Wednesday, August 15, 2012

20 Miles in the books

A few of you sent me emails asking how this weekend went since I didn't yet post- my new job started at work and what once was an 8 hour day has turned into 10-11 hrs, so free time is a commodity. As I learn my role the hours will get shorter, but for next few weeks I might be a little lack in posting often.

Who is no longer a 20 miler virgin?!?!


This Gal!


This past Saturday I ventured off for my first 20 miler. I had a running meet up at 6am with a group of individuals, but their plan was to just do 15, so I ventured out a little after 5am to knock out the first 5 miles before meeting up with them.

First 5 went amazing- temps were low 60s, sun wasn't out yet, jamming to my music, and no knee pain- 8:30s average pace. 

As soon as I started running with the other 4 individuals I felt like a different runner- the 9:10 pace we were doing was HARD and the dull ache in my knee was starting to get more consistent vs. coming and going. Luckily when I run with people vs. solo I tend to push myself more so instead of walking I just kept  a short distance of 5-10 feet behind them for awhile.

The miles actually ticked by due to extreme inappropriateness topic of conversation- another reason I love running with guys when I am able.

A few of you were curious how testing out the Nathan Women's Intensity Vest would be--- it was MAGICAL. I don't own body glide (crazy I know considering its a staple for most runners) and it didn't chafe one bit. I did put deodorant on the spot where the straps lie just in case, but does deodorant do anything? This was a fluke weekend for Nashville, so humidity and temps were extremely mild- I was worried I would get hot in the vest, but it never bothered me. I wish I would have  purchased this earlier in the summer.

Route we chose was 12 miles (for my group, 17 total for me) and we were going to do a 1.5 out and back to make up the last 3. Since we were back at cars I ditched my vest, had some gatorade, and off we went. Once I got to mile 18 I was struggling so I told one of the guys who was hanging back with me that I needed to put in my music---- what a trick. Immediately my pace picked up and I felt amazing. My last 2 miles ended up being sub 8s with the mile 20 clicking in at 7:42.

I decided that I'm going to try this out for actual marathon, only, not sure how long I can go without music when I'm running solo.

Overall I was pleased with how the run went. I was able to walk normal afterward, and more importantly the next day.  My total time was 20 miles in 2:58:30. 1.5 min faster than when I did my walk/ run/ jog 18 miles a few weeks back. In two weeks I'm due for another 20 miler, however I'm thinking of making it a 22 miler (maybe) so I can get more time on my feet. I NEED to run longer than 3 hours!

For any experienced marathoners out there--- what's a good chunk of miles you go before putting in music to get your 2nd wind?

7 comments:

  1. Great job!!!! You did amazing!!! I am a all music girl except when running with other people. I love when the topic of conversation keeps my mind off what is going on though!!

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  2. i love love love my intensity vest! it is awesome and so convenient:) i have found that the longer I can go without my music the more of a motivator it is! i usually always use it on training runs where I am by myself but in races I will wait till about halfway of a half and at least 8-10ish miles(if I can) of a full. My new trick for my LRs where I am on my own is to listen to a book on tape the first half and then turn on my music for the last half. Still just as motivating for me because it picks up the pace:) great job! congrats on the 20! and awesome finish!

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  3. 20 miles!!!! that is huge!
    no experience in marathon yet....
    I put music unless I have someone running with me

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  4. i’ve run several marathons with no music (TNT rule)-including the goofy challenge! but i did have someone to talk to. in my other races I have waited till the 1/2 way point. it’s almost a way of knowing you have something to look forward to at 13.1.

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  5. Way to go! Running with others always helps me and I love inappropriate talking while running. Helps take my mind off the discomfort:)

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  6. I didn't put on my music for my marathon until mile 14 although now I wish I would have waited, I didn't really feel like I needed it at that point but I had told myself I would wait till then. It does help perk one up though!

    Great job with your 20 miler! Woohoo! Audiobooks help keep me distracted too.

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  7. Congrats!! The first 20 miler, that is always exciting!! When I run alone, I usually listen to a podcast or audiobook instead of music. The conversation keeps my mind focused and it feels the miles go by quicker.

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