Saturday, July 16, 2011

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!!


19 comments:

  1. Great job! I don't know if I could ever get out there and do a 20 miler let alone by myself. Keep up the good work

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  2. I don't know if there is ever a perfect day for 20 miles. Congratulations!!!!

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  3. You.are.amazing! Great job and congrats!

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  4. Congrats on the 20! I don't know if I'll ever be able to do that. I'm currently just trying to be able to run a 5k without walk breaks.

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  5. Congrats Jess on those 20 miles. I remember my first 20 miler it was tough. But just remember when you run that marathon all those long runs will pay off. This heat and humidity sucks. Pardon my french. When I stepped outside today I decided it was a inside work out day. So congrats in going out in this heat and humidity and getting it done. Yahoo.

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  6. I think your run today was incredible and your time was fantastic, wow. Good job!

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  7. CONGRATULATIONS!!! That is a huge milestone Jess!! Hope you are reaxing now!!

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  8. How fantastic! My furthest is 13.5 miles, can't wait to get up to 20!

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  9. Congrats on an AWESOME 20 miler! (and that was the ONLY place I chafed in my last marathon - painful!)

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  10. CONGRATS!!!!!!! THAT IS HUGE!!! YOU are a Rockstar!

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  11. I got up the crack of dawn yesterday for a 20 miler as well and had the same feelings as you early on. I was doubting that I was going to make the entire distance, but something changed in my head and I ended up doing the full 20.

    Congrats on getting one 20 in!

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  12. YOU ARE AWESOME! Greeat job Jess!!!! I did my 20 miler (first of this marathon training session) this morning too and it is so great to have it done. Sorry about the chafing. Bleck! I have really liked the 2Toms Sportshield... works great. Too funny about the Monkey Butt. LOL!! Enjoy the rest of your day!

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  13. Good job on the run. I have been there, not wanting to do it, but getting up anyway. I am sure you were happy you did. Great job

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  14. WOW! Way to go!! I would imagine 20 miles to be one hell of a run.... Hopefully I have my running partner with me when we hit that one in my marathon training. Kudos for doing it on your own & in less than ideal weather!

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  15. Oh wow! YOU ROCK :)

    20 miles? Sorry I'm still in shock and I DIDN'T do it, YOU DID!

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  16. Woohoo! Nice job on doing that first 20 miler!!!!! Such an incredible feeling, yes!

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  17. Awesome work on your 20-miler!

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I appreciate your feedback and comments!