Chip Time- 2:59:50 (9:59 pace)
Watch time- 2:48:50 (9:23 pace)
Yes, that is 11 minutes spent in the bathroom. Mostly in the first six miles. Fabulous.
HOWEVER, despite my tummy's objections, My legs felt GREAT:
My shins didn't (and still don't) hurt,
The pace I settled into felt comfortable
I felt strong at the end
And most importantly, I smiled the entire way through, and enjoyed the run in general.
I have noticed that about every other long run has been a great confidence booster. This one is no exception. After a not so wonderful first 18-miler two weeks ago, this was a whole different story. I didn't let my tummy issues get me down mentally, just stopped when I needed to and continued to hydrate. I didn't use the 100% humidity as an excuse to slow down.
After holding this pace for three loops of a hilly Central Park, I think I am ready to set some goals for the marathon. However, I am going to hold off on sharing until I race the half next weekend. That will obviously impact the 'faster end' goals....
(I think the tummy issue could be from the coffee I had before the race. I am trying to think back, and I think this was the first long run that I had coffee before. It is not necessary. I will not do this again.)
I agree - 18+ mile runs are good for the running ego.
ReplyDeleteHey, are you taking an immodium before you start? I can't race without one. Not even a 5k. And I need one for anything longer than 15 mi in training. In marathons I pop one at the half for good measure.. I was making it through races, but sick for hours after.
Also, coffee seems to help my runs - so long as I don't put any dairy in it.
OK, now that I sound like a total know-it-all pain in the ass.. I'll sign off. Welcome home, enjoyed reading about your travels!