Longest Run Ever - 21.25 marathon training

I headed out today to get my long run in for the week.  I am training for the Cox Providence Rhode Race marathon on May 6th.  I am not using a specific training plan.  I am going with the advice that if you can run 20 you can run a full and your wall is the farthest distance you have run in the past 2 weeks.

I am focusing on my mental game approaching the distance as five 5 mile sets.  I am also expanding my brain around the notion that I can run for miles and miles and miles!  You know just relax and do it.

I don't run with all of the electronic gear that others have.  I just use a Times Ironman Triathlon watch and a step counter when I feel like it.  So when I set out for distance I figure an average of 10 minutes a mile and worry about the exact distance after the run, unless I must know ahead of time and map it pre-run.  I find that I actually go farther when I go with the 10 minute mile approach.  So today I ran out 1:36 and then back for a total of  3:28.  In the end I went 21.25 miles and averaged 9:45 minutes per mile.

In addition to working on my metal game today I also got to work on running in crappy weather.  The way out was beautiful and I could not imagine why people were walking with umbrellas.  It all became clear when I turned around.  The sky was very dark and within 10 minutes I was being pelted with cold wind, hail & rain.  I thought about waiting it out somewhere, but thought they don't stop the clock in a marathon when the weather turns.  It was horrible for 15-20 minutes and then cleared only to resume again with a soaking rain that saturated my shoes and socks.  I survived the weather and the miles with just enough time to shower and head back out for ballet and soccer with the girls.  I did not even have time to check my distance. :(

Never having run a full marathon before, I won't know if this is the best approach or me or not until I test it on race day.  For now it is what I have got and we will see soon enough how it works out.  I am not concerned with my final time on race day.  For my first full I just want to finish it and then we will see what comes next in terms of adjusting my training plan (such as it is) to improve.

I run for fun and to be outside on my own.  So in the end it is all good!  I am open to suggestions though if you have any advice you would like to share with a first time marathoner.  I will let you know how it all goes on May 6th!

Longest Run Ever - 21 miles

So I was planning to get in a long run today.  I took yesterday off and had a wonderful pasta dinner last night with peanut sauce and tofu.  Homemade by my loving husband!  I was feeling primed and ready to go running.  I was thinking that I would go to the end of the path and back.  But then I had an idea in the first half mile.  Maybe I should really test myself and see what I could do.  My next scheduled race is not until May 6th and I signed up for the half.  My youngest had a special mother/daughter brunch the same day so I was going to run the 13.1 and then go to brunch.  But now she is double booked with a soccer game and brunch.  I think the game is going to win out.  Well within the first half mile I started to wonder if I could up my 1/2 to a full!  It is my home turf race.  The full literally goes by half a block from my house.  Then the question became could my body do it?  Well on today's 3:33 odyssey I averaged 10:10 miles for 21 miles.  I had my running bottle with me, a pack of Clif Shot Blocks, and I bought a donut at mile 13 for fuel and so that I could use the restroom.  It would be a real effort (huge understatement) to finish the final 5, especially as I ran past my house, but I just might do it! All comment welcome!

Longest...Run...Ever = 18.5 Miles

I headed out this morning with the intent to run a little slower and see if I could make it to a certain point 3 towns away and back.  It turned out it was 18.5 miles round trip.  I had my escape plan in place, one phone call away, if I really needed to be rescued.  I took 1 water bottle, 1 strawberry gel, and $5 with me.  It was in the lower 80s and the sun was brilliant.  I made it to my turn around at 9.25 miles and had my gel.  My bottle still had 1/4 of the water in it.  I had noted a Sip 'n Dip donut shop on my way into town and thought I could refill my bottle there and the plan succeeded.  There was a long line for donuts, but I was able to refill my bottle.

Yes...I passed up all of these yummy looking donuts.  Although maybe they might get me another 8 miles.  Maybe I should get one next time.  Does anyone train with donut fuel?

Thumbs up to the water break!

There are always people out fishing off the bridges on the Bike Path.

I did a repeat of my last long run and picked up a Coke with 5 miles to go.  It was funny watching people's reactions on the bike path.  Most people smiled when they saw the Coke.  A few people laughed in what seemed to be disbelief.  A few licked their lips and clearly wished they had one of their own.  Until 3 weeks ago I would have never even thought to grab a Coke in the middle of a long run, but I was interested in running a race where they were going to be offering flat soda along the course.  Anyway when I finally made it back to the house 3:25 later I was beat.  I don't know where I would have found 8 more miles in me to finish a full marathon.  Maybe if it was not so hot and the sun was not so strong.  I don't know.  Is a glazed donut the answer?

I needed just a little more shade!

Would you ever drink a soda while running?