First thing first, I ran 20 miles yesterday (after Soulcycle. NBD.) in 3:03:33!!!!!!!!!!! Which I am pretty excited about since my goal for my spring marathon is to go Sub-4. Wow, that goal is scary to type. Especially after today when at miles 4, 7, 11, 13, 15, 16, 17, and 18, I WANTED TO STOP RUNNING and GIVE UP. But for some crazy, unexplained reason I didn’t give up and I finished those 20 miles. It was a modern day miracle.
Now the Good News/Bad News: I only have to run 20 miles - 2 more times before the marathon!!!!!!?? Yikes! Please send help or a running buddy with personalized mantras.
The Splits:
I should mention I took a 16 Handles Refuel break at mile 19, hence the awesome 8:39 split on mile 20. Moral of the story: Fro-yo does make you faster.
The Route.
And I grabbed some babyfood at mile 12…its the new GU. I’m trying to make it trendy with other runners. Like “Fetch”.
Love a nice run on the Westside…
Whenever I go on my long runs, my mind is an emotional roller-coaster. I go from “I’m on top of the world” to “I never want to run again EVER, why am I still running?”. These aren’t gradual mood swings either. Literally seconds pass by and my mood can drastically change. It’s kind of scary. I’m pretty sure my face looks like this 85% of the time…
(Except I wear a shirt.) Then two seconds later I look like this…
Am I the only one that this happens to???
Now my big Change of Plans:
As you might know, I made a decision at the end of December to run a spring marathon. I picked the Ottawa Marathon for varies reasons, but in the last week I have been questioning if I still want to run Ottawa. One reason is because the flights to Ottawa are currently $550+, and as much as I LOVE Canada that price seems ridiculous. I can travel to Paris for less than that!
After having a chat with Dorothy (Running Coach), we decided that it might be best to sign up for a local marathon especially if I am trying to reach a MAJOR goal (sub-4) for myself. Ideally it would be nice to sleep in my own bed the night before a marathon, and not have to worry about the stress of traveling. With that being said, I signed up for the New Jersey Marathon on May 6th!
I am still not 100% sure what I am going to do about Ottawa entry. If flight prices go down, I might consider flying out and running the half…but we will have to see what happens.
What did you do this weekend? Does your mind go crazy on long runs too? (Just say Yes to make me feel better)
{ 22 comments }
Ottawa sounds awesome but I think a local marathon is easier to PR in. Of course I say this after I flew across the ocean…but the less stress you can make for yourself the better! NJ is a flat course and they redesigned it so it is a lot nicer now! Last year I did the half and I might again this year. Spontaneous decisions…
Great hanging out! I am also convinced froyo does make one faster!
Wow, that is a great 20 miler. You are so ready for your marathon. I think you have made the right decision about the race too. When it comes to marathons I find it really difficult to concentrate on performance if I am worrying about the cost of the trip. Good luck in NJ. Can’t wait to hear how the rest of the training goes.
Thanks! That means a lot because I know I will be shaking in fear on marathon day.
Whoa whoa whoa! That is big news. I’ve paced NJ the last two years and can tell you LOTS about it – you’re going to do great!
TELL ME EVERYTHING YOU KNOW.
I had a feeling when you started talking about not running Ottawa, that you might switch to a different spring marathon. And I was secretly hoping (since it’s fairly local for you) you’d be running NJ because I’m training for that marathon too! Congrats on tackling your first 20 miler of the training cycle! And killer split on mile 20, froyo is a magical thing
We should run/talk New Jersey Marathon soon!
Awesome long run! You are going to rock New Jersey!
That’s unfortunate about flight prices for Ottawa. I am sure you will run it some time!
You’ll bust out sub-4 no problem! Just think of Snooki and the Situation cheering you on. You’ll be fab. I PR’ed by 21 min in the marathon last year at Jersey so its a PR’able course – boring, but completely flat!
The medal was Jersey-tastic last year. Get excited.
Oh long runs – I’m usually like “bad idea, bad idea” and then “wow, I’m awesome” then “omg, I can’t wait to eat.” I think about what I’m going to eat after for a lot of it.
Is the medal a shot glass because I am kind of assuming it is? Based on the Jersey-way and all….
Every mile I just keep thinking about what I’m going to EAT.
I considered wearing a Bump It my first year pacing it… I thought it might help me fit in.
Awesome job! I am sad we weren’t friends before I left NY…wish we could have run together! That said, sooo excited for Nashville. I have been holding out for cheaper flights and I think I’m going to have to bite the bullet and book this week even if they’re still over $300. Bah. After the twin and I got that crazy $200 Airfarewatchdog deal to Barcelona, I’m so stubborn when it comes to domestic flights!
Did I tell you I saw the TWIN running?? I almost joined her until she told me she was running an 8:45 pace….
TELL YOUR TWIN TO SLOW DOWN!
Hooray for a great 20 mile run! That’s awesome!
I’m an emotional roller coaster when I run too! Especially on those long runs. I’m currently avoiding looking at my training plan because I know a long run is coming up (like 15 miles long, which I’ve never run in my life). Maybe I just need to bite the bullet and do it. Oh and I’m still deciding on the Fairfield Half in June…
haha you made me laugh with the Jersey Shore pic.
Nice 20miler!! I totally know how you feel with the love/hate relationship in running… I hate how when I go out for a long run, I HATE running at like mile 4, and think I’m going to die, but then make it to 13 and feel sooo good. Totally confuses me.
I’m running NJ and it will be my first marathon!
Also, super jealous of how great your training has been! I hit 17 miles 3 weeks ago but I haven’t come close to that again since.
Yes! can’t wait to meet you!!
That is me 100%. All of my long runs: This is the stupidest thing ever! Running is ridiculous! I love running! I am so happy! I hate this! I quit for life! Hooray running! Tears! Laughter!
We be crazy runners…
FACT: we are the same person.
Just FYI – the half in Ottawa has already sold you, so you can’t officially switch to the shorter distance. But, the full will likely also sell out in another month or so and you could probably sell your entry (they charge a small fee and have an official transfer period) if you want to get the $ back.
You just saved me probably $90!! I owe you!