It’s been two weeks since my first 20 mile training run. I had my cut back week, so now it’s time to do it again! In order to have a direct comparison, I ran the same course that I did last time. So, that meant another Coaster run! Only, this time my hydration bladder wasn’t leaking and I knew what side of the platform to catch the train from. Therefore, my anxiety was more controlled to start off my run.
Coaster run
If you read my review of my first Coaster run then you know it rained on me pretty good. Well, why would Mother Nature choose to change things now? It rained on me again! Rain was never as heavy as the last time but I was just as wet by the end. Temperatures were in the mid-50’s and there was no wind, so I was not cold once I got warmed up with my run.
The run started off well under a cloudy sky. It wasn’t raining when I got off the train and during my warm up. I started off my run at a very easy pace listening to my Harry Potter audiobook, as usual. I felt good up to about mile 12 when I started to feel fatigue setting in to my legs for about four miles. I got a second wind after that and was able to pick up my pace a bit and my legs started to feel better.
It started to rain around mile 14 and was constant through mile 17. After that, it just sprinkled on and off until I was finished. I didn’t cool down and stretch for very long when I was finished because I got cold when I stopped running and the drizzly rain continued.
Carb load results
I tested out a formal three day carb load before this 20 mile long run. It’s important to test as much as possible before race day, including nutrition. The carb load itself has been pretty uncomfortable with a lot of gas and bloating. However, if it paid off on the run then I would say it’s worth it.
I can’t say that it really helped my run. My run statistics, pace and energy were fairly close to my first 20 mile run when I didn’t formally carb load but I added some extra carbs here and there. I’m not convinced that a carb load is necessary or helpful, so I’m not sure if I’ll do this again before the race.
Training run nutrition
During the run I took in 6 gels. I had four Huma gels and two Maurten’s 100’s. Post run I had a 24oz Skratch Chocolate Vegan Recovery drink and a Nelly’s Peanut Butter bar waiting for me. I also ate the two Vans Gluten-Free waffles that I’d brought on the run but didn’t need. I like to eat these during my walking cool down after the run is over and before I get back to my car.
Shoes
I’ve been wearing Saucony Endorphin Speed 3’s for my long runs. I put the high arch (blue) Currex RunPro insoles in them and they are feeling really good. I’m planning on this being my marathon shoe since it’s too late to break in and test out anything else. I’d hoped to find a pair of Saucony Endorphin Pro 3’s on the return rack before I needed them, but no luck. That may be okay though because the Speed’s have a nice, wide, stable base that I may appreciate as the miles get high and fatigue sets in during the race. I may need that to assist my form as I get tired.
Training mindset
I’m so glad that I decided to do two 20 mile training runs in my training program. Since this is my first marathon, I can use all the confidence I can muster. I also found it really helpful to be able to test out different strategies such as the carb loading and compare apples to apples (so to speak) between two identical runs. All of this information is going to be really helpful and useful to me on race day as I make decisions for how I’ll prepare.
My mindset is really good right now and I feel extremely confident in my ability to finish which is my A goal. I’m not afraid of the weather either. I’ve now done two 20 mile long runs in the rain. Race day weather will be what it is and I feel prepared. I think the only weather I’m not prepared for is sunny and warm since all of my runs lately have been in the cold and wet.
Now, to start my three week taper cycle! The overall intensity and mileage will slowly taper off. The hard work is done. Now, it’s just downhill to the start line.
Workout
- 20 mile run at conversational pace