So, I ran my 20 miler today. The weather had only a few ways it could have been worse. Mid 40s and rain with 10 - 25 mph winds from the southwest. I had no real rain for the first 5 miles and then the flood gates opened for a good 3 miles. I was surprised how good I felt. I ran 10 miles less last week than my schedule called for, but I think that the 9.5 Sherry and I ran on Saturday was just what I needed. Other than being soaked from mile 5 on the run went well. At about 13 miles my quads and 'hammies' were really tight so I stopped on the porch of a vacant house I know of and stretched really well while waitng for the rain to lighten up a bit. That relief lasted for about three more miles, but by this time I just started walking every 10 minutes or so (walked for about a minute) and then stretched again in a nice downpour at mile 18! While the legs were killing me, I was excited because I knew I was going to make it so I just kept my feet moving - all the while chanting: 'just keep running' over and over like Dory the blue fish in finding Nemo! My time wa right at 3 1/2 hours which should equate to 4 1/2 for the marathon - which is my goal. I'm not sure where the energy is going to come from for the final 6 miles - I'm hoping that the race environment might keep me distracted enough but we will see. Only 19 days left!!
Curt
I guess this was your first 20-miler? I've read it's usually around the 18-20 mile point where first time marathoners run into the "I don't know if I can make it", so it sounds like you're right there!
ReplyDeleteI know (from experience now) that the more you do it, and the longer the distances you run, distances that at first seemed intimidating begin to seem quick and easy...but 20 miles still sounds incredibly intimidating to me! (of course my furthes so far is "only" 6 miles.)
Congrats Curt, and I'm sure you'll make it the whole 26.2 when it gets here.
Wow!
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