Rocking 20

Saturday, I ran my first 20 since my October marathon. As is typical, I've had a variety of runs lately, ranging from epic fail to awesome. Since my bout with shin splints in January I have been trying to listen I my body closely and have been backing off as needed keeping my ultimate goal of remaining healthy and strong into my spring & summer events. With this in mind I headed out prepared with fuel, fluid and an awareness of pit stops available along my route. I was curious though....how would this run compare to the 2 other 20 milers I did in my first round of marathon training? I feel stronger, but who knows on any given day? Honestly, I was considerably concerned about taking on a training cycle in the winter, but this winter has been so temperate that it has mostly been a joy to run outdoors without the possibility of heat stroke!

My last 20's clocked in at 4:05 & 3:58. I wanted to come in faster than that. I started out ok, but just around mile 2 I started cramping. Luckily, I was within easy reach of a pit stop and had no further issues in that regard after that. I stopped to fill my water bottle at mile 10 but that was it.

I was a little worried as I approached mile 15, not wanting to bonk again. No worries though. The peanut butter cliff bar was substantial enough fuel and sat well in my stomach. In fact, as I was approaching the end of mile 19,I felt the need to finish strong. I started to speed up to kick the last mile. I never quite know if I'm actually going fast or just less slow....but I pulled a 9:42 mile out of nowhere and finished in 3:49!!!!!!

A full 9 minutes faster than my previous best! Yay!

I was also reminded that I have reached the point in training where non-running friends and coworkers view me as a freak and enjoy telling me of my imminent early demise. I find them amusing.