Saturday, October 03, 2009

Semi-Sweet Sixteen

This video is for Donna from Team Point Two. Her marathon (Portland) is tomorrow!

Today was to be my 16-miler. Wouldn't you know I woke up at 12:30 AM and couldn't get back to sleep until past 4 AM? Grrrr! I hate that. So I turned off my alarm and resolved to do the run mid-day. I have just about decided to have a glass of wine on the evenings before long runs to knock me out!

My options were either the 11 AM - 3 PM time slot or 3 PM - 7 PM time slot. I opted for the latter because today we wanted to go to a Greek food festival in nearby Bartlett, Tennessee. I was definitely "well fueled" for my afternoon run.

I am here to tell you that it was hot (80 degrees) and very windy - always at my front. Ugh. I ran about 5 miles away from home and then headed back. I somehow got back to my neighborhood with about 9 miles on the Garmin. I went back home momentarily for a pit stop and some Ibuprofen. A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do!

FYI, I always write my Marathon Advisor an e-mail after my long run. At this point in today's run it would have gone something like this:

Dear John,

Are you trying to kill me? This is just not working. I am so slow. This is my longest distance in 22 months. I am never going to make it.

Sorry,
Susan

I decided at this point to do the remaining 7 miles in my neighborhood. They would have been bad anywhere; might as well be close to home. Amazingly, the temperature dropped at least 10 degrees. Now we're talking! I seemed to actually be getting faster (still doing the 1:1 method) although my splits do not really show any improvement.

I dreaded the fact that the last 3 miles were to be run solid, and at a 12:48 pace. Yikes! But, as I said, I seemed to be gaining speed as the temp dropped. It had to be approaching 60 degrees by now. Hallelujah.

At about mile 12 my fabulous neighbor (and friend) Nelms drove by. I demanded that she go and fill my G2 bottle with ice water. HA! That's what friends are for. After that refill it was just nearly time to do the 3 solid miles. Here's how the first 13 went down at a 1:1 ratio:

Mile 1 - 13:53
Mile 2 - 13:57
Mile 3 - 13:57
Mile 4 - 14:05
Mile 5 - 14:15
Mile 6 - 14:45
Mile 7 - 14:33
Mile 8 - 14:03
Mile 9 - 14:23
Mile 10 - 14:55
Mile 11 - 14:29
Mile 12 - 14:15
Mile 13 - 14:03
Average +/- 14:14

Then I started hoofing it around the 'hood and it felt GREAT. The last three were just awesome (and faster than 12:48!)

Mile 14 - 12:29
Mile 15 - 12:35
Mile 16 - 12:41
Average +/- 12:35

Total - 3:43:28
Average - 13:58

On the all, I am really glad I stuck it out (not that I really had any other choice, mind you). This could be my amended e-mail:

Dear John,

You know what, you just might know what you're talking about after all! Bring on Rocket City!

Your Adoring Student,
Susan

Tomorrow I have a lovely 2-miler on the docket. Yesssss!

10 comments:

Road Warrior said...

Wow! Look at those last couple miles. It's like you were on fire. Great job!

Jamie said...

Great video!
Wow!!! Wow!!! WOW!!! You are so amazing!!! You are doing such great things. I'm so honored to be your teammate. Enjoy your easy 2 miles today ;-)

lizzie lee said...

I AM SO PROUD OF YOU!!!!!!! A 16-miler...How wonderful Susan...

ShirleyPerly said...

Fabulous job, Susan! Though my coach has not allowed me to run in sub-80 deg weather, I know how much 10 degs can make. And how is it wind can seemingly be always in your face? I notice that too, esp. on the bike.

Unknown said...

love the vid Susan. 80 degrees?? Is your town on the Equator???

NB said...

Oh,that video of Isaac was adorable! He's soooooo cute! I'm not usually a baby person - but he might be an exception. You're an inspiration Susan, so positive and so determined. I'm sure J.E. is super proud of that long run!

NB said...

OH Man Susan, Ian and I had a GOOD laugh at your comments on my blog (no offense). I am WELL over 30 (in fact 36 1/2), but thanks for thinking I'm 20-something. You made my day LOL!

NB said...

Haha. I've never had a live conversation via blog comments! Thanks again, you're just a baby! I was eating solids by the time you were born. Ha! Have a good one!

Unknown said...

GO SUSAN! You are my hero!!! I hope to start running myself one of these days...maybe you could coach me? =)

Unknown said...

Funny how those running things work themselves out...