This is the distance that I have feared since before I even started training for this marathon. Today was the 18 miler! It’s not even the longest training run that I will do in this plan but it was the number that intimidated me the most.
In my fuzzy logical mind 16 miles isn’t too bad because that’s just 3 miles more than a half marathon and 20 miles isn’t bad if I can finish the 18 miler. But, 18 miles is 5 miles longer than a half marathon and that can be nearly an hour more of running. That’s a long time, so in my mind 18 miles is the big one.
Day 76: A slow start
It seemed to take me forever to get out of the house. I was running on the same bikeway path that I ran last weekend which is about 25 minutes from my house. So, I needed to add that travel time to my morning also. I finally started my run at 8 A.M. Thankfully, it was a very cool and overcast day so temperature was not going to be a hindrance no matter what time I started. I did warm up enough to run the last few miles in my tank top which felt wonderful. I also started a new Harry Potter book. I’m now on book number 5, Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix.
Once I got running I had good energy. I definitely felt better today than last Saturday’s 17 mile run. However, I dealt with GI issues off and on throughout the run which never happens to me. I can only assume it must be all of the holiday goodies and treats I’ve been consuming during the week. I also never have to go pee during runs but of course, I had to today. Thankfully, since it was such a long run, my path took me past a couple of public parks with restrooms. I don’t normally run this far so I wouldn’t normally have access to them or any restrooms. My bladder must have a mind of its own and knew there were rest stops available.
Long run fueling
Fueling a run of this distance gets challenging. Since I haven’t run these extra long distances very often it’s hard to know if I will want gels or to chew on something or if I won’t want anything at all. I brought 5 gels with me. I had 4 Huma gels and one Maurten’s 100 gel. I also brought two Vans Gluten-Free Original waffles that I had cut into strips in a sandwich bag. I added electrolytes, as I usually do, to my 2 liter water bladder that I carry in a running vest.
I was able to consume the gels without a problem at miles 4, 7, 10, 13 and 16. I had one Huma gel left at the end. I didn’t want to eat the waffles while I was running, so I ate them on my cool down walk at the end.
Conquering my fear
I made it! I overcame my 18 mile fear and I came out on top. Looking back, I wonder if I had so much trouble getting out of the house and starting my run because I was subconsciously fearful of the distance. Even urges to pee couldn’t keep me from finishing today’s 18 mile distance though. I feel so incredibly accomplished (and tired).
My recovery plan started immediately with a vegan Skratch chocolate recovery shake and Nelly’s peanut butter protein bar, along with the two Vans waffles I ate on my cool down walk. I was a bit concerned about driving home after this run but I was fine. Just a little stiff getting out of the car when I arrived.
Once I got home I immediately got to the shower so I didn’t get the chills. Surprisingly, I didn’t feel too beat up, just fatigued. I did a lot of stretching randomly throughout the day to keep my muscles loose. I also tried to make sure I got up and walked around regularly to keep blood flowing and from stiffening up. The foam roller is also always a good tool after long runs.
Finally, I hydrated…a lot. I just kept alternating pumping plain water and water with electrolytes into my body all day long. However, no big accomplishment can go unrecognized so I also treated my body to a special lunch at Native Foods, a nearby vegan restaurant.
Day 77: Unscheduled rest day
Normally the Sunday following my long run is cross training on the spin bike and my runner’s strength workout. However, for a combination of reasons I decided to take this Sunday off from working out. I still stretched and continued to hydrate. However, I used the day to get a little extra rest and do some necessary Christmas shopping. I was still on my feet a lot today, walking the dog and standing in lines at retail stores. However, I needed the physical and mental break from a structured workout.
Workout
Day 76
- 18 mile long run at conversational pace
Day 77
- Unscheduled rest day
Week recap
- 44 miles run