Marathon 2 Training - 23 miles!

I was up at 2:45 this morning, decked out in all pink -- including my super hero running skirt and pink glow-in-the dark bracelet, and looking forward to tackling 23 miles at 3:30 am. The air was cool, and I knew it'd be a great morning.

We started with a group of 10, pretty big considering the early start, which helped the time fly as I had lots of people to talk to. The first 10 miles were nice and easy at 1:1 intervals; I felt great after that loop. We circled back to the school at 6 am to pick up 5 more runners and drop off 2, so now there were 13 of us, and we switched intervals to ran the next 10 miles at 2:1. I started to feel sore and tired somewhere after mile 16, but pressed on. I was still running strong and picking up the pace a bit as we went along, so I know it was more mental fatigue than physical. We returned to the school twice, and after 20 miles switched intervals once again. We finished the last 3 using 2:30/1 intervals and I was still able to pick the pace a bit more.

Despite having to return to the start several times, keeping the stops as short as possible really helped with my motivation and not let my legs get tight. I was sore, tired and mentally done when the 23 miles where done but I still felt strong and like I could have run 3.2 more if I had to. I fueled like clockwork, eating a gel and endurolyte pill every hour, and it worked great. I also re-applied body glide after 10 miles, and nothing is chafe this time. Yay!

After the 23 miles, we walked a lap around the track to cool off, then I did 25 minutes of yoga as soon as I got home. It really hurt at first because I was very sore, but I felt great when I finished and really glad I took the time to do it. After a shower, I put on my compression leg sleeves and compression capris with ice packs, and quickly started feeling back to normal. I've been doing laundry and napping between loads, but I think there is another nap in my very near future :) 

Fun stats about this run:

Total: 23.03 miles, time w/breaks 5:34:03, active time 4:54:06, average pace 12:46.

During the last marathon training cycle, I ran 23 miles in 5:15:34 @ 13:46 min/mile pace in the freezing cold. Today I ran it exactly 1 min per mile faster, in high humidity, and still felt great. Having cooler weather was a blessing.

1st 10 miles, 1/1 @ 13:14 avg pace
2nd 10 miles, 2/1 @ 12:29 avg pace
last 3 miles, 2:30/1 @ 11:55 avg pace

first half = 13:13 avg pace
second half = 12:16 avg pace

first mile = 13:51 avg pace
last mile = 12:00 avg pace

map and full splits: http://j.mp/r7L32z.

Next weekend is the Miracle Miles 15K, and I'm really excited to see what I can do. Bring it! =) 

Marathon Training Update = 23 Miles of Determination!

This morning I ran 23 miles in 5:15:34 @ 13:46 min/mile pace in the freezing cold. This is a distance PR by 3 miles! I'm exhausted and achy, but ecstatic at what I've accomplished. You can read the details of the run on dailymile.

It really sunk in more than ever this morning that I am definitely a runner, and it has transformed me. Two years ago, I would have laughed at the thought of running more than a mile, let alone going out at 3 am in the cold -- which I considered to be anything under 65. The old me would have used the low temperature as an excuse to stay in bed and skip the workout. But the new me is determined to do whatever it takes to finish my first marathon and nothing seems to deter me.

I've done a lot of things I never thought I would, including running in the rain, running in sub-freezing temperatures, and entering the food chain to complete a triathlon. When the forecast called for rain during my last half marathon, I did not once considered not running it an option. I simply went to Track Shack, got the proper gear, and wished for the best. Being out of town for Thanksgiving and Christmas meant I had to do two long runs (6.5 miles and 10 miles) without my beloved Galloway group. I was apprehensive at first, but knew I could do it and it turned out to be easier than expected. Visiting Jason's parents in Georgia this week meant that I had to run twice in (literally) freezing weather: 3 miles and 4.75 miles. Last year I got sick and didn't attempt it. This year I was determined not to jeopardize marathon training, so I got some warm clothes and braved the elements and hills.

I'm so ready to tackle this marathon already, but I am grateful for the next two weekends of shorter long runs--10 & 12. And how awesome is it that 10-12 miles is considered "short" now? :) On 1/23 I'll tackle my last long run of 26 miles, then begin a 4 week taper. So I'll basically be running two marathon 5 weeks apart.