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September 16, 2007
78 and the beginning of the taper
Today was the last of our 3 destination runs to Port Stanley this summer. My longest run since the Vegas marathon last December and my highest mileage week, ever. Oh and run 78 in a row.
We (P, D, E and me) started from my house, 23.75 miles from Port Stanley and the beginning of the taper. Earlier this week I suggested a plan for the run. We run at marathon pace 10.17 min/mile and take really long waterstop breaks. It was quickly vetoed. The new plan was to do the first 6 miles slow, the pick it up a little, after the halfway try and run 10.30 min/miles. I was happy with the new plan. I've been low on energy and high on soreness the last couple weeks so it made more sense.
Miles 1 - 6, where we were aiming for 11.30 - 12 min/mile.
mile 1 - 10.45
mile 2 - 10.36
mile 3 - 10.30 (after mile 2 we tried to slow down, it apparantely didn't work)
mile 4 - 10.30
mile 5 - 10.29
mile 6 - 10. 15
We were way off. but consistant! I took a gel at the waterstop, and there was a lovely container of fresh tantilizing melon. It looked so delicious, so I grabbed a piece, it was as good as it looked.
Miles 7 - 10. Also know as a big huge mistake.
After leaving the waterstop. Happy runner G started running with me. I know it is not safe to run with happy G, he is all happy and chatty. You get sucked in by his stories and questions and next thing you know you are running way faster than you should. I know this, yet I got completely sucked in!
mile 7 - 9.12
mile 8 - 8.45 .. oh crap
mile 9 - 8.31 ... taxi! I need a taxi!
Mile 10 - 14. Where I regret the delicious melon
Happy G moved on to another unsuspecting victim at the waterstop. I was now well ahead of my group. My plan was to have a few slow miles and they would catch up. Off I went, then around mile 11 my stomach started to cramp. I had already run past the gas station, there was another around mile 12. This toilet was the most disgusting place I have ever seen. I had to climb over an old air conditioning unit just to get to the washroom door. I won't describe it anymore. Let's just say I really really needed to go!
mile 10 - 10.20 (oops, to fast)
mile 11 - 10.45
mile 12 - 11.00 stomach issues. I stopped my watch while taking care of business
mile 13 - 10.30
Mile 14 - 17. Catch up
While I was in the worlds grossest bathroom, my group caught me and past me. When I emerged, I figured they were ahead, so I spent the next 3 miles trying to catch them.
mile 14 - 10.40
mile 15 - 10.42 big hill
mile 16 - 10.30
I caught them just before the waterstop at mile 17.
Mile 17 - 20. I hate running, question my sanity and wonder why the hell I want to run a marathon.
The next 3 miles did not bring a lot of joy to my life. They were really hard work. Like the last 3 miles of a marathon. Every muscle in my legs hurt, my shoulders hurt, my feet were burning and pounding. I just wanted to stop. I started planning my escape. Getting into a car at the next waterstop.
Yep, I had a plan, I was outta here!
mile 17 - 10.35
mile 18 - 10.50
mile 19 - 11.00
Mile 20 - 23.75. the finish
When I got to the waterstop I knew I couldn't get into a car. Even if I had to walk 3 miles, I could do it. I took my last gel, and took my screaming quads out for the final few miles.
mle 20 - 10.40 uphill
mile 21 - 10. 45 uphill
mile 22 - 9.40 downhill
mile 23 - 9.25
mile .75 - 6.55
I really had huge doubts about running a marathon today. Then the last 2 miles, felt strong, and I thought, yeah I can do this.
And so begins the taper!
Posted by Ali at September 16, 2007 4:17 PM
Comments
another huge excellent run.. the hard works in the can... good luck with the taper ...that's the fun bit right? :P
Posted by: londonjogger at September 16, 2007 6:16 PM
wow.
wow.
wow.
no way IN HELL i could ever run like that for that distance!!
you rock and all of you are just gonna kill Chicago!!
Posted by: justjunebug at September 16, 2007 6:32 PM
Awesome! You totally killed your planned pace, you are going to do great in the race!
And now you know..no melon. I had to learn the hard way about 5 times, no GU for me.
Posted by: Amanda at September 16, 2007 7:00 PM
23.75 miles on day 78, very impressive. From reading your blog during all your runathon, I think it is making you faster, but also making you mentally stronger. You can dig deep and get it done.
Enjoy the taper! How were the beers?
Posted by: Darryl at September 16, 2007 7:13 PM
Congratulations... and ouch... but mainly congratulations!
It's all downhill from here.
Dave
Posted by: Dave at September 16, 2007 8:09 PM
A most excellent run!
I don't know about that gross bathroom bit, I probably would've found a nice grassy patch and some leaves LOL
Thanks for stopping by! ;-)
Posted by: Marcy at September 16, 2007 9:07 PM
Wow. And I thought I was hardcore for running a 12-miler today! I've got a long ways to go!
Posted by: Allison at September 16, 2007 9:51 PM
WOW!!! Girl power!!!!
Posted by: rae at September 17, 2007 9:03 AM
Yahoo!!! Congrats on making it to the taper. Sounds like your run was hard, but you stuck to it. Good choice on not getting in the car and seeing it through to the end. I know you are going to rock your marathon!
Posted by: Andria at September 17, 2007 12:57 PM
YEAH! Sounds like an incredible run!
LOVE THE TAPER! Some people hate the taper, but for me, the taper is absolutely delightful! It gets me mentally prepared for the big day ahead!
Your splits were pretty consistent! Great job!
Glad you enjoyed the career matcher. It is nice to know we are in the field we should be. :)
Posted by: Laura Lohr at September 17, 2007 1:46 PM
bring on the taper!!!!!!!!!!!
YEAH!!!!!!!!!
good long run, now its time to settle in and rest up!
Posted by: brent at September 17, 2007 9:01 PM
Um, don't try archery. Your "aiming" is bloody hopeless.
Nice strong finish (and middle bit). 10s on the day should be doable.
I agree - Amy is a decent runner.
Posted by: Ewen at September 19, 2007 2:33 AM
I read something in Running Times the other day that suggested the more you mimicked the last few miles of a marathon during your training the easier the marathon would be. Sounds like you did exactly what you were supposed to!
Posted by: DREW at September 19, 2007 2:49 PM