The big 21

Besides race day, another day that I have been looking forward to since I started training was Saturday's run. I ran the longest distance that I will run before the race - 21 miles. The run went really well. I tested another form of energy/carb supplements. Sarah and Eric gave me a pack of jellies to try. They are like fruit snacks that deliver the carbs. They tasted good, but I think I still have a chunk of one in my lung. I'm not good at having my mouth full when I'm trying to breath through my mouth too. I will definitely stick with the gel.

The weather was nice and the humidity was low. We got an early start. The goal for all of my long endurance runs has been a 10:40 to 11:10 pace. I usually try to pay attention to my watch and make sure that I'm not running too fast at the beginning or too slow at the end. On my 19 mile run 2 weeks ago my average pace was 10:49. However, on the 21 mile run, I really didn't watch my pace very closely and my average pace ended up being 10:20. I don't feel like I over-exerted myself. Part of having a successful run for me also means keeping check on my attitude. If I start getting down, I know that I'm probably getting close to needing an energy gel. I felt pretty good through the run, but I still can't imagine doing 5 more miles! The race is 6 weeks from today!!

We bought my race shoes today. I still have to find out how many miles to put on them before they are considered "broken in" for the race. We went back to Pacesetters because we received a lot of help and information there before. I ended up buying the same pair of shoes that I have been training with. I considered finding a totally new pair because my arches were burning some during last part of the 21 miles. Also, my knees were pretty tired and it felt like I needed more cushioning between the ground and my foot. However, we came to the conclusion that the shoes are probably doing everything that they can do, it is just the fact that I'm running so many miles at one time.

Hope everyone enjoys their Labor Day Weekend!

Only 3 miles

Tonight was the dreaded Wednesday run...actually it was only 3 miles, so I couldn't complain too long! The goal was 3 miles at 8:45 to 8:50 pace. My average pace for the run was 8:38. I really start out too fast and hurt myself for the rest of the run. We ran to State Farm to take our insurance payment and then the other direction to the post office to mail some letters.

Not that the US Open isn't great, but MAN!, I miss the Olympics!

Tips and YAY for Craig

Great weather! Wow! Tonight's goal was a 30 minute jog. I am used to running at least 40 minutes at the beginning of the week, so we went a usual route and completed 37 minutes.

Yesterday I was able to talk to a veteran runner and get a few tips about Chicago. This conversation was with someone who has run the Chicago marathon for the past 4 years and placed in the top 25 last year! Amazing!! We talked energy gels and gear. He won't be running this year due to a knee injury. It made me really excited for the marathon!

Last night we celebrated that Craig is done with his test and that he did really well! Craig was exhausted, but not too tired to enjoy a meal at Texas Roadhouse!

Saturday and looking ahead

Saturday's run felt quick. We started early and were done with 10 miles by 8 am. I really didn't pay attention to my watch to check what pace I was going. I just did what felt comfortable. My average pace was 10:07/mile. I used one energy gel. It was a different brand that they recommend at the bike shop where we bought Craig's bike.

I'm on the countdown. This next week will be 11 out of 17! I have started to think about what I'm going to wear on race day. I will probably need to buy another pair of shoes and get them broken in for race day. I also need to get some running tights in case the weather is cool. In previous races in the spring I have worn regular work-out pants, but that probably wouldn't work for the marathon!

This week will be a little different just because my Saturday run will be 21 miles. To keep my mileage for the week around 30, I will only do 9 miles during the week. This weekend is the annual Little Italy Festival and a 3-day-weekend! I'm looking forward to this week.

run or swim?

When I walked out the door this morning, I wasn't sure if I was going for a run or for a swim. It was soooo humid! I was glad it was only a 30 minute run and hope the weather changes before tomorrow's 10 mile run. There have been scattered showers, so hopefully that changes things up.
Today I only worked half the day. This afternoon I went to a continuing education seminar on prevention protocols - fluoride, sealants, etc. We get to see Craig's family tonight and some of my family tomorrow. It should be a good weekend. Please Pray for Craig as he has a huge test on Monday. I already have instructions, "Don't ask me if I feel prepared." I'm just going to be supportive and tell him he can do it whether he believes me or not!

Another hard one

I got up when my alarm went off this morning, but somehow rationalized getting back in bed and not running. So I ran tonight. The goal was 6 miles at 8:45 to 8:50 pace. I ran 3.3 miles at a 8:45 pace until I decided that I had enough. I walked about a 1/4 mile and thought about things. Craig said to me last week when I was having a hard time, "It's not supposed to be easy." That thought has stuck with me. My interpretation, "Don't be afraid of having to work hard." I definitely wasn't enjoying the run. Tonight he suggested just finishing the run, at my regular jog pace (about a 10 minute/mile.) I finished the run and my final average pace was 8:55 and I was glad to be done. So I'm still not convinced that I can keep my goal of a 4 hour marathon, but my main goal from the beginning has been always been to finish the race. I still don't want the thing to take all day!

Week 10

Tonight was probably one of the last evening runs for a while. We have been really blessed with low humidity and low temps for a couple weeks. It really hasn't felt like the typical Indiana August, but it is supposed to be on its way back. Tonight was a 40 minute run that went well. This year I have allergies for some reason. Luckily it hasn't really affected my running. My ankle swelled and was really sore about 24 hours after my long run Saturday. It stayed that way for about 24 hours and then was fine. I'm icing it after tonight's run, so hopefully it doesn't give me any problems in the morning!