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I RAN 20 MILES TODAY!!!

I was planning on 18 but was feeling really strong at mile 14 and decided to go for 20. I called Brandon and said, “I’m going for 20. Go buy me a bag of ice.” I felt like today was the day to get the 20 done – I was originally planning on running 20 next weekend but I have to teach classes Saturday and Sunday and was feeling stressed about also getting the run in. I wanted to do the 20 on fresh legs and not before or after I taught a class.

Backing up. I slept in until 8:30. I had nothing to do today but get the run done and the temperature was supposed to be cool all day so I didn’t have to worry about beating the heat. I had my standard pre-long run breakfast.

Black coffee and toast with almond butter, honey and sliced banana.

I started my run with a three-mile loop with Sullie.

I’m so happy that it’s getting cooler so that I can run her more. She enjoys it so much and I love having an in shape pup! 😉

I dropped Sullie off and got suited up with my Fuel Belt and gels and headed out for the rest of my run. I felt really good throughout the whole run with the exception of my calves. They were so tight for the whole entire run. I stopped and stretched them several times but they just wouldn’t loosen up. The good news is that my hamstring felt great – no pain!

I had Gu at mile 9 and a Hammer gel at mile 14. This was my first time trying the Hammer brand and I will definitely be sticking with the Vanilla Gu. I did not care for the flavor of Hammer at all. I only take gels if I’m going to be running for more than 90 minutes. It is essential for me to take in calories on the run and I cannot stomach Gatorade. I used to hate gels, they literally made me gag, but somehow I have gotten used to them. I much prefer the energy boost they provide to various chews and sports beans you can get. I’m not kidding – I can feel a noticeable increase in energy when the gels hit my system.

Happy and excited to be DONE! 20.03 miles in 3:06:06. I averaged a 9:17 pace.

I think the best part of my run was the realization that I was going to survive the Marine Corps Marathon and might even finish right at four hours – which I would be thrilled about. It would be a 45 minute PR from my first marathon. I’m not putting pressure on myself but I have felt very comfortable running at this pace throughout my training!

Jen inspired me to suffer through an ice bath when I got home. I put on a bathing suit and a hoodie and hit the tub.

It was mentally tough but I set a timer for 10 minutes and just focused on the promise of a hot shower immediately after. I’m hoping that this pays off with soreness – especially with the calf tightness. I have to teach BodyPump at 6 a.m. tomorrow and the ability to use my legs is pretty key! 😉

I was so hungry after I showered and immediately got to work putting together lunch.

I made a salad with spinach, roasted acorn squash, roasted brussels sprouts, dried cranberries, feta, pumpkin seeds and homemade balsamic vinaigrette. On the side, a buttered piece of toast. Perfect fall salad! We’ll see how long this lasts me. I will probably be making multiple trips to the kitchen to forage today!

And backing up once again…we had such a lovely evening last night. I just have to share it with you.

My sweet husband went out and purchased a fire pit for our patio yesterday. He put together this set up last night for us to grill and watch the Georgia game.

We had an outstanding dinner. I think we said to each other at least 20 times, “oh my god, this dinner is so good!” I picked up a ribeye for Brandon and Alaskan Coho salmon for me at Earth Fare.

His and hers plates! I served roasted brussels sprouts, roasted acorn squash and Great Harvest dinner rolls on the side (had to get those carbs in for my long run today!).  This dinner inspired a lengthy discussion between us about how it was worth it to splurge on high quality, natural, local or organic meat when we do purchase it.

I loved this salmon. It honestly might have been the best salmon I have ever eaten. I seasoned it with olive oil and Dizzy Pig’s Shakin’ the Tree and Ragin’ River. Brandon grilled it on the Big Green Egg and cooked it to perfection. I am so very, very thankful to have a husband who is a talented grill master! I was so spoiled by my dad’s grilling skills growing up (seriously, amazing) and I’m so happy that Brandon has taken such an interest in it.

Long post! Off to relax and rest my tired body for the rest of the day. I think I’m going to watch a movie on OnDemand while Brandon is at the Y. This might be my only chance to take a break from football all day!