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Sunday, May 16, 2010

22 Miles


I've been waiting forever to be able to write this post! When you finally reach the taper of a marathon cycle, I think you're always ready for it! At least you are initially. I'm sure in a week, my thoughts will different because as my legs begin to rest, they'll get antsy and want to run more. But, initially, they're ready - which is where I am now! Every run that I've ran over the past 16 weeks has been one step closer to the taper - which is one step closer to the race!

Yesterday, I ran 22 miles. All things considered, they were 22 glorious miles. For the most part, I was in a great mood and actually enjoying myself! Don't get me wrong, they're were moments of doubt and definitely moments of wishing that it were over. But, never have I felt so good during my last long run of my marathon training.

After last week's 20 miler, I decided I needed to get started earlier. Contrary to what you all may think, I'm not a fan of waking up at the crack of dawn. So, even though I began running last week at 5AM, I was dying to be finished earlier because of the Florida heat. After much thought and much consideration, I decided on a 4AM start. Yes, start ... meaning that the alarm clock went off at 3:00AM! That's not normal?!

Even more amazing than my ability to wake up at such an hour is that I recruited two friends (Ryan and Penny) to join me! We ran an 11 mile loop twice. At first, I had to shifts for my 22 miler: one beginning at 4AM and the other at 5:40ishAM. But, then Penny had the most fabulous idea, ever! She would run the early shift along with Ryan and me AND would bike the second half along my side! :) No words to describe the support ... simply amazing!

Total time: 3:18:04 (9:00 min pace avg)

9:22
9:11
9:08
9:04
8:51
9:08
8:59
9:07
9:00
8:59
9:08
8:31
9:32
9:03
9:07
9:12
9:03
9:14
8:52
8:47
8:52
8:45

Not really sure where the 9:32 came from. I wasn't too happy with this split and decided to pick it up a little. I was a little sad because I was definitely running easy at that point and was hoping the 9:32 was actually and 8:45 and that's what easy "felt" like. Sadly, I was wrong. Luckily, I still had a little pep in my step to make a change. Same thing with mile 18 in 9:14. Likewise, I decided that I only had 4 miles left and needed to give it a little more. I was pleased with my last 4 splits! Especially pleased given the fact that I fell apart in the NYC Marathon after running an 8:20ish pace for the first 18 miles and then continuous 9:30-10:00 miles for the remainder of the race.

Penny carried her camera for the second loop, but I wouldn't let her take any pictures. I was soaked due to the humidity and my hair was a huge rat's nest because of it! Besides, no one looks amazing after 22 miles not to mention after a 3AM wake up call. So, I'll leave you with this picture from a couple of weekends ago instead! Love the look I'm giving the boy! :)


So, now, the million dollar question: What will I finish the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon in? Predictions welcome - as long as they're good ones! :)

6 comments:

  1. GREAT JOB JAIME!! So proud of you :) I can't wait to do a run over 20 miles... sounds pretty sick to say it, haha!

    You are going to do amazing in San Diego! I would say between 3:35:00-3:39:00

    AAH TAPER TIME!

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  2. Wow, what an amazing run!!! Congratulations!!! You are SO ready for your marathon...and you are a such a running inspiration to me! :)

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  3. Okay, prediction: 3:30. You did all 10 yassos and have been kicking butt on these runs. Plus you already have a marathon under your belt and know what those last 6 miles can feel like. You are going to do great!

    Second, you must have amazing friends! Thank God you don't have to run by yourself at that hour...I would be afraid of the creepers that could be out.

    Third, I am the same way with Emily Giffin books! I have all 4 and bought this one on the 11th when it came out. I almost went to her book signing in NYC but didn't make it. I'm sure it was a mad house. I'm about 2/3 of the way done. Its funny I have been waiting like a year for this book to come out and will be done in less than a week.

    Happy Tapering...

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  4. That is an awesome workout. And getting up at 3 Am for a run...that is dedication.

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  5. 3:35 is my guess, you got this girl! I am so excited for you! Happy tapering, it's getting close!

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  6. AWESOME job!!!! you are going to do great in SD, now its the hard part - tapering! rest up and get excited!!

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