When the mileage gets up to the 18s, 19s and 20s I start thinking of runs as work instead of fun. I really enjoy weekend long runs of 13 miles or so, but once it gets past that – I dread them.
I really hate this because I love running. I have never “made myself” run – I do it because I want to and I enjoy it 🙂 And that’s how it should be!
My hands and cheeks were freezing on the run today. That cold wind cuts right through you! I ended up cutting it short at 14.5 miles. This means I have to do a full 20 miles next weekend for my last long run. I’m not too worried about it since I only did a long run of 19 miles (one time) for my first mary. Since we’ve already established I’m out of my element – I just want to finish.
It did make me very happy that I only have one long run after this and then can taper. I think I’ll hold off on long runs until we move again 🙂
I am considering hanging up my marathon shoes for a while after this and sticking to half marys. I truthfully don’t want to run another marathon if it makes me not like running. But, my friend is trying to convince me to run a full with her. So, I don’t know if I’ll retire from the distance yet…
At least I started with a positive attitude! The water bottle froze my hand since I couldn’t keep a fist. 
Before I left I had a waffle with almond butter and pumpkin butter. I also had a small piece of raisin toast 🙂
When I got back I grabbed an apple and some almonds. Then, I made a massive MASSIVE smoothie. I swear, I did the HEAB thing and added xanthan gum to it and it totally makes it thick and airy. It’s a completely different consistency. 
Ben ditched me so I have the whole day to myself. I kinda want to just stay in and watch trashy TV, but today is so pretty (even if it is cold!) and tomorrow is going to be stormy so I feel like I should get out!!
When you do something, you should always love it. Like you, I try to stay away from things that make me detest doing the exercise or health activity of my choice.
-Denise
There’s a part of me that’s all, “Heck yeah let’s try a full!” And then there’s the realistic part of me that’s all, “Um, no to the double O.” Seriously I just would not be able to pull that off, I love me some 13 though!
Nike has great cold weather running pants, and the last season ones are on sale for half price. In the clearance section of the website. When the weather gets in the low 20s and teens, I do have to wear tights under them, but otherwise they are warm and are great at blocking the wind!
Convince you? I thought we were doing it for sure, don’t flake on me!
i completely understand too! I was training for a fall marathon while i lived in GA, so every long run was in 95 degree weather. I would almost cry every time I had to go out and run.
I have since banned Fall Marathons. 🙂
There’s no point in it if you aren’t having fun!
i think i like halfs the most too. i may dread those wicked long runs for marathon training but i do have to admit that i love how i feel afterward. way to rock out those miles though and i think your attitude towards the whole running this is great: you obv know what’s best for you!
Trashy TV is always appreciated. It’s my motivation to get to the gym right now because they have cable there and I don’t. Makes the time go by so quickly!
yum that smoothie looks like chocolate ice cream!
I’ve never run a marathon (or competed in a half… but I’ve run two half marathons for fun with friends) I can TOTALLY relate to you not wanting to do something that doesn’t make you feel happy! The key for me is to always find someone to do it with… then it’s more of a social thing, and you forget you are even running! You will be fine with a 19 mile long run. My friend just ran 3:07 with only one 19 miler. Just as long as you stay confident in yourself! 🙂
check out my blog (only occasionally on running…) it’s about being in the moment… which will be key in the marathon! http://caitlynclark.blogspot.com
Goodluck!
I can’t even imagine runnig 14.5!! Good for you!!
I only ran up to 20 miles (once) during my marathon training and I survived. You have a much better running base than I ever did so you’ll do just fine. I’m amazed that you can run alone all the time and still love it. I don’t have that sort of will-power. What the hell is xantham gum? Sounds creepy.