Posts: 870
5/3/12 12:17 A

Thanks so much for the encouragement everyone! I'm kind of getting to the point that I just want the marathon to get here, but on the other hand am glad I still have another week and a half of training then my 3 week taper. I've promised myself I will wait until AFTER this marathon before I sign up for another one this fall!

Posts: 7,351
5/1/12 8:37 A

Way to go Mary! I have no doubts that you will accomplish this goal mentally and physically and do it strong!

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Posts: 11,256
4/30/12 11:39 A

Awesome!!!!

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4/29/12 5:47 P

Agree that it sounds like a success - you'll tear up the course for your marathon!

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4/29/12 2:27 P

Sounds like a success! Congratulations!

Posts: 870
4/29/12 11:17 A

This morning for grins I mapped the course we took just see the elevation changes. We ran at about 7000 feet (I live at 6000 and didn't notice the change at all, so excited to run my marathon at sea level and see if I feel a difference), and there were many, many big, long hills (not really steep by Colorado standards, but 10% grade or so, which on a 20 mile run gets a little tiring). I feel pretty good about, since the marathon I am running just has small inclines, I think the biggest is maybe 6 or 7%. I've tried to do most of my runs outside on hills, I think it is helping (and exhausting!).

As for recovery, based on how I feel this morning (and really the rest of yesterday), I think it was good in terms of nutrition, stretching, rolling, and yes...the dreaded ice bath! I started doing that after anything longer than 16 miles, and it makes an enormous difference in how my legs feel.

I'm going to use my roller, than do a 3 mile recovery run this morning.

Edited by: RUNNER_MOM_OF4 at: 4/29/2012 (11:21)

Posts: 1,910
4/28/12 7:16 P

Nice work on your 20 miler! I had one today too that I had to split on to the treadmill because it was so awful here.

Let us know how your recovery goes too!

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4/28/12 2:20 P

It has been an amazing journey for sure!

....20 mile run: DONE! Once I got past mile 18 I really did feel some sort of shift in my body, kind of a sugar low feeling for just a little bit. But it passed, and I was good with hydration and fuel throughout the run, and finished feeling pretty strong.

It took us about 3 hours 47 minutes, not including a bathroom break along the way at a park.

It was a very hilly course, but it went well. I am finally feeling like I can do this marathon, mentally and physically.

Posts: 174
4/27/12 11:24 P

Running alone is a a good way to concentrate, notice how your body is feeling, not to mention discovering how your mind can wonder...I notice a big change between miles 16-18 as my body changes over it's fuel source.
Ditto on the plan for long runs and recovery!
BTW, hasn't it been a great journey already?
Good luck and keep us posted;-)

Alan

Posts: 870
4/27/12 9:28 A

Thanks everyone!! My two 18 mile runs weren't bad...I did one with a friend, have to admit that helped pass the time. A week ago when I did my second 18 miler I was alone, but at a very popular running trail so there were tons of runners. Looks like my second 20 mile run will be solo, as much as I love the company I think that will be a good thing, since I'm running my marathon alone.

Posts: 8,518
4/26/12 7:22 P

Good for you!!!

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4/26/12 2:53 P

Mary - I am so excited for you! I, too, am following your info as I will be doing all of this as well. I have done and 18 miler and didn't feel bad at all. My first 20 miler will be in a month I believe - scaled back some for my next HM and my Marathon isn't until Oct.
Can't wait to hear about it!

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4/26/12 2:44 P

I love a good 20 miler! Really, it's only 2 miles more than an 18. Any anxiety you may feel is totally mental. You will have no problems, esp. since you are running with friends, and afterwards, you will feel AWESOME!!! It's a big confidence booster!

A 20 miler is also a great opportunity to work on your marathon recovery plan! Experiment with post-run nutrition, stretching / rolling and the world famous ice bath to see what will help you recover best after the main event

Posts: 11,256
4/26/12 11:32 A

Hooray!!!! My first is in Sept. So, I am keeping an eye out for all the tips I can get

Posts: 198
4/26/12 11:01 A

Good luck. I didn't have nearly as good of training as you have for my first marathon. You will do fine.

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4/26/12 10:51 A

Wishing you happy running! This will be me in August so i am watching you.

Posts: 870
4/26/12 10:41 A

I am doing my first 20 mile run Saturday, starting out at 5:30 AM with some ladies from my running group. So far my longest run is 18 miles (which I have done twice).

My marathon is 5 weeks from Sunday, after this 20 miler I will have a cutback week, then another 20, then it's taper! I am feeling pretty confident, yet still have a healthy fear of the unknown, this being my first full marathon....


Edited by: RUNNER_MOM_OF4 at: 4/26/2012 (10:41)