Respect the Distance
It has run through my mind countless times as I have prepared for runs and as I have completed those runs. I have tried never to lose sight of the fact that 10+ miles is a long way. Anything can happen in a split second to turn a great run into a horrible, miserable run.
This morning I attempted something I have never done before and I was nervous. I was afraid of what would happen and if I would finish feeling good.
This morning I attempted to run the longest distance I have ever run in my life. And it was awesome!
15.66 miles in 2:11:22 with the last 4 miles at HMP (~7:45 pace)
I left my house before the sun was even up and met the running group for the long run. It was a chilly 35F and I still had to wear my winter running clothes. I wrote out directions, just in case I forgot the route so I wouldn't get lost. I brought my phone and gloves and all the other essentials including some gels. At promptly 6:30am we were off. The first few miles ticked by easily and it was a beautifully quiet morning.
As I neared the 7th mile, I was joined by my running teammate. We continued on together, enjoying the run and the gorgeous morning. As we neared the 11.5 mile mark, I wasn't sure how those last 4 miles were going to go, but I just tried to remember to take it one step at a time and respect the distance.
It was tough and painful over those 4 miles at half marathon pace but having my friend and teammate there helped to keep me going. We managed to average a pretty even 7:47 pace for the whole 4 miles which was amazing considering I already had 11 miles on my legs. I was just so happy to finish my last long run of this training cycle on a good note and head into taper feeling strong and confident.
After the run I took an ice bath with no ice, just cold water and I think it really helped to make my legs less sore...at least so far. The true test will be to see how I feel tomorrow!
22 comments:
You are so inspiring!! What a great run. I hope you can take it easy this weekend and get some good recovery!
AMAZING!! Excellent job, I am still astounded at how you pounded out those last 4 miles. After this week's worth of workouts and race Sunday, and after already running 11 miles, hitting your HMP was a really awesome accomplishment. Glad I could meet you for the second portion of the run!
Great run! Adding HMP into a long run is soooo difficult! So for your longest run AND good paces I'd call that a success! And good job on the ice bath. I always say I will but chicken out!
Great job! And extra points for the ice bath - I hate 'em!!!
AWESOME!!! Enjoy tapper and good luck with the race!!
Congratulations on the new milestone!! Pushing the distance AND pace will relaly pay off on race day!
YAY! Congrats on the new PDR! That is so so awesome :)
And what an awesome job you did! I hope the sore you feel tomorrow is a "good" sore.
Is today the cake tasting day?
NICE job girlfriend! <3
You're amazing! I can only run 7:45 min miles in my sleep! Or dreams!
I too did some cold bathing this morning!
Great run!
congrats on the awesome run! Wow, that pace for the last 4 is incredible! What a great way to start the weekend. Hope your legs are feeling good.
Recover well. Nice run!
I'm so glad you took an ice bath, I think they work wonders. NICE JOB!
Nice job! It's so exciting hitting new mile markers! Enjoy the rest of your weekend.
Nice run! That is a speedy pace for doing such a long run. Beautiful sunrise to lure you outside in the early hours.
Way to go! Nice work on the pace - it's great that you were able to maintain that pace for the last 4 miles!! You will rock this 1/2!
Ice baths are not 'fun' but they really helped me after my long runs. I hope you are feeling good today! :)
I love your mantra! And congrats on such a strong 15+ miles :] Great and inspirational post
Ice baths are the best! Congrats on your run!
Way to go!!!!! It's killer both mentally and physically to finish a long run fast.
Congrats on setting the new distance PR! Hope the legs are feeling OK today!
Awesome! Congrats on your longest long run ever! And ice baths are the best.
Yeah for new distance PR!!!!!!!
I cannot wait to be hitting those myself as marathon training gets in full swing...of course, I'm only running that fast in my dreams!
What an awesome run to tackle! And what better way to celebrate than with a nice ice bath. I am glad that your experience with that personal distance record went well. I know that every time that I would increase my running distance to knew heights, They would never really be "awesome" - more like hellish. ha.
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