Last Long Training Run – PHEW!
Today was my last long training run before the marathon and likely longest run I’ll do other than the marathon for a long time. I’m relieved for that, but also relieved because it went really well. I did around 20 miles in 2:30 and felt pretty good the entire time, even during the last five or so miles, when I picked up the pace. I can only roughly estimate, but I think I ran the first 15 at around 7:30 or 7:40 and then a little less than 2 hours in, I picked it up and ran between 6:40 and 7:00 for the last 5 miles. My goal for the last five was actually more like 7:15, but I was feeling good and just went with it. I was pretty beat at the end, but if I had to, I could have done another 10K. Very encouraging for the last long run before race day.
When I was finishing my loop at the Park, I noticed that they were already putting up the bleachers at the marathon finish line. So, I finished my loop and kept going for another 1/2 mile or so. Then, I turned around and headed back to “cross” the finish line, just like I’ll do in few days. It was fun to pretend, especially since I felt great. I was definitely fresher today (after about 13 miles) than I’ll be then (after 26)!
My knees are pretty sore (especially the right one) and my achilles tendons are tight, but nothing too horrible and nothing I even thought about when I was running. I will be very happy when the marathon is over and I can rest a bit.
Today is Elizabeth’s birthday and we’re going out to dinner with a pretty big group of friends. I’m sure I’ll drink my share tonight, so tomorrow is an off day.
Run – October 21
Distance: 20 miles
Time: 2:31
Course: West Side Highway to Central Park, loop+, back
Conditions: Sunny, windy, brisk