Tuesday, March 13, 2012

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.

14 comments:

Rachelle Q said...

Awesome job! Don't you love it when non-runners start to tell you that running is bad for you. I usually don't bother talking about it anymore just to avoid the annoying comments:) Unfortunately some family members read my blog and proceed to tell me how worried they are about me. What? I am the healthiest and strongest person in this family! Sorry, I ranted a little there. So glad you had a great run:)

Frickin' Fabulous at 40 said...

That's why I haven't told anyone about my blog!

Frickin' Fabulous at 40 said...

Wow. 20. Double what I did 2 Saturdays ago. Planning pitstops and water breaks. Ugh. Awesome job! One day...

Caroline said...

good job! this is great! look at that last mile...I am thinking of marathon now...someone kind of convinced me..I am scared of distance a little...I would love to be able to do a 20 miler like that!!

Kate Geisen said...

Awesome run! What a great feeling to be so strong at the end! :)

And I kind of love it when people think the things I do are crazy.

The Unexpected Runner said...

Ha! You and EMZ will rock Arizona! And if you ever want to run Quebec, I will suck up those awful hills and run with you :)

Dr. said...

Lol all my non running friends think that running for fun is crazy. Nice job!!

Jamie said...

You did AMAZING!! Great job on your 20 miler, I love that you finished strong and fast in the end!

Ransick said...

Awesome run! I've never run that far, but would use that as proof you aren't going to stroke out or have a heart attack any time soon. What assurance do your friends that think you are crazy have that they won't stroke out opening their bag of chips? :-)

Teamarcia said...

Great run! What a confidence booster.

Coy Martinez said...

What a GREAT way to end a run! I swear it's such a confidence boost right?? And you're right, the weather has been perfect for running when it normally never is!

Don't tell anyone but I'm secretly wanting to run a full marathon this spring. It's not on my schedule but I ran almost 15 last weekend so why not keep that ball rolling?? I really don't care about time but I'm longing (no pun intended :) for a long run!

Kathy said...

Wow!!! Having a great run is a wonderful thing but having a great 20 miler?? That is about as good as it gets! Yay!!!

Suz and Allan said...

Woohoo, what a fast 20 miles! That's impressive!

bobbi said...

Fabulous! I LOVE it when I can finish strong (which is so rare on a really long run for me...)