Saturday, February 26, 2011 I ran 14.22 miles. The longest distance I had completed up to that day was 13.1. I was planning on a nice 13-miler Saturday morning, but I ended up missing my turn around and before I knew it I was on track to run 14 miles. Luckily, the weather was decent and I had adequate water/gatorade stops to fuel me along the way. For technical purposes only, here's what I ate & how I dressed for the day.
Breakfast:
1 packet instant Maple & Brown sugar oatmeal
1 orange
Water
Fuel on the road:
Either Gatorade or water every 2.5 miles
Mandarin Orange Gu pack at mile 5
Dress (Temps low 20s up to 30s):
Two layers skins
Thin under top layer
Kzoo Marathon running jacket
Hot pink fleece vest
Mittens & hat
Boring, yes, I know but a good thing to keep track of.
I ran the first 5.5 miles with my group and then somehow got split up when I stopped for a restroom break at Arby's...I am SO glad I listened to one of the other runners as they said to take a slightly different way back and even more glad I printed my map. I am still getting to know Kalamazoo, so I was a bit nervous I'd get lost. The weather held off, but the roads turned to a sloppy, slushy mess on the way back into town. I felt GREAT, literally GREAT, up until just after mile 13 -- the snow-covered sidewalk I ran for the half mile prior really took a toll on the what energy was still left in my legs. I owe most of my energy to proper fueling and a fabulous playlist on my MP3 player. Hooray for Jock Jams 1&4, Jock Rock 1 & Daft Punk (not sure which record). By the time I reached my car, I was spent and the bottom of my pants and my shoes were drenched. I was so happy to jump into my car and head home to warm clothes & food.
On the ride home, I turned up my music and sang at the top of my lungs - I was so ecstatic that I had run further than I had planned. I was so proud that I "went the distance." I was on top of the world the rest of the weekend.
Now as this Saturday approaches, I'm getting nervous to accomplish my next goal of 15 miles. I'd really like to put in 16 miles, but I'm aiming for 15 in hopes I'll want to loop back a 1/2 mile and add on the 16th mile at the end.
Marathon training is tough. Physically, I mean I'm running LONGER distances every week now than I have ever run in my LIFE. Mentally, I'm nervous, excited, terrified, pumped, literally a ball of emotions. It's a great feeling to accomplish these goals every week and also it feels like I'm back in college wondering how well I will do on the next exam.
Here goes to another week of training!
(PS. Sunday, Feb. 27 I put in an "easy 4 miles." My legs felt like lead -- but I did it!
Monday I took the day off. Ahhhh...relaxation.
I did a measly 2 miles on the "dreadmill" this morning -- rough night of sleep makes for a difficult morning workout. I'll do better next week.)
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