Confident Builder

I went into Saturday's run with a lot of doubt.  Had a bad week of running and then to head into a 21 mile run seemed impossible for me.  I actually woke up feeling good for a long run but still wondered if I had it in me.  21 is still a long distance for someone who didn't have a solid week behind him.

We started the run a little fast for me.  But after the 2 mile break I got into my running pace for the rest of the run.  The weather was perfect and I was over dressed to say the least.  Never believe the weather app for your temperature I have learned yet again.  But I still wore what I will be wearing for my December 11th marathon unless it is still warm by them.  But this guy is hoping for a nice 30s temperature throughout the race.

I loved both of my running coaches that I ran with yesterday.  Both were great and neither allowed me to really walk during my run.  I did feel that Kim was a better pacer with me though.  She and I ran about 12 or so miles before we ran into Nick and them.  We switched coaches and I spent the rest of the run with Stacy.  She is great as well.  Talks a little more with me which is good unless you are cold and your jaw doesn't seem to work and you cannot talk due to it being cold.  She had me pacing slightly faster.  And at the end of the run I felt very good.  Not good enough to run again granted but felt good and without too many pains and aches.  The run lasted for a little more than 4 hours.  Yes I get my money's worth when I run long distances.  And to think I actually really hate running long distances.  But I do it because that final mile and finishing is just such a rush.

Finally we start tapering so I have that to look forward to until my actual race.

20 Miles I Think I Can Do It

Going into Saturday's long run I was having doubts that I can finish my next marathon.  I haven't run 20 anything in over 2+ years.  But while I was a sloth on the run I at least finished it.  Slow as can be that is for sure.  My wall hit me sooner than I expected so I need to improve that over the next long run in a couple of weeks.  That weekend will be 22 miles.  My wall came in around mile 15 and lasted for the remainder of the run.  So yeah that needs to change because 11 miles of wall running is no fun.

I am still debating doing the Flying Pig Marathon in Cincinnati.  I heard one from our group mentioned that she wanted to do that race as well.  It is a good one and tops the annual Runner's World top marathons.  But that would have to be worked out since it falls a week after mother's day.  And I can only travel up there for one of those weekends.  But it is on my bucket list that is for sure.

Next week is only 12 miles on Saturday plus my half marathon on Sunday.  So I will get a lot of miles in that weekend.  Or at least a lot of miles for someone like me.  A person who actually hates running for long distances.  Even though my favorite race distance is the half marathon.  I can handle 13 miles and do enjoy that distance.  But I am seeing my times for the half getting slower and slower lately.  Not sure if that is due to my age now or I just don't train correctly for those races.