You Win Some, You Lose Some

I had some of my best recovery runs this week, but I also had my hardest long run.

I did a 65-minute recovery run on Monday, and it was one of the few times where I started running and immediately feel good. Usually, it takes me at least 10-20 minutes to warm up where my legs loosen up and I start feeling like my mind and body are actually connected. However, on Monday, I started running and knew it was going to be a great run. I felt faster and overall fantastic. Tuesday and Wednesday runs both went well too. The only downside this week was that I underestimated myself on Wednesday and didn't push my speeds as much as I should've for my intervals.

However, I felt like I'd gotten much better at running this week. That is, until today's run. I had my longest run, a beautiful 18.6 miles to complete this fine day. This is not only the longest run of this training plan, but actually the longest I'd ever run in training ever. I never ran more than 16.5 miles prior to my last marathon. So, as expected, I was a little nervous. But, being off the high of this week, I had some confidence that it'd be doable.

And I guess I was right, because I did do it. But it was probably the hardest run I've done in a long time. I met up with my brother around 1.5 miles and he had a new route for us. This part was lovely. We ran over the Manhattan Bridge over to Brooklyn and ran through Brooklyn for 8-9ish miles. This was great for me because I haven't really been exposed to Brooklyn nor do I really change up my routes that drastically, so it was refreshing. As per usual, we chatted for most of the first 10 miles, which made it go by decently. However, from the beginning, my legs felt heavy and tight. I think this is because I underestimate the effects of long walks. Of course, I had bopped around all day yesterday and had ended the day with over 20K steps, so I definitely didn't give my legs the attention they deserved. Plus, despite how much I run, I still haven't implemented a good stretching or recovery routine. Bad!

Anyway, we were doing fine and while my legs were heavy, so I knew we weren't moving fast, I felt in control for a while. We started going up another bridge and that's when I got a little more worried. Despite knowing we were over halfway, it wasn't that reassuring knowing that we still had 8+ miles to go. We ended up running over to Central Park, which I'm very glad we did. From the way everyone discusses Central Park, I thought it wasn't a good spot to run because of the tourists. Per usual, everyone seems to be dramatic and negative because it was absolutely lovely running there. There are huge streets made for runners and bikers, there are plenty of paths, and lots of trees. I was enjoying the scenery but struggling.

I brought water for us but we both had long finished them. I knew I needed either water or a gel, but I just could not get myself to eat the gel. Ever since I've been feeling nauseous on runs, even the thought of eating a gel makes me feel sick. Such a bummer given I JUST bought them. My brother mentioned needing water right around the 14-mile mark and I knew I needed it. I could tell my body was not loving me and the idea of water sounded like heaven. We got a water and then I went off to continue.

I've never contemplated stopping a run so many times. I really didn't think I could keep going. I mentioned in my last post how sometimes with long runs when I know I "only" have 3 miles to go, I feel really good. That was not the case today. I had 4ish miles to go and that felt like the longest time possible. I also couldn't help myself from thinking "that's 40 MORE minutes." Like, come on, that is AWFUL to think about after already running for 2hr and 30ish minutes. I thought I needed to stop but I kept reminding myself that everything was fine. Were my legs heavy? Absolutely. Were they in agony? Not really. Was I still in control of my breathing? Eh, for the most part. Not when I had to hit these rude hills. However, I could try to avoid them as much as possible. So, I kept going.

Even when I had 4K/2.5ish miles left to go, I was in awe at how long that felt. It reminded me of some of my old runs when the last 1-2K felt like they took FOREVER, except this was way worse because it was double the distance left. I did think I was going to vomit at one point, but I didn't. I kept thinking "sometimes it's the right move to end a run early," but then I thought about the circumstances and just knew this wasn't the right time. While I wasn't feeling good, I wasn't worried about passing out or tearing my hamstrings, so it didn't seem like a good enough excuse to quit. Plus, I knew it would mess with me mentally. If I didn't finish the 18.5 miles then when I have to go run my 20-miler, I would be STRESSED.

I finished and immediately bought another water. A mango popsicle sounded delicious, so I got that too. I sat in the shade with my brother for a bit. Then, we meandered over to the middle of Central Park. We found a spot and laid down for the next couple hours. That part was perfect. When we got up, we ended up walking another couple miles to get out and to the train. That part always makes me laugh because I feel like a psychopath. We run for forever and then go on a not-so-little walk. But I think it's really good for your legs, or at least that's what I tell myself. We subwayed over to Pura Vida for our Spicy Tuna Bowl tradition. Then, I walked him home and hit another 1.5 mi walk home.

With 47,000 steps accumulated for the day, I believe I'll spend the rest of the night laying on my couch as I am now. Luckily, I have a steak to cook soon which will really end this day feeling like a success.

Run #41: September 15th - 30 Minute Recovery Run: 2.95 Miles 10'06 Pace

Run #42: September 18th - 90-Minute-Long Run: 8.77 Miles 10'16 Pace

Run #43: September 22nd - 65 Minute Recovery Run: 6.69 Miles 9'43 Pace

Run #44: September 23rd - 31 Minute Recovery Run: 3.37 Miles 9'09 Pace

Run #45: September 24th - 67 Minute Speed Run: 6 Miles 10'00 Pace

Run #46: September 28th - 30K Long Run: 18.64 Miles 11'08 Pace