 |
| Camino Del Norte running route. |
I did my final long run for the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon yesterday evening. It was a week late, but I am amazed with myself for doing it at all.
This is the longest run I've ever done in my entire life. It hurt a lot. I am nervous for the fact the marathon is 30 percent longer than this one.
I woke up yesterday morning expecting to do a 10 miler after work. I had a ton of candy at lunch time with a 7-11 slurpee because its friday of course. I ate my stirfry tofu for dinner and headed out with my lululemon long sleeve shirt and a nifty water bottle belt that one of my loquacious co-workers lent me.
I decided that a ten mile run is way less intimidating if I do my 5 mile loop twice. It was. Being used to the terrain really helps. I knew how long each devastating hill would last and knew when I could look forward to a gentle downhill slope where I could catch my breath. It also helped me stick closer to home. It took me two tries to get through my 16 miler because running in the dark in the middle of no where genuinely terrified me. I didn't know when my phone would run out of battery and if anyone could hear my screams should any of the undulating shadows attempt to rape me. My 5 mile loop was so suburban that I didn't fear for my life even once.
Around mile 10 I realized that I could keep going. I didn't feel good by all means, but I didn't feel bad either. I was well hydrated and I didn't feel any joint or stress pain that I sometimes get in that round ball bone next to my ankle. I was also able to pick up my feet fine, which sometimes grows difficult when I am on the cusp of my muscle strength.
I also realized that I may not get another chance to do my 20 miler. I pushed my intermediate length run to the end of the week and I might be too tired on Saturday to pick it up again. And when again will I be 10 miles in and not dying when I am supposed to be doing 20 miles eventually? When again will I be 6 months into a marathon training program and with only 10 miles to go before I finished the longest run before a race. It made sense at the time, but for some reason, Its not making as much sense to me now.
I called Alex at the end of the second loop, 10 miles in to organize a pitstop where I could refill my water bottles, use the bathroom, and switch phones with him.
At the end of the 3rd loop, 15 miles in, I started having trouble picking up my feet. I started tripping on sidewalk cracks. I also realized how much more painful it was to run downhill. At the bottom of the hill and the end of the loop, I pass by my apartment before I have to restart a 200ft incline. I was at that restart point to begin the final 5 miles when I thought about giving it up. 5 more miles for me is another hour of running. At that point I was not fit enough to run for just another hour.
But then I thought about how this is my last chance to get a 20 miler in before the marathon. Six months of training led up to this point. I thought about how I have been such a quitter lately. I decided I should just let it hurt. I decided to run until I couldn't even walk. 16 miles in I started to cry from emotional stress. At about 18 miles in I started to cry from physical stress. I started to shuffle at the pace of 14 mins/mile.
I ran around the block to get the last half mile in, and finally had to stop at 19.75 miles. I literally couldn't get another step in to complete that final quarter mile.
But its done. The water bottles worked nicely. I wish I ate more right afterwards because I can barely walk today.
I just don't know why the longest run in marathon training is 20 miles. Its not just my marathon training program either, I think this is a pretty common thing. As hard as that was, I wish it were longer. I have no confidence hat I can pull off the marathon at this point.
I'll let you know how the taper goes despite my only responsibility at this point is making sure I don't turn my ankle.
Was that interesting for you? Follow me on daily mile so I can follow your training too.
