Last of the Long Runs

Well, we're 2 weeks out from the marathon, which means I'm officially in 'taper' mode. I'll be reducing my mileage in order to give my body time to fully recover and have fresh legs on race day. I'll still be running (I don't want to forget how! ), just shorter distances. Sometimes while tapering I start to freak out that I'm not prepared. I like to look back over my training log (and blog posts!) to remind myself that I've put in my time. Here are some of my previous training run recaps:

Running News (includes recaps and marathon goals)

My first 20-miler of the season

Slow 16 vs Solid 18

Tempo Run

Hard Runs (includes a track workout and a tempo run)

This morning was my last long run...and even that was a bit shorter. After a 20-miler last week and 18 the week before that, it felt a little premature to stop at 15 today. I actually got a little sad when I had to turn around at the 7.5 mile mark. All of my running buddies were continuing on to complete 18-20 total, and I wanted to go with them! I knew better. They are all running races later in the season, which means they haven't started their tapers yet. It wouldn't be smart of me to push myself that far with only 14 days to go.

The lonely run back to my car was actually quite peaceful. I had time to clear my head and just be in the moment. I didn't have anyone to chat with, which led me to subconsciously pick up the pace a bit. I completed 15 miles with a lovely negative split.

Total Miles- 15   Average Pace- 9:54

• Mile 1 - 9:28
• Mile 2 - 9:55
• Mile 3 - 10:16
• Mile 4 - 10:27
• Mile 5 - 10:14
• Mile 6 - 10:12
• Mile 7 - 9:55
• Mile 8 - 9:50 (bye, running buddies! )
• Mile 9 - 9:55
• Mile 10 - 9:48
• Mile 11 - 9:49
• Mile 12 - 9:49
• Mile 13 - 9:28
• Mile 14 - 9:35
• Mile 15 - 9:51

Like I mentioned, last week was my 3rd and last 20-miler. It also ended up being my slowest, but that's ok. 20-milers are really about finishing without injury, and I didn't want to push it so close to the race. Lots of weeks in a row with high mileage wear me down. I started feeling a slight twinge in my right knee during the last few miles, but ice and stretching had me feeling better the next day.

I tried out 2 new (to me) fuels during my run, and loved them both! First was a mint chocolate GU. I kid you not, it tastes like Junior Mints. This is the only gel I've ever eaten that I think a non-runner would enjoy. The other thing I brought along was a baggie of gummy bears. They are so much cheaper than the gummy fuels sold at the running store (Shot Bloks etc) and are really fun to eat. They don't have any added electrolytes, so I'll still be sure to take in Gatorade if I use them as a fuel source. I've been continuing to bring along dried apricots. These are great for when I actually start to feel hungry and am craving real food. I don't know about you, but my stomach starts growling at about the 12 mile mark!

Here are my stats:

Total Miles - 20   Average Pace - 10:18

• Mile 1 - 10:41
• Mile 2 - 10:34
• Mile 3 - 10:17
• Mile 4 - 10:19
• Mile 5 - 9:57
• Mile 6 - 10:19
• Mile 7 - 10:06
• Mile 8 - 9:53
• Mile 9 - 10:23
• Mile 10 - 10:39
• Mile 11 - 10:48
• Mile 12 - 10:25
• Mile 13 - 10:37
• Mile 14 - 10:32
• Mile 15 - 10:19
• Mile 16 - 10:17
• Mile 17 - 10:18
• Mile 18 - 10:01
• Mile 19 - 9:42
• Mile 20 - 9:51

The prior week's long run fuel included a raspberry Clif Shot (my go-to gel brand. I like the razz & mocha flavors.) and some Sharkies, which are just glorified fruit snacks. I really like the Gatorade Prime, which you drink before you run. Mainly I like that it's a way to get some pre-run calories that isn't hard on my stomach and doesn't make me feel too full. I do NOT like the Gatorade Recover. You drink that after your work-out and it contains protein. The flavor is weird, and it seems a little thick/syrupy. I'd rather just have real food instead.

This was my last training run on the hilly part of the marathon course. I had 18 miles on the schedule, and knew this would be a good testament as to how my training has prepared me for race day. I was nervous, but was proud to have knocked out a solid run.

Total Miles - 18   Average Pace - 10:04

• Mile 1 - 9:26
• Mile 2 - 10:10
• Mile 3 - 10:08
• Mile 4 - 10:11
• Mile 5 - 10:31 (the dreaded 'slow' hill at mile 5 is not part of the marathon - woohoo!)
• Mile 6 - 10:16
• Mile 7 - 9:58
• Mile 8 - 9:52
• Mile 9 - 10:08
• Mile 10 - 10:09
• Mile 11 - 9:59
• Mile 12 - 9:07 (oops?)
• Mile 13 - 10:06
• Mile 14 - 10:12
• Mile 15 - 10:31
• Mile 16 - 10:32
• Mile 17 - 10:09
• Mile 18 - 9:41

Next time you see me running downtown, I better end up with a medal around my neck! (Speaking of which, this is the Omaha Marathon's 35th anniversary. They are celebrating with a 'Going Green' theme. All of the medals are made by local artists and are crafted from recycled glass. How cool is that?!)