“Now you just have to do that Twice”
September 5, 2009
That’s what the husband says to me after returning from my morning run. It wasn’t just any morning run. It was a 13 mile morning run. Half of what I’ll be doing on October 10 for the Baltimore Marathon. Ya gotta love sarcastic husbands who say such things from the bed they haven’t gotten out of yet after you return from moving non-stop for 2.5 hours. (side note: husband just informed me he wasn’t be sarcastic he was merely stating fact. Nice right? lmao)
Chart extracted from the Nike+
I ate gonna lie… it was HARD. This was the longest I’ve run since my first and only half marathon this spring. I should be at higher distances at this point in my training but with everything going on I’m doing what I can when I can.
Before I get into the run let me tell you about my new running partner, the Ultimate Direction Fastdraw Plus
Anyway, I inquired at the running store about options and the sales women recommended this. At first I was like, "why don’t I just carry a bottle?" but then I tried it. I love the fact that it’s attached to your hand and you still have control over your fingers. It’s really simple but super easy. I switch it from hand to hand while running every mile or so just to mix it up.
So equipped with my water I head out this morning. The first 4 miles or so was ok. I felt pretty good. I’m still getting over that weird bug I had mid week so my head was a little stuffy but running-wise I was fine.
I was running on a major route here in Baltimore County that happens to be side-walked for quite a distance and just about 5 miles in I was passing a Wal-Mart. By this time I had to pee. I SWEAR ever since having a kid my bladder just ain’t what it used to be. So I headed in and used the restroom.
I also happen to pass 2 McDonald’s on this particular stretch of run and I decided to stop at the second to fill up the water bottle. I was drinking a lot as I already felt a bit dehydrated and the sun was beating me down the entire time.
By mile 9, I was hurting. My knee was starting to ache. My abs were getting sore. And my head couldn’t stop focusing on how much further I had to go. It was about this time I started to take some short walking breaks. Then I realized I could speed walk a bit. You know, increase my stride and swing my arms.
At first I was a little disappointed with myself and then I realized something. I’m still moving! Walking is NOT quitting. I’m moving forward, I’m making progress. AND I’m enjoying it. I had fun the last few miles alternating between a speed walk and a jog. Plus who really cares how I finish 13 miles? I covered 13 miles on foot and I did it just over 2.5 hours by myself AND I felt great!
I made one more stop around mile 11 to fill up my water bottle at a Starbucks (they were super nice as I had to ask for them to do it for me) and I actually ran the last quarter mile back home.
Even after my awesome run today I am still terrified about the marathon because the husband is right. I have to do what I did twice and the thought of that totally.freaks.me.out.
| « « 3 Boxes of Candy | Weekend Quote: so I tried it – and I did it! » » |
On September 5th, 2009 at 11:13 pm Melissa (The Daily Mel) said:
WTG on your run, Roni. I know it’s easier said than done, but don’t focus on the whole marathon. Just take it one mile at a time. Reading your post brought to mind one of my all-time favorite quotes, so I thought I would share it with you.
“Perseverance is not a long race; it is many short races one after another.”~Walter Elliot
On September 5th, 2009 at 11:20 pm Cynthia (It All Changes) said:
That’s awesome! No matter how you cross the finish line you will still have done something most people will never attempt. Good for you :-)
On September 5th, 2009 at 11:36 pm Melanie said:
Roni, I read a quote somewhere that said never to think of a Marathon as running 26 miles, rather, think of it as running ONE mile 26 TIMES! That always helps me get through the long runs :-)
On September 5th, 2009 at 11:42 pm Jac said:
What a great run!! You’re going to do awesome with your marathon! (I’m so jealous; that’s something I’ve ALWAYS wanted to do… but I’m having a hard enough time completing the C25k program!)
That water bottle looks like such a great tool! I might have to look into one for myself for my walks :) I love hiking, and I need a good water bottle but I HATE the camel backs.
On September 5th, 2009 at 11:44 pm Priyanka said:
Great run Roni!
On September 6th, 2009 at 1:46 am FITYOUROLDJEANS.COM said:
Running is so great. I recently started adding early morning runs to my routine after reading your posts. Keep it up!!!
On September 6th, 2009 at 3:15 am Lara (Thinspired) said:
CONGRATS! I saw that on Twitter yesterday and it brought a huge smile to my face. Your hubby’s comment made me laugh–exactly something mine would say. As for the walking, I COMPLETELY agree! My hubby is running a half this morning…I’m feeling really inspired by both of you right now :)
On September 6th, 2009 at 6:23 am Diana said:
Congrats! That is a great accomplishment. And, no, it doesn’t matter hwo it gets done. That you did that much is huge imo.
Good luck :)
On September 6th, 2009 at 8:27 am Kate said:
Roni,
Go you! I actually stopped to get some inspiration before heading out for my long run in preparation for my first marathon in December. This was great!
On September 6th, 2009 at 8:33 am Biz319 said:
Awesome run Roni!! And I agree, walking is not giving up!
On September 6th, 2009 at 9:42 am justrun said:
From someone who’s completed a marathon in as long as 5:40, walking is very much moving forward. Just get the time in now more than anything. Speed is not something that even has to be on your radar to finish this thing. You’ve had SO much going on– the fact that you still have the drive to do this is a good thing. Go you!
On September 6th, 2009 at 10:11 am Marisa (Trim The Fat) said:
Wow, Roni! That is great! You didn’t give up and you got the job done! Awesome.
On September 6th, 2009 at 11:50 am KUrunner said:
Personally, I walk for about a minute after every mile on long runs. It helps with lactic acid buildup and makes longer runs MUCH easier.
On September 6th, 2009 at 12:07 pm BigTickles said:
Progress not perfection Roni….. Keep going….
On September 6th, 2009 at 1:10 pm B said:
WTG!
On September 6th, 2009 at 1:18 pm Zoey said:
Wow on 13 miles Roni- that is awesome!
Your husbands comment cracked me up, that is something that my husband would probably say to me too.
On September 6th, 2009 at 1:57 pm lunzy a la lunzygras said:
keep on doin’ whatcha you’re doin’ and you will be fine! ;)
On September 6th, 2009 at 4:25 pm Diane, Fit to the Finish said:
Husbands are too funny! When I finally lost all my weight I asked John what he thought all the years I was morbidly obese. You know what he said?
He said, “I always thought it was temporary.” Ten years is a lot of temporary, and 26 miles is a lot to run!!
Congrats on the 13 miles – I could never do that!!
On September 6th, 2009 at 7:49 pm Alison said:
Roni,
My sister did a marthon not that long ago never going past like 16 miles, she said 12-16 on her marathon she just wanted to die it sucked horribly, she hit 16, hit a high and said she just loved the last 10… Take it for what its worth, one person’s experience but I hope it gives you some hope that not having done more won’t kill you.
On September 6th, 2009 at 8:29 pm Jen said:
Well done Roni! I’ve always done the walk/run Jeff Galloway method. I had too many aches and pains without it. Walking is not quitting. I do a a 5:1 ratio (run:walk). Or walk 1 minute after every mile. And at the end of the day it’s only walking a few minutes out of your run. In some races I actually completed the race faster than those running the whole time. And I credit that to the recovery walks. They are short, but necessary for me! You should read “Marathon-You Can Do It!” by Galloway. It really makes running really enjoyable.
You’re doing great!!
On September 7th, 2009 at 4:07 am Kathleen said:
I did run some half marathons in the past and everytime I cross the finish line, I think… If I wanna run a marathon I’m only in the middle now :o).
I so wanna run a marathon once… I just am too slow now… (21k in 2hours 15).
Great job! Nice to hear someone has to pee while running too. Mu hubby always laughs at me, running off into the bushes to do what nature calles for :o)
On September 7th, 2009 at 4:29 am Sara, Ms. Adventures in Italy said:
Walking is actually great rest because it’s using completely different muscles than running so they get a bit of rest. Ain’t no shame!
Re: water bottle – I actually like to run (long runs) with a water belt – similar to this one: http://www.amazon.com/Nathan-Triangle-Insulated-Angled-Holster/dp/B000NDEYYM/ref=pd_sbs_sg_5 – and it has a little space for Gu/protein enhancers, your house key, and ipod, etc. I put the water bottle centered in the middle of my back (over my butt) and therefore it doesn’t bounce that much.
On September 7th, 2009 at 7:22 am Sheila King said:
Just starting running, and you are an inspiration!
On September 8th, 2009 at 12:15 am Cathy said:
Roni,
I just ran my first half yesterday in Disneyland. It was harder than I thought but I did it! After mile 6 I started to walk/run and I went so much faster. I then had enough energy to finish the race running. I too started with the C25K last April. Five months later and I can race a half marathon. It is nothing short of a miracle. I’m so proud of myself.
On September 11th, 2009 at 6:00 pm KK @ Running Through Life said:
Great job Roni! Walk breaks are certainly not quitting! Actually, when things get hard when running, a lot of programs and coaches, including myself, recommend a 1 minute walk break (or more if needed). Keep it up!