Today, I woke up not wanting to go for a long run. It was cold and I had a chill in me. It was going to be my last long run before starting my taper. The long run last week was a disaster, so I was hoping to see if I could repeat what I did the week prior, especially since it was my last chance before the race. The weather was very similar to that two weeks ago, except the wind wasn’t as bad, but the overcast and temperature of 41F was perfect.
I started out aggressively close to the pace I averaged last time (7:10), and with the intention of blowing up if need be. I think there’s some benefit to blowing up on occasion, since it stresses your body to adapt and improve. This was more about seeing how long I could hold it. During the whole time, I ran a tiny bit out of my comfort zone, focusing on my form, breathing, and just holding the feeling. On the way out, I notice the garmin was showing my distance being short by .1 miles according to the mile markers. Later, I would confirm this is the case on the map after uploading the route.
the garmin inaccuracy which lost .1 miles on the way out
Knowing the distance was being reported as short, yet seeing 7:05 for the average pace despite that was pretty gratifying.
During the run out, I decided to go out a bit further for half a mile so that I would end with at least 21 miles. I might as well get in that extra mile before winding things down. I turned around when the garmin said 10.5 miles (it was longer) since there was no half mile marker posted on the path past the Yorktown firehouse.
After the turn around things started feeling hard but I was able to compensate by adjusting my stride and form. Small quick steps with my pelvis tilted forward. Going up the hills somehow felt easier, albeit slower, than the downhills. I never would have had the guts to hold this effort if I was running the marathon. Knowing the distance ahead of me for a full marathon would have been too intimidating.
By the end, the garmin reported 21.09 miles (21.18 actual if you count the missing .1 mile) in 2:28:52 with an average pace of 7:03 min miles. I’m actually surprised and questioned whether or not I really did this, but with the course being measured, the distance reported is short, if anything.
I think I like these training runs more than I like the race itself. Now comes the tough part… tapering.
