Just to let you know- this blog is no longer active. I'll be keeping up my 101 in 1001 list until its completion, but will not be writing new posts. You can read the post below if you want the long version. Thanks for the journey to all my friends in the blogosphere!

Saturday, September 26, 2009

Y'all, I ran 20 miles...

...by myself, running in circles around town, in 95% humidity.

I am so tickled that I was able to do this that I cannot put it into words. It went surpisingly well. I walked for just a bit twice while I was trying to get down energy gels, but kept a really great pace (for me) almost until the end.

When I passed mile 17, I got a little emotional because last time I tried this (four years ago) I crumpled in pain at mile 17 and had to limp home on a bad knee. That was the end of my marathon training and all running for several months.

Today, mile 17 with no pain (except worn-out quads) was a sign I could make it. I did walk and even stretch a little in miles 18 and 19 because my legs were starting to say, "No more, please!"

Mile 20, though, was mine. I was at a pretty slow pace at that time, but pulled a little (what I had left of) a sprint on the last block to my house. I wish I had a picture of the completely goofy grin I was sporting when I finished and knew: I ran 20 miles today.

Yay!

9 comments:

  1. Yay! I've been thinking about you all morning since it is rainy and gross here and I was hoping it wouldn't rain on you and your run.

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  2. You are a machine! Congrats! That marathon is so soon.

    Any ideas on what you're going to do post-marathon?

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  3. yay!! CONGRATULATIONS!! 20 miles is something to be very proud of!! you so got this :-)

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  4. Yay, so proud of you! Way to go. Knew you could do it.

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  5. Awesome! That is amazing! And by yourself and in circles around town- that is some mental commitment :)

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  6. That really is awesome. Finishing with a sprint is a great sign, too.

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  7. CONGRATS!!! You ran 20 miles!!!!

    You are awesome. I am very happy for you. Your marathon awaits.

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