This was my last long run before the marathon. It tells me that miles 18 and on are going to be tough for me, but my bro and I decided that if we're still together at that point, we will finish together no matter what.
I ran for the first time with my fuel belt and it worked great. I was able to carry everything that I needed for the first 15 miles (but note, I mixed my hammer gels with a bit of water on the suggestion of a friend, and I didn't like how that worked out, only because I don't mind the texture of the raw gel).
After 15 miles I had to stop back at the house. Chuck even remarked that I looked like I hadn't run at all and I felt that way. I felt great. My sister-in-law was getting ready to take my oldest to the movies, and I stopped a little longer than I wanted so I could see him off.
My first 15 miles were average 9:40 pace. I started off with 10 min. pace for the first 5, about 9 min. pace for the next 5 miles (I don't know why I do that--I think I panic that I have to make up time or something) and then 9:40ish pace for the next 5.
Then, even though my last 4 miles were still about 10 min pace, my legs felt incredibly heavy. I don't think I would have been able to do another 4 (I thought about trying, but we decided to go to church earlier than we originally planned). My calves felt heavy, but I elevated them for 5 min and then felt okay.
I guess I'm ready. I know it's going to be hard and I have only 1 goal--I need to finish.
Watched Run, Fatboy, Run yesterday. It was okay, cuter than I expected it to be. | 