We(my running buddy and I) ran the 20 with an average pace of about 9:21 per mile for 3 hours and 7 minutes. Good since my goal is 4 hours. My longest run to date. His longest run to date too. The first 14 were pretty easy. The next 6 not so much. The last two were much hard so I can only imagine how the marathon will feel for that last 6.2 miles. I do feel I could have finished a marathon today but would not have been at my time of 4 hours. I'm still holding my goals as follows:
1) Finish
2) Finish 4:20
3) Finish just under 4 hour
The entire trail we ran today was asphalt paved. I really preferred the Paint Creek trail since it is much softer on the legs so in two weeks we are heading back to the Paint Creek Trail for the last 20 miler. It was also so much easier having a partner out there to help keep each others pace and keep each other running. I'm also going to be watching that foot and if I feel I need to take off another day during the week, I'll do so. I have 5,8,5,5 coming up and then a half on Saturday. I have not missed one single run since I started training for the marathon and so I hate to miss a workout but it would not be the end of the world if I missed it, you know? It's not like I have missed a long run.
Someone said in my last post, perhaps I'm not up to so much running. I would agree with that. I'm looking forward to running less and only training for half marathons the rest of the year. As I said before, one per year is enough for me. While I know the accomplishment will be great, it just goes to show me that I really do love running half marathons.
Question of the day? So how much harder is that 6.2 miles at the end?
Have a great day and.....Keep Running!!!!!
pardon my french... it's pretty fucking hard.
ReplyDeleteBut you rocked that 20, my man. Very nicely done, indeed :) I do sincerely believe you'll get your sub-4. Figure out what that per mile pace needs to be and don't overshoot it in the early going. My first, I felt so awesome that I went out way too fast for 13... and paid that piper. The second, I hit my per mile pace every single mile... it was such a heady experience... so much nicer than that first one!
Getting super excited for you!
Wooohooo!! Way to go! Congrats on the 20 miler! Rest up tomorrow...hope your foot feels betters! :0)
ReplyDeleteWay to go on that 20 miler. Those are tough, but in the long run you will be glad you had those 20 milers. Now you know what it will be like to get threw those lost 4 - 6 miles. You are going to rock at your marathon.
ReplyDeleteNice job on the 20 miler!! I have no idea how much harder the 6.2 is, but I imagine it's hard....I'll know soon enough!
ReplyDeleteAWESOME JEFF!!!! I knew you would smash it!!! Now get some rest and make sure that foot is alright. PS - not to freak you out, but there's a "marathon saying" that the marathon begins at mile 20. I don't think that's true, but those last miles are really tough - but I know you've got it!!! Great job!
ReplyDeleteFirst of all, congrats Jeff!! Great job on your run! One thing I've read over and over from marathoners is to do 10ks in training a lot so when you get to mile 20 you can picture yourself running a kick butt 10k. Not sure if it works but I've read it a lot!!
ReplyDeleteFirst, congrats! I think the 20 mile training run is the hardest... including being harder than the race itself! The last 6.2 hurt, don't get me wrong, but you will have other runners, crowd support and the lure of the finish line to get you through! You'll be great! :)
ReplyDeleteCongrats Jeff! That's amazing - 20 miles!! I don't have a clue what finishing a marathon is like, but it looks like you're on the right track :) Good luck with the rest of this week, hope the foot doesn't act up and maybe see you at the race on Saturday!
ReplyDeleteJeff, you are amazing--it is quite an accomplishment to do 20 miles. I would take a few days off and let your foot rest. Missing a few shorter runs will only benefit you in the end.
ReplyDeleteAs a one-time marathoner, I can tell you the last 6 miles are going to test your mental ability to keep going, not give up, and know that you are soclose to the end. The crowds cheering will pull you through. Finishing is not something you will ever forget--keep that in mind!
Great job Jeff! By the time your marathon comes, you'll be that much more conditioned so those last 6.2 miles will be a bit easier. (At least, that's what I'm telling myself.) I hope you are icing your foot?
ReplyDeleteIf you feel funny about taking a day off, spending some time on the stationary bike at low resistance w/ high RPM (85-100 RPM) is great for cross-training. It helps your legs get used to a high turn-over rate and still gives your heart a good go.
Funny thing - When I was doing my first 20 miler yesterday, several times I thought to myself, "You know, Alma, the half marathon is really the ideal distance." I'm with you! I'm registered for 2 marathons this year but after this, I'm pretty sure I'll be fine with half mary's. Much easier on the body and a bit less time-consuming.
Whoo hoo! Congratulations! ::high fives::
ReplyDeleteWay to go! I agree that company on long runs makes the time a lot more pleasant. (And frankly, it's more like the real deal when you'll have distraction a plenty.)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations!
ReplyDelete(Love that last question. I'd like to know, too.)
Great job on the 20 miler!!
ReplyDeleteCan you believe we only have 5 weeks to go??!! Crazy! This training is flying by.
Congratulations on the 20 miler! Those always seem harder than the marathon themselves... mostly because of the excitement that race day brings! I have one scheduled for this Sunday. Hopefully I can channel some of your leg mojo!
ReplyDeleteWay to go! :)
Congratulations on the 20 miler!
ReplyDelete