I did a long run with Ben today. It was the last long run before Ogden, and I was hoping to put in at least 22 miles. We started out pretty easy, running 3 minutes and walking 1 minute. After the first 9 miles, we stopped off at home to refuel, and when we started out again, I switched to 4/1 intervals. But for some reason, I was totally winded when we started out again. It probably didn't help that it was all uphill for the next 8 miles, but I felt totally wiped out. I was feeling pretty worried about the upcoming marathon at that point. I realized that my upper body was so tired from yesterday's work out that I was having difficulty swinging my arms. Also, in thinking about my last Saturday work out, I realized that a 16.6 mile run and 38 miles on the bike was probably equivalent to running a marathon, so it was like I was doing two in a row. At least, that's how I rationalized my intense fatigue. Anyway, at mile 17.5, we stopped off for a quick breakfast burrito at Del Taco, then I finished my run. I thought about stopping at 22 miles, and again at 23, but since I needed to be home and didn't have time to walk, I ended up doing 24.2. The time, not counting the 2 stops, was 4:02:55. So if I had continued another 2 miles, I would have come in around 4:20. I decided that I am going to be delighted with 4:20 as a marathon time, and, most likely, I will do MUCH better in Ogden, since the course is mostly downhill, and I should be quite recovered between now and then. So...whatever! A finish is a win for me at this point. There's only so much you can do to prepare for a marathon in 8 weeks! :D | 