Longest training run ever
The first time I trained for a marathon, my one and only attempt at running 20 miles failed. This time around, though, my non-plan planning arranged for a few 20 mile runs instead of just one. After getting sick a few weeks ago, I re-planned my non-plans and settled on two 20-mile or more runs. Anything would be better than what happened 3 years ago.
Today, I did it. 20 miles. 20 rough, hilly miles. It wasn’t pretty, but I did it. I finally have a moment in this training session to not say “longest since” and say “longest ever” … today was my longest training run ever.
This run had its ups and downs — literally and figuratively. All told, I had 1,200-plus feet of elevation gain and about the same in elevation loss. The hills really got to me after about 15 miles. I really wanted to call it quits, but I was clear across town from where I started — it was at least 2 miles to get back home, so I kept my head up, avoided as many big hills as I could and got it done. 20 miles.
It was so tough mentally to do this by myself. While the first 5 miles were with my dog, it just got really tough to concentrate after a while. But I got it done.
With 6 weeks to go to the Richmond Marathon, I couldn’t be happier to get a 20 miler done now. When I go out for it again in a few weeks I’ll know that I’ve already done it once. There’s such a mental victory with that. And next time I hope to step it up more. Today was about logging the miles; the next time should be about more than that.
For now, though, I’m happy just knowing that I have a 20-mile training run under my belt for the first time ever.
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great job! My plan only calls for one, but I've been thinking mentally it would give me an edge turning my 18 into 20 and my 20miler into a 22. Something for me to think about….
It's something to consider - just see how you feel on that run and decide with a few miles left on whether to go 20 or not. Running by feel is a lot better than running with a big plan.
Good for you! Tackling 20 is so hard to do!
In my training it seemed my 1st 20 went better than my 2nd 20, and it might have been due to that thinking "well I've already done this"
Enjoy the recovery & eat up!
Congratulations! Job well done!
Knowing that you have done it already pays huge dividends in the runs after! Great job by the way!
Well done David. Not easy to do these long runs solo. Takes a lot of mental toughness too. These runs will make you stronger as a runner and a person. Your evolving so nicely!!!! :O)
Awesome effort! 20 miles are not to be sneezed at!