My First 20 miler

I woke up this morning not feeling it.  It was 4:30am, dark and slightly raining.  Really?  20 miles... today? After laying there thinking up a long list of excuses, I finally stretched my booty out of bed and got dressed.  The weekend is booked solid... This morning is truly my only chance to run.  Get. It. Done.

I parked the car at the trailhead in East Peoria and headed out at exactly 5:36am.  Even as I hit mile one, I was still convincing myself that today was not the day to be doing 20.  The rain had stopped, but the air was humid and damp feeling.  Temps in the mid-70's.  I made my way across the Bob Michels Bridge and along the Peoria Riverfront.  Surprisingly a lot of activity for six in the morning... the vendors were setting up for the Saturday morning marketplace, the fisherman were launching boats at the marina, and late night partiers were picking up their cars from the Friday night riverfront concert...

The climb up the Bob Michel is tough; but for some reason, I love running this bridge!!

At mile eight, I stopped at the top of the bridge, took in the view and ate my GU Chomps-Watermelon.  By mile ten, I was done with my first out and back.  Quick stop at the car to refill my water bottle with more nuun-enriched water.  Then I headed the opposite way on the trail towards Morton.  I finally turned on my music (Yes, I just ran the first 10 in silence!!).  

Miles 10-12 were tough as it was a long gradual incline, but I kept reminding myself that miles 18-20 will feel like cake...

The sun started to peek out from the clouds... and when it did, it was HOT!  The blacktop was still wet from the rain, and I could see STEAM rising off the pavement.  Needless to say, I started to sweat profusely and tire.  The trek out to 15 seemed to take forever.  But once I hit the turnaround, I seemed to get that "heading home" second wind (or maybe it was my second fueling with GU Roctane kicking in?).  The five miles back to the car went fairly quick and easy.

My goal pace for today's run was 11:15 min/miles (marathon pace 10:30 + 45 sec).  I ended up averaging 11:22, but with 3 water stops, I think I was close enough.

20.65 miles

3:55 minutes

11:22 avg. pace

I felt that last week's ice bath had a noticeable effect on my muscle recovery, so I gave it another go.  My legs are now wrapped up in compression socks and feeling quite good considering what I just made them do!

The only downside of today's 20 is that I ended up with painful chaffing in some new places.  I saw this product in the store a couple weeks ago, and thought it was so funny that I took a picture... but holy crap, this is FOR REAL people!!