Well, there it is! Okay, please don't focus too much on the time...but look at that distance! ;) That time means I averaged about 12:30 minutes per mile, which is a fine marathon pace for me, especially considering I did a run/walk thing for the last 10 miles or so. For those of you that are interested, a decent (and normally consistent) pace for me for any run under about 10-12 miles is averaging around 11 minutes per mile, and any longer runs and the average pace goes up a bit due to the need for more walking breaks. According to my Garmin, during today's run I had a few miles that I did in just over 8 minutes, and several more that were around 9 minutes, but most of the miles I maintained around 10:30 min/mile. The walking breaks bring my average up quite a bit, but all in all, I felt pretty good. I really believe in just going with how my body feels - sometimes I feel "fast", and other times I'm slogging, but I just keep putting one foot in front of the other.
I started out at the top of Buckskin (in Pocatello), made my way down the mountain and into Inkom, then back up the old highway into Pocatello again, where my husband came and picked me up. The weather was typically Idaho-Spring, 35 degrees, foggy, snowing off and on mixed with a little mist, but by the time I finished my run it was just cloudy and 40 degrees. I ran smoothly the first 8 or so miles, then I took a walking break to fuel and rest a bit. From there on out I took fairly regular walking breaks, every couple of miles. My legs were oh-so-tired and sore, but I worked very hard at staying focused on finishing the run. Sometimes I find it hard to believe I've already done the 26.2 distance, but I guess with each round of training, it's almost like starting over. I chugged some chocolate milk as my husband drove me home, then sat in an ice bath for almost 15 minutes while I read the latest issue of Runner's World, which I just got in the mail yesterday. :) Here's to a decent recovery and a productive taper - the Ogden Marathon is in 6 weeks, I actually think I might have time to fit in another 20 miler if I wanted, because I had an extra week in my schedule...we'll see.
I started out at the top of Buckskin (in Pocatello), made my way down the mountain and into Inkom, then back up the old highway into Pocatello again, where my husband came and picked me up. The weather was typically Idaho-Spring, 35 degrees, foggy, snowing off and on mixed with a little mist, but by the time I finished my run it was just cloudy and 40 degrees. I ran smoothly the first 8 or so miles, then I took a walking break to fuel and rest a bit. From there on out I took fairly regular walking breaks, every couple of miles. My legs were oh-so-tired and sore, but I worked very hard at staying focused on finishing the run. Sometimes I find it hard to believe I've already done the 26.2 distance, but I guess with each round of training, it's almost like starting over. I chugged some chocolate milk as my husband drove me home, then sat in an ice bath for almost 15 minutes while I read the latest issue of Runner's World, which I just got in the mail yesterday. :) Here's to a decent recovery and a productive taper - the Ogden Marathon is in 6 weeks, I actually think I might have time to fit in another 20 miler if I wanted, because I had an extra week in my schedule...we'll see.
That is so great. Don't worry about your time. You did great. I'm doing my first 20 mile run on Sunday and if I complete it in under 4:30, I'll be happy (of course I'm hoping to do it in under 4 hours).
ReplyDeleteExcellent! DId you do a 22 miler your first time? I'm debating if I should add a couple more next week.
ReplyDeleteWishing you a comfy recovery!
That is great! How often do you do a 20+ run and what are your normal day runs?
ReplyDeleteBecca ~ I did do one 22 miler while training for the first marathon. I would recommend it, if you have time. A lot of schedules only take you up to a 20 miler before you do your 26.2, but a runner friend of mine suggested I do a 22 in addition to the 20, and I think it makes a big difference, even mentally. If your schedule has you doing a 20 next week, I would be careful about changing it to a 22 if you haven't done 20 yet. That's asking for injury, or at the very least, a lot of pain. You will still be ready, and you don't want to push it with not too much time left before your big day! I think I have time to do another 18 or 20 miler because I started my training way early and had a couple of extra weeks to play with, then I will still be able to do a 3 week taper.
ReplyDeleteSuzanne ~ While training for the marathon, I will only do 1-3 runs that are 20+ miles during the 18-20 week training period. It is very hard on the body. I run 4-5 days a week, and most of my regular runs range from 4-8 miles, then I have one "long" run each week, usually 10+ miles. I like to keep my weekly mileage up around 30+ miles, but it could be more or less depending on where I'm at in my training schedule. The next time you're at the store, pick up the May copy of Runner's World Magazine. It has a great article with tips for new runners, and an easy 6 week 5k training schedule.
Thanks!!
ReplyDeleteI have 2 weeks of 20 mile runs, I was thinking of making the second week 22 miles, now I am pretty sure I will, thanks.
ReplyDelete