This is the face of someone who’s super happy to be done running 20 MILES. (That’s insane.)
Time: 3:15:17
Pace: 9:46
My goal for this run was to maintain about a 9:40 pace — the average pace of most of my good long runs during marathon training. I figured if I could stick close to that pace, then I’m prepared for a nice, satisfying first marathon.
Here’s how it all went down:
Miles of note:
* Mile 12 (10:04): I spent some time searching for a playground with a restroom after I saw a sign indicating “PLAYGROUND” and “RESTROOM.” The trail then split off in a few different directions with no subsequent signage to follow up on those promises, so I went in (slow) circles for a while. Once I did find the restroom, it was closed. For the whole season. And also the water fountain was turned off. HOLY FRUSTRATION.
* Mile 13 (9:20): I then hit up a grocery store restroom and water fountain, which was way better than that other stupid restroom would have been anyway (I’m still bitter). The store was really cozy and warm, making it seem freezing outside when I hit the trail again. This faster mile helped me warm back up!
* Miles 14 (10:25) and 18 (10:01): Clearly I’m a psychopath/was smoking crack when I planned this route. Look at those hills.
Luckily the run ended with a massive downhill, which was obviously terrible for my knees, but anything other than uphill running felt like angel kisses at that point.
I really lucked out with no rain, very little wind and cold-but-comfortable temps. And I spent many, many miles on the Burke-Gilman trail, which mostly looked like this.
3+ hours is a very long time to be alone with my thoughts (no music), but the gorgeous fall scenery helped keep me happy and entertained.
My fueling plan worked out really well. I took a chocolate Clif Shot at miles 6, 12 and 17, plus swigged Nuun every few miles. I was hungry at the end of this run, though, so can someone please deliver me a Hungry-Man dinner at mile 20 of Rock ‘n’ Roll Las Vegas? Thanks.
Immediately after getting home, I collapsed on the couch with a banana and scarfed it in 2.5 seconds. The banana is the greatest fruit of all fruits. Don’t even try to fight me on this.
My stomach felt great and I also ate a chicken breast, a few little tangerines and the majority of a box of Stovetop Stuffing (’tis the season). After last weekend’s stomach disaster, I’m incredibly pleased with how “Operation Stay Sober and Don’t Vomit” is going. Trademark pending.
The marathon is three weeks from TODAY. Holy crap. My last double-digit run is a 12-miler next weekend, and the rest of my training plan looks like cake. Delicious taper cake.
Can’t wait to see you all in Vegas.
Dev on Running 