On Saturday I survived my longest run since the Austin Marathon in February.
Distance: 20.06 miles
Time: 2:47:09
Pace: 8:20 min/mile
First half in 1:26 (8:40 pace). Second half in 1:21 (8:00 pace)
My first 20-mile run in preparation for the Dallas White Rock Marathon went fairly smooth and gave me 55 miles for the week (my second 50-plus mile week of the month). I got through some tightness in my hips and quads from Miles 12 to 16. I concentrated my nutrition on the days leading up to the run, especially Wednesday and Thursday. On dinner Friday, I had a bowl of rice and beans and, gulp, three glasses of wine.
During the run, all I drank was Powerade (12 to 15 ounces every water stop). Even though my quads threatened to cramp in the middle miles, I felt pretty strong for much of the run, including the final 5 miles, where I averaged 7:38 min/mile – including a “what was I thinking?” 7:07 on Mile 17.
Splits from Saturday's 20-miler
A 7:38 min/mile pace equates to a 3:20 marathon, which is exactly what I need to qualify for Boston. I’ve got three more 20-milers to go before Dallas in December. Hopefully the runs get better.
On Saturday I survived my longest run since the Austin Marathon in February.
Distance: 20.06 miles
Time: 2:47:09
Pace: 8:20 min/mile
First half in 1:26 (8:40 pace). Second half in 1:21 (8:00 pace)
My first 20-mile run in preparation for the Dallas White Rock Marathon went fairly smooth and gave me 55 miles for the week (my second 50-plus mile week of the month). I got through some tightness in my hips and quads from Miles 12 to 16. I concentrated my nutrition on the days leading up to the run, especially Wednesday and Thursday. On dinner Friday, I had a bowl of rice and beans and, gulp, three glasses of wine.
During the run, all I drank was Powerade (12 to 15 ounces every water stop). Even though my quads threatened to cramp in the middle miles, I felt pretty strong for much of the run, including the final 5 miles, where I averaged 7:38 min/mile – including a “what was I thinking?” 7:07 on Mile 17.
Splits from Saturday's 20-miler
A 7:38 min/mile pace equates to a 3:20 marathon, which is exactly what I need to qualify for Boston. I’ve got three more 20-milers to go before Dallas in December. Hopefully the runs get better.