Running 13 miles didn’t kill me. I don’t even think I garnered any scars.
As I wrote earlier, I’m pushing through with Toronto Marathon training this go round in South Africa.
That meant a long run Sunday.
The last time I tried anything over 10 miles, I ended up running 10 miles. It wasn’t pretty. Not enough to eat that day, dehydrated from the get go, no precursor training beforehand. Name a stupid error distance runners make and I made it.
It was ugly.
Luckily, it was also 5 months ago.
I’ve a solid training foundation of approximately 30 mi/wk working for me this time.
Sunday worked.
Though I had to complete it by repeats of running out 2 miles and back 2 miles, I got my 13 – well, 13.1 (Why not run the half when you’re that close anyway?).
Clocking in at a 8’11″/mile pace, I was proud.
The only real break was when the ole digestive track sent me inside. No worries on that; it provided a chance at grabbing an orange.
After a day off for recovery Monday, I hit the road again Tuesday, running toward the sun setting behind Table Mountain. There are worse moments in life.
Six miles completed with a 8’19″/mile pace.
I didn’t stop the entire six. The goal was to slow myself down.
It didn’t really work.
I need to run with someone else. I need a pacer.
This has never EVER been a problem for me. Then again, I’ve never run this much or this fast before.
All I know how to do is run.
I mean, I know more than that. I know a bunch of the jargon and science and philosophy.
But, when I’m on the road, all I know how to do is run.
Slowing down was never an anticipated problem.
Tag: training
13 miles tomorrow
October 17 I’ll be running the Toronto Marathon.
It’ll be my eighth marathon.
When I turned 21, I decided to run my first marathon. The whole idea was that the only milestone of being 21 years old shouldn’t be the right to legally drink.
From there, somehow, the goal became running 10 marathons in 10 years.
Sure, people run a marathon a month or 50 marathons in 50 days…
…but I’m a mere mortal.
I’m training for #8.
Being in South Africa and training for a marathon whilst working with teachers in schools and planning workshops and all the other life detritus makes scheduling a little weird.
Last year, I felt wonky about running at night.
This year, I know my surroundings. I know what’s what.
In this, our third home of the trip, I’ve marked an out-and-back course that’s 4 miles, round trip.
Tomorrow, I’ve a 13-mile long run.
That’s 3 out and backs with a mile somewhere at the end for good measure.
Should be interesting.
I’ve been averaging 25-30 miles/week the last few weeks.
The other piece of this training puzzle that’s been a tough navigation has been diet.
Vegetarian distance running is one thing when I’m in the familiar confines of my own city and have total control over my diet.
I learned last year that “vegetarian” here oftentimes translates to “only chicken and fish.”
I’m turning to No Meat Athlete and The Runner’s Kitchen for my inspiration to keep my hopes high.
Sure, they lose me when they start talking brand names that aren’t on the shelves here, but talking protein content of everyday foods is crazy helpful, not to mention the recipes.
13 miles tomorrow
I’ll let you know how it goes.