I started at 6:35am. The first mile was slow and shakey, trying to work out the kinks in my legs and get a feel for what lay ahead. The trail was still dark at this time so I opted out of the ipod and listened for any would-be attackers trying to sneak up on me. And my breathing.
Mile 2 was also slow. But that was ok, my legs were starting to loosen up and I caught sight of some other runners. I stuck my headphones in my ears and focused on the story being fed through the wires.
Miles 3-5 passed easily and faster. I was feeling pretty good.
At mile 6, I took a potty/gel/water break and called my dad to give him an ETA for the 10 mile mark.
Mile 7: "Holy cow, that gel worked like gangbusters." My legs felt springy and the next three miles all clocked it between 10:30-10:40 pace.
I caught up with my dad at mile 10 and take another gel. A minute to catch my breath and we're off.
At mile 13.1, I start clapping my hands and shouting "PR! PR! PR! PR!" Every step after that was uncharted territory. "How are you doing?" dad asked. "Two miles," I said. "I can do two miles in my sleep!"
Mile 14.5, I hit The Wall. I could see my finish line just on the other side of the lake but I had to walk for a few seconds. Half a mile! Half a mile!
Mile 15 done, total time 2:41:39.
Back in my car, I said to my dad. "That was pretty awesome but how in the world am I going to run 11 miles on top of what I just did today?" But even inspite of the niggling doubts, yesterday was the first time I ever felt like 26.2 might actually be possible.
6 comments:
Not only can you do it, you are going to do it! I have found no matter what the distance is over (and including) a half, when I am running the last of it I am positive I could keep going, and two or three minutes after I stop, and realize how tired I am, I can't stop myself from asking that "how am I ever going to do the whole marathon?" question.
You are sticking with your training and doing everything you need to do to cross that finish line in style! Keep up the great work.
Yeah! 15 is a great milestone. Your mind and body will soon think that 20 is just as easy.
Amy
http://blog.runnerslounge.com
Kate,
You can do it. Continue to stick with your training schedule. When you get to the point you can do 20, you'll be able to do 26.2.
gaj
YAHOO!!!!! Good for you. My husband has me imagining no matter what the distance, that it is the end of the race. You just did the last 15 miles of the marathon. Yes, it will be that hard, but probably not any harder. What you are building up from here on out is adding in the first 11.
I have no idea if it will work, but it has been working for me so far and makes me really excited to finish rather than saying, "how in the world am I gonna..."
Keep at it, trust your training plan. I'm so excited for you!!
Not only is 26.2 possible. You'll amaze yourself at how you feel at the 15 mile mark. Your body's adapting already and getting ready to take on more mileage in your next LR. Way to go!
What a milestone! Way to go!
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