2 minute walk pace for most of my 8 miles, with the exception of my first 6 minute segment, which I walked (as my warmup).  Speaking of warmup, I haven't been able to wrap my head around the concept of running to warm up.  Before our group stretches, we always have a 10 minute warmup, during which most of our team runs, but during which I walk. I can't seem to run or jog as a warmup. I tried to jog during my first two team practices. It felt like a huge effort and, instead of warming my body, it left me feeling tight, sore and exhausted. Walking always warms my body and assists with the more strenuous activity that follows our stretching.  

 Tomorrow morning will be my 60 minute recovery run and I am looking forward to it. It will be a long and tiring day, so I'm glad to have the excuse to start the day on the right foot (yes, pun intended).