My First Marathon Of The Fall

What a weekend!

So my training plan called for 5 miles on Saturday and 24 on Sunday. It was peak week! I had run 10 miles Tuesday, 5 on Wednesday and had some shin splints so only got in 2 on Thursday but also did another 3 on Friday. I snuck in an elliptical workout on Thursday to make up for it too. I strength trained for 3 days during the week as well. Needless to say, by the time the weekend came, I was well into a settled tired groove :)

But I headed out Sunday morning for my long run with an extra little pep in my step. It was the weather. For the first time all summer it really felt like summer was leaving and fall was coming. It was a parting of the summer for me, and I had to say goodbye in style.

So as I set out at my new favorite path to run on, the Lexington/Bedford bike path, I started to think about how good it felt. I was chilly in my tank top and moving comfort compression shorts. I have not felt that cool morning chill in so long! I really took a moment to breath in the cool air and welcome the relief from all the heat and humidity we have had the last week weekends.

The first few miles of my run were a little rough. I had a hard time really sinking into a good groove. This seems to be a reoccurring problem for me as of late, I often do not feel great on shorter runs. It really takes me 5-6 miles to feel good. Sunday was no different. But what happened, and what seems to usually happen, is I feel great by mile 6-7.

I was cruising by mile 7 and settled into a nice solid 8:30ish pace. I started to think about my upcoming 50 mile race and how I would have to learn how to run through many mental road blocks. The more the miles ticked away, the stronger I felt. By mile 10 I had decided that I would run 26.2 miles just because I was coming so close, I might as well turn 24 into a full out marathon.

What the hell makes someone who has to run 24 miles run a little extra?

I wondered that as I set out on my second loop and settled into a comfortable 8ish minute per mile pace. At that moment I realized something, I am an ultra runner at heart. Distance running just makes me happy. I was smiling during my whole run. I could not believe how good I felt.

26.2 miles.

31.2 miles for the weekend. If that does not say happy ultra runner I do not know what would hehe

53 days until my next big challenge: My first 50 mile ultra run. I must admit, I am nervous, but also excited to see how my body will handle it.

I live for the long run, it is my time to relax and be alone with my thoughts. As the miles tick away I really enjoy the peace and beauty of mother nature.