This morning I ran my LAST double-digit long run of Marine Corps Marathon training. Next week I will run eight and then the next weekend is the race! The 16 weeks of training have been a journey but I can honestly say that it has been an enjoyable one (despite the two-week hamstring hiatus).
New to the blog? Here are some marathon training highlight posts…
Training Plan Announcement: Marnie Corps Marathon Training Program
My First Long Run: First MCM Long Run
My First Speed Workout
Finally Finding My Marathon Motivation
Atlanta Long Run – 12 Miles
Myrtle Beach Long Run – 14 Miles
A Beautiful 16 Miles
Dealing With Injury: Everything Has Changed, Absolutely Nothing’s Changed
Overcoming Injury: Jumping for Joy
Overcoming Injury: The Race is ON
My Triumphant Return: Tackling 20
And back to today’s run. I fueled the way I always do.
Peanut butter, honey and banana on Great Harvest Flax Oat Bran. One cup of black coffee on the side.
I tried something new on my long run today.
Compression sleeves. My calves and achilles have been really tight ever since my 20-miler. My friend Sarah wore compression sleeves for the Tahoe Marathon a few weeks ago and said she really thought they helped. It’s proven that they help with recovery if you wear them after the run but the verdict is still out on what they actually do for you on the run.
I personally could feel a huge difference in my legs this morning. My calves and achilles felt a million times better wearing the sleeves. I will definitely be wearing them on race day. I also wore them for a few hours post long run.
I started my long runs the way I’ve started most throughout my training, with Sullie.
We ran the first three miles together. I will miss her on race day! 😉 I ditched the vest after the first three miles and geared up with my Fuel Belt, Gu’s and iPod for the next 13.
As the miles ticked by, I couldn’t help but reflect on my running history – everything from my first half marathon to my first marathon to my first sub 2-hour half. I definitely got a little emotional thinking about it all. I am just insanely happy and excited that I’m going to be lining up at the starting line of the Marine Corps Marathon in TWO WEEKS!
Before I knew it, it was over.
16.21 miles in 2:28:52. I hit the half (13.1) at 1:59:23. My average pace was 9:11. I took a Gu at mile 8.5 and mile 13. I didn’t really need the Gu at mile 13 but I plan on taking them at 8, 14 and 20 on race day and wanted to make sure my stomach is ready for it.
I immediately assumed this position when I got home.
And then got myself upright and smiled for a picture.
After a quick stretch I showered and dressed. We had plans to meet our friends David and Ashley for lunch and Georgia game watching (we won – shut out Vandy! Go Dawgs!). They’re in town for a wedding. Ashley just signed up for her first marathon – she’s running the Country Music Marathon in Nashville in the spring so we had a great time chatting about running over lunch.
Beverage trifecta.
And lunch.
I had to create my own lunch. There were not many meatless options on the menu so I asked the waitress if the kitchen could just put whatever vegetables they had into a cheese quesadilla. It turned out to be delicious – lots of peppers, squash, zucchini and onions. guacamole (mmm…avocados), salsa and sour cream on the side.
I did something that I very rarely do when we got home from lunch – napped. It was fabulous. I am tired and sore. We are trying to figure out what we’re going to do for dinner tonight and just relaxing. I have a crazy yoga workshop all day tomorrow. More info about that to come and hopefully pictures and maybe video! I’m so excited about it but I need to rest up and try to knock out this soreness!
Hope you’re all having a great weekend!
