On Saturday I ran 21 miles. This is the most I’ve run since running Richmond and the most I’ve run in a training run, ever. I was pretty nervous about this run, as I felt that it was sort of the culmination of my marathon training thus far. I was pretty low key about this run online because I was nervous. I got a strange peace about the run on Friday though, that proved useful for Saturday. Last fall, when I ran 20 miles, I completed the run in 3:53 minutes. On Saturday, I wanted to cover 21 miles in less than 4 hours. Well, I just got in under the wire…
This was a really mentally challenging run for a few reasons (outside of the distance). I was solo from mile 5 through mile 19.75. Being solo is always tougher, but I’m preally proud of how much stronger I’ve gotten mentally. A few months ago, I’m not sure I could have run almost 15 miles by myself with no music. In addition to being solo, the middle miles were a mess. We were on a trail which was covered with ice, snow and mud. It was gross, messy and at times, incredibly slippery. Lots of the trail looked like this:
It was definitely rough going. And then I took a wrong turn and ran about a mile out of the way. Sigh. Only me. Once I finally got back on track, i just really wanted to be done. I met back up with some girls from my training group at a bathroom along the trail and was so dang happy to see familiar faces at this point. As I mentioned, I really wanted to finish this run in 4 hours or less and it was getting close. I am so proud that I was able to kick it into gear and my last (and 21st) mile was my fastest. That really left me feeling like I will be able to finish the marathon strong. Now I’m on to the taper – I’m running the Reston 10 Miler this weekend, then 13 next weekend then the race! Woot woot!
How was your weekend long run? Have you ever gotten lost on a run like this girl? 🙂
Wow, great job on the run, especially with the condition of that trail! The mental strength is impressive. I haven’t run any distances long enough to get lost yet 🙂
Chaitali recently posted…Weekly review
Haha, I used to get lost all the time when I would run while traveling. GPS is the best thing to happen to me 🙂
I’m just wow… so dang proud of you!!! You’re gonna rock this!
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…Running Home… to Pittsburgh
Aw thanks BRF! I am REALLY looking forward to our next run together. Can’t wait til you are cleared so YOU can rock Pittsburgh!!!
You are awesome! Congrats on such a great last long run in tough conditions too. You’re going to crush it at Shamrock!
I’ve gotten lost on runs more times than I care to remember, haha. The worst had to be when training for my 1st marathon and I accidentally added an extra mile long loop onto my 1st 20 miler and didn’t realize till I was half way out there!
Colleen L recently posted…Footprints: Monday Morning Recap
Thanks Colleen! I’m really excited for Shamrock and ready for fun team meetups!! 🙂 Getting lost on a long run is so AWFUL! LOL
Great job!! I cannot imagine running 15 miles by myself and with no music – you are mentally tough 🙂
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Monday Motivation – Reenergized!
You know, just a couple months ago, I would’ve said the same thing. I definitely prefer to be with others but learning to be comfortable by myself and with the quiet has been really helpful!
Your adventures continue to amaze me. Congrats on beating your personal time goal. And also glad you found your way back to “civilization” and familiar faces. I understand about the mental toughness. I am not sure I am really there to run that many alone with NO music. But I do get to test some of my strength this weekend in the Little Rock Marathon.
Shalama Jackson recently posted…Marathon training: It’s just a week away
Thanks Shalama! You are going to be amazing at just how strong you are! So excited for your first marathon — I think you’re going to love it! Best of luck for an amazing race!
GREAT job with that run, especially with the road conditions! I get lost walking down the street so I usually do an out and back route whenever possible in areas I know very well, I have gotten lost running more times than I’d like to admit!
Sara @ lifebetweenthemiles recently posted…Boston Marathon Training: Week 8 Update (HALF WAY THERE!!)
I forgot that even though it may be warm it doesn’t mean that all the ice will be gone. I had to adjust my running plan a lot more than usual, too, because of some slippery spots. You’re a braver woman than I haha! Way to go on getting those miles down!
Lindsey recently posted…One Sweet Giveaway
Amazing job, running by yourself is always tougher, but it will make you even that much more ready for race day.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Easing In
Hey, thanks Abby! I really do think I’m much stronger mentally this go around!
Way to go, Courtney! Like you, I went out on my long run this weekend with a finish goal in mind, and squeaked in my 10 miles only 20 seconds under my two hour goal. Although my husband opted to run with me at my pace yesterday, it was a very tough run, both physically and mentally. But I did it, and I’m so glad that I reached my goal!
Kathryn @ Dancing to Running recently posted…Rock ‘n’ Roll USA Half Marathon Training Log – Week 5
Thanks girl — you ROCKED that run! Those tough runs really help prepare us!
YAY! So proud of you! You really are my running inspiration, such a Warrior!!!
Kelsey @ Blonder Side of Life recently posted…Miles on Miles on Miles
awww Kelsey, thanks girl! You rock 🙂
Wow that is amazing! Congrats on the awesome run! 🙂
Cassie @ Running Journey recently posted…Weekend Recap
Whoa! Great job out there!! Especially with those trail conditions! You’re going to destroy your marathon!
Amelia recently posted…New Jersey Marathon training update: week 11