I conquered the 20 mile run and it definitely hurt at the very end.
Week of Workouts
Monday: Rest
Tuesday: 46 min recovery run / AVG HR 122
Wednesday: Speed - 4 x 1/2 mile @ marathon pace - 3 min recovery
Thursday: Yoga + Mobility 15 mins
Friday: 20 MILE RUN!!!
Saturday: Mobility + Weights 16 mins
Sunday: Birthday recovery walk 25 mins
The gear is boring (which is good) because it’s what I’ve been doing. The only new thing I added this time was a clementine which was something my friend recommended. I actually really enjoyed it so I’m going to make sure I pack more of these for the marathon. I walked as I ate them to let my heart rate go down and recover a bit before picking up the pace again. It didn’t affect my stomach negatively at all.
The temperature was absolutely perfect for this day. It was mostly cloudy and the sun would peak out few times. Hydration was on point — maybe too much because I kept having to pee lol!
For the marathon so far this is the plan: (breakfast bagel with PB&J + water)
start - gel 1
mile 4 - 4 chews
mile 8 - gel 2
mile 12 - 4 chews
* clementines somewhere around here *
mile 16 - 4 chews
mile 20 - gel 3
Electrolyte water bottle for the rest
The 20 mile run showed me a preview of what this marathon distance feels like. It hurts. It’s brutal. But also I’m Hercules. I’m learning new methods to get through each mile. This time around I zoned out and for 3 miles around the end I was just repeating to myself “grind.” And then, “I love this grind.” Turns out I am crazy now. But truthfully I am impressed with how quickly I came up with new ways to push through. This discomfort is so familiar now. BUT I will add, mile 19-20 was scary. My legs started to give up and I was having a difficult time pushing through — could be not enough fuel, but also I had picked up the pace by at least +3min/mi so I burned out at the end. (I will obviously not be doing this at the marathon at this stage). I’ll remember to take it easy so I don’t hit the wall.
So the taper has alas begun. Mixed emotions but truly relieved. 19 days until LA Marathon!
“No human is limited.” - Eliud Kipchoge