GOD SMILED ON ME TODAY! All last week I prayed that God would send a cold front for my 20 miler, and he did! Three days of predicted cool weather, yesterday, today and tomorrow morning. Today was to be the coolest of the three. I ran 20 high quality miles today. The only struggle was at the end, but I remained focused and concentrated, and I didn't even slow down. A couple of friends met me and ran the last five miles with me. That was unbelievably helpful. I have run all my long runs by myself (by choice) to make me mentally strong for marathon day. But today, I needed their company. They are just starting back to running so it was a good workout for them, and they were happy with the pace. I ran negative splits by minutes and finished the run more than 15 minutes faster than my last 18 mile run (in August). I really needed this solid run for my confidence. My wonderful, non-runner husband has been telling me that my training was going very well and that I needed to account for the heat and humidity. I spend a lot of time in my life telling him he is right about many things (and I don't mind). Again, he was right. I am very grateful for him and his support.
My legs felt great the entire run. I just felt a bit queasy the last five miles, but my form was good. I drank a large cup of water when I met my friends at mile 15. I was thirsty, and I thought I would only pay for it for a mile or so. In fact, I told them I would have a stomach ache for the next mile but that I can run with a stomach ache as I ran the last 18 miles of a marathon with appendicitis a couple of years ago. I stayed nauseous for most of the last few miles and for the next few hours after the run. I forced myself to drink my recovery drink and water. I couldn't eat for about 4.5 hours afterward. After a 50 minute nap and some stretching before and after, I now feel great! I don't even feel like I ran 20 miles this morning.
My 20 day taper begins now! I always celebrate the taper. So let the celebration begin!! |