My first 20 miler! (almost an accident) (Read 769 times)

Yesterday boded to be a repeat of my 17 miles of utter misery. TOM kept me from running Saturday and I was only mildly less sick, but still not on solid food. For pre-run, I had a large white Chocolate Mocha and some vitamin water. I was also worn out from a weekend of teaching and was trying Clif Shots for the first time. Prepared for 18 miles of misery, I headed out loaded down with water (which was the right call since the fountains were still off. The trail I was on was rolling hills, with one long, steeply graded hill. There was a race there on Saturday, so there were fun comments along the hill, "Up Up and Away"; "Not Even Close", "Now the Fun Begins," Etc. Made me smile, even though the hill stinks. Once I hit the top of the hill, I noted I was pushing my pacing (into the high 10's, I'm slow) and kept making myself slow down. The trail is about 4.3 miles in a loop, but I would wander down some side trails, so each lap was more like 5 miles. I felt great after two laps and one choked down gel, so I did a third lap up the hill (I planned on doing two up and two down). Mile 13: still felt strong and thought…hmmm, what if I went to 20 miles…. I took a side trail for two miles, effectively stretching the third lap so the fourth I had a 20 mile option. I could do an out and back, or, once I pass the 2.2 mile point on the loop, I’m in for 20. By the subject, you know what I did. I felt great, my legs got a bit thrashed coming down the hill, but otherwise finished strong and am walking fine today. I finished and was very consistent on pacing the whole run-- 12's when doing the hill, and mid-11 minute miles the rest of the way. I‘m still horribly undertrained, but maybe I can actually finish this marathon and have good base to train from for Marine Corps in Oct. I’m still nervous about finishing, but I know I have at least one more 20 miler to get under my belt before race day.

I’m still nervous about finishing, but I know I have at least one more 20 miler to get under my belt before race day.

It's 26.2 miles and a lot can happen, but it sounds like you're in a better place than you think. You handled your first twenty miler nicely. You'll finish because there's no quitting in marathoning, and raceday adrenaline will give you a nice boost. Keep up the good work Chris.

Congratulations! I just ran my first 20-mile run last weekend and I can totally relate to your post. I will also be running the Lincoln Marathon in May, my first marathon. It's good to know we're in it together!

Chris, IIRC both of my 20s before Milwaukee went well...it was the 18 before that that stunk. Sounds like you are stronger and fitter than you thought. Race day is gonna be awesome and you are closing in on taper--woot!

Great job, Chris! Even with all my miles and years, I think I've only done 20 miles once in my lifetime. You have my sincerest respect! Keep up that up, and you'll kick some serious butt in your marathons!