I completed my first 20 mile run of this marathon cycle on Saturday, and overall I was fairly happy with the results. It obviously wasn't a record breaker by any means, but I got through it relatively smoothly, at a nice relaxed pace. Minus the bathroom break I took at mile 9, the overall pace was 7:36, including water stops. However, 9 of the last 10 miles were at 7:23 average pace.
I was mostly pleased because I intentionally ran this one a little slower, trying to keep the pace around 7:30, which overall I basically did. The downside of the run was my legs got incredibly tired at mile 14 and I really had to focus on getting through it. It wasn't like "marathon hard", but definitely more difficult than it should have been. Also, for the first time in a long time I had some stomach issues. Not like "I gotta find a restroom STAT" or anything, just a little trouble settling my stomach from the beginning until the end of the run. I ate a little more than normal before the run and I'm certain that was the problem. Typically I'll just have a banana and a few dry steel cut oats. But this morning I ate a banana, Stinger wafer, about a cup of dry steel cut oats, two beet juice shots, and a gel immediately before the run. I just felt way too full right out of the chute.
But even with the minor stomach issues, I would give the run a solid B-, especially considering where I'm at right now. My legs are still not nearly strong enough for a marathon, my endurance is shotty at best, and I'm a little over race weight at about 178 - not heavy, by any standard, but I like to race at about 170-172. But it's so hard to lose weight in the winter. I'll keep working at it with more total body workouts, but it was definitely a good building block for the Phoenix Marathon at the end of February. Have a great weekend!
Be the one.
The first 20-miler is always such a big deal to me. I don't like the distance at all. That's really good pacing, to be able to finish fast on tired legs. I bet that gives you a big mental boost during the race (besides the obvious physical benefits).
ReplyDeleteYeah, me too Grace. Even though I've ran 20+ dozens of times, the first one of a marathon cycle is definitely a confidence builder, and often the results are a harbinger of the upcoming marathon.
DeleteI just wanted to take a minute to let you know how much of an inspiration your running has been to me this last year. I am 42 years old and while I did run a few marathons in my 20s, I never set any goals as far as time and was just happy to finish without walking. I started running again before my 40th birthday and this past January finally ran a sub 4:00 marathon. I thought I was done, but then started contemplating going for a BQ since my time was 12 minutes and change shy of that mark. I knew it would take a LOT more commitment than I had been giving and was looking for inspiration. I stumbled upon your blog and your first BQ. I loved your story so much that I started reading your blog from the beginning like a book. It inspired me to go for that BQ. So starting in September, I began running up to 6 times a week, increasing my milage, doing more races and adding tempo and speed work. This past Sunday I knew I wasn't quite ready for it, but tried to run the pace I needed to qualify at the CIM in Sacramento. I had a lousy run and everything fell apart at about mile 18, but I did manage to get 3 minutes closer to the time I need. I will be sticking with it, because at 42 years old, I have PR'd by significant measure in every distance, coming in 2nd or 3rd in my age group almost every time. I will get that BQ, it will just take more time. So thank you for writing this blog and sharing about your training and races because it has honestly inspired me more than you can imagine.
ReplyDeleteLaura
Laura, I don't know what to say except thank you, and that's very humbling. I have NO doubt you'll get your BQ. Your confidence is very apparent, and I know it's just a matter of time. I've just found over the years that our bodies are much more capable than our mind sometimes think they are. You know and believe that you're capable of it, so I have no doubt it won't be long before you cross the line in a qualifying time! Also, I think it's GREAT that you're experimenting with more distance and various workouts. I'm not a running expert by any means, but I've just never felt that the cookie cutter training programs were the end-all, be-all for everyone's training. I really started to grow as a runner when I branched out and tried new things. I get quite a bit of push-back at times from seasoned runners who have pretty much only tried one way all their lives, but I just really believe we're all different and our bodies respond differently.
DeleteThank you so much again, and don't be a stranger to commenting! I love talking with runner of all shapes, sizes & speeds. It's one of the main reasons I started this blog. Good luck with your BQ, it WILL happen!
I bought a beet juice shot pkg and used 1/2 before a run. I didn't notice anything, but doubt that taking 1/2 once would do much for me! I've got a February marathon coming up, too. Have fun training!
ReplyDeleteTina, based on everything I've read, that might not be enough - but that being said, I don't know that I actively "feel" something every run with it. It's still very much experimental with me.
DeleteLooks like you are getting back after it! I don't think I've commented but I have been following all you're recent posts and I admire your determination to tackle the upcoming year and make it your best. I hope I can follow your lead!
ReplyDeleteThanks Tia - I'm exactly the same, I read your blog ALL the time and really admire you as a runner and glean a lot from your training and race reports. Hopefully 2015 can be a good one for both of us!
DeleteI might be running Phoenix as well! It would be cool to hang out at the race if I make it down there!
ReplyDeleteYeah, definitely look us up!
DeleteTurns out I am not going to Phoenix. I got on the Shamrock Marathon pace team so my Winter/Spring marathon schedule is: Louisiana Marathon, Shamrock, St. Louis, Kentucky Derby, Spring Superior 50k, and Grandmas. Most of these are either pacing or long run training for my ultra in July.
DeleteNice to be able to give your first 20 miler such a decent grade. I'm impressed that you could do it without chucking up with that much food in your stomach. Mine definitely would have rebelled. I'd be giving you a B+ for that alone.
ReplyDeleteHa, well I usually don't eat that much, but definitely a little more than normal
DeleteGreat run, Jim!
ReplyDeleteThanks Allison, have a great week!
DeleteNice work! FYI my marathon times started to drop when I slowed down the pace of my long runs (with the exception of my marathon pace long run workouts). Just something to keep in mind. I'm still figuring out the marathon, but it's a distance I love!
ReplyDeleteThanks Julie, yeah I've messed around both over the years and mine definitely improved when I ran my long runs faster, not all of them of course, but a lot of them at marathon pace
DeleteWell done! It sounds about the way a first 20 miler should be. Minus the stomach issues of course. I love the 20 mile distance. It is hard but also over just before it really gets bad. Do you have 20 mile races over there? We have quite a lot of 32km (20 mile) races here in SA.
ReplyDeleteYa know there's a few Johann, I ran one a few years ago, but it's definitely not one of the more common distances. I wish it was!
DeleteI honestly can't fathom a "slower" run being that fast. (Okay. Truth be told I can't fathom running one mile that fast.) You are going to do awesome at Phoenix!
ReplyDeleteThanks Cory, but there's no way I could manage all the distance you log, you know I'm a fan!
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