But, are there any EASY 20 milers? Not in my world. Not as of yet!
I wasn't able to do this run until this afternoon. It was sunny and cool. I aimed to run 20 miles east and have Chasen pick me up, as well as support me along the way.
I started out with a bang! I was using the 6:4 method, and I was having no trouble at all. Just past mile 8 the road ran out of wide shoulder, so I had to change my plan and run toward home. No biggie, I'd just finish the last 4 in my neighborhood.
At about mile 14 is where the wheels started to fall off. For the record, I ran the first 13.1 faster than last week's 13.1. But then I just started to fade. I was eating and hydrating well (but if I EVER see another Clif Bar, it'll be too soon). As Chasen put it, I'd been sick this whole past week PLUS had been taking care of sick Isaac, so cut myself some slack. Whatever - I rarely cut myself any slack. I needed to run strong, not peter out. But 20 miles is a long way!
I went into "survival mode" at about mile 16 or 17, regressing to the 1:1 method. But then I just had to walk. Covering the distance any way possible is better than quitting. Period.
By mile 18.5 it was completely dark and very cold, so I did the last 1.5 on the treadmill. Here's how it all went down.
Mile 1 - 12:41
Mile 2 - 12:54
Mile 3 - 13:27
Mile 4 -12:56
Mile 5 - 13:00
Mile 6 - 13:32
Mile 7 - 13:28
Mile 8 - 12:35
Mile 9 - 13:56
Mile 10 - 13:33
Mile 11 - 12:49
Mile 12 - 13:48
Mile 13 - 13:44
Mile 14 - 14:35
Mile 15 - 14:41
Mile 16 - 15:29
Mile 17 - 17:36
Mile 18 - 17:20
Mile 18.5 - 9:07
Total - 4:21:19
Average - 14:08 (NOT good enough for Rocket City, which has a 6-hr limit)
Treadmill - 1.5 miles in 33:28 (all walked)
John said this would be a test of my endurance, and he certainly was not kidding. This is my longest distance yet this season, so I guess I should not expect it to be easy. But a girl can dream!
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5 comments:
I don't know how to say this, so I'll quote Reeves:
I think a hero is an ordinary individual who finds strength to persevere and endure in spite of overwhelming obstacles.”
Covering the distance any way possible is better than quitting. Period. Amen. You're a hero.
sincere-lee
lizzie lee
Hey girlfriend--
I know you are NOT a quitter...and you did the 20 miles, though it wasn't pretty. Did they say it would be pretty?
I can really appreciate how hard it is to finish your miles when you are out there. and I'm only training for 5.5!! And, let me say I totally appreciate the nervousness about finishing in a timely way as well.
Just keep on keepin' on SS...and pretend you hear all of us on the sidelines, clapping a beat & cheering you on...Run Susan Run! Run Susan Run! Run Susan Run...
I KNOW you can & will do this! (just sayin'! :) )
You'll get there Susan!
I think that if you need to walk to cover some distance, it still counts. It's better than just quitting as it does contribute to the big overall picture. High-five for getting the 20 miles DONE!
I think running 20-milers in training are significantly harder than running a marathon with others. Way to stick it out and get the job done. Really, I think it's more about mental training than the physical training and you PASSED. Great job, Susan!!
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