Well here we are again. I did 20 miles last weekend and had 16 on the training plan this Saturday. But we have plans to go out of town next weekend so I switched it to next time.
So this weekend was another 20 miler! I need a break.
Last night I carb loaded with pizza bagels and tortellini
Oh, and of course chocolate! You know, for the sake of the run 
Then, I climbed into bed where Vegas had been waiting for me since noon.
.
This morning I fueled up with waffles! This is a new one for me and I risked tummy troubles eating it before a long run, but I wanted waffles!!!
Fuel for the journey – Gatorade, 2 gels (needed 3 for a 20 miler!!! But this was the last of my stash). I should have brought some of Ben’s skittles.
Then, I busted out 20 miles. Done and done.
Today’s run was a lot better than last weekend. I did the same route except for the last 3 miles. I don’t consider myself a good runner, but I felt strong today. I didn’t even trip this time!
20 miles – Average Pace 8:57
- Mile 1: 8:52
- Mile 2: 8:38
- Mile 3: 8:47
- Mile 4: 8:45
- Mile 5: 8:44
- Mile 6: 8:48
- Mile 7: 9:02
- Mile 8: 8:57
- Mile 9:8:56
- Mile 10: 9:12
- Mile 11: 9:08
- Mile 12: 9:00
- Mile 13:9:03
- Mile 14: 9:00
- Mile 15: 9:08
- Mile 16: 9:10
- Mile 17: 9:05
- Mile 18: 8:59
- Mile 19: 9:03
- Mile 20: 8:55
When I was done and realized I did it under 3 hours I literally let out a huge loud sigh of happiness. Luckily, no one was around to see me clap for myself before falling to the floor in pain.
And “somehow” I ended up at Whole Foods (hence the reason the last 3 miles were different today). I got a detox juice because I figure my body is full of poison and lactic acid from all those miles!
Refreshing!
Eggs and enchiladas from the hot food bar…
And a massive corn muffin because I love corn bread.
Ben picked me up from WF (as it’s far from my house!!!) and I ate it all on the way home.
He also got me a bag of ice for an ice bath. Ummm, I really wanted to skip it (because it’s torture) but since it was waiting in the bath tub I kinda couldn’t.
I distracted myself by reading this article about PRing in a 5K. I’ve already decided that after this marathon I am going to focus on shorter distances for a long time. Mentally, physically, emotionally I need a break from long runs!
I also need a nap. See ya later 
Love that picture of Vegas, so cute!
Awesome 20 miles!
Congratulations on an awesome 20-miler 🙂
Ahh, I miss the days of long runs. Curse my stress fractures…at least I can dream I’m like you and about to run a brilliant marathon in a couple of weeks’ time, instead of hobbling around like Dr House.
xxx
Sending you healing vibes 🙂
Wow! Look at you go. That’s amazing! I have zero desire to run a marathon or a half-marathon or really any race for that matter. but I’d definitely rather do something like a 5k. Get in there get it done, and get out!
Love your blog! I had a question – what magazine were you reading?? I have been working on my 5K time, and totally want to read that 🙂 Thanks for posting!
It is Women’s Running
thanks!!
Whoa, seriously awesome time!! I can’t run that fast but in short distances right now. My long runs are all in the 9-10 min/mil range for right now.
That is fast for a long run!
Wow good job. How funny that at the end of the run you were driving distance away from your house. Or is that more bad ass? I am going with bad ass.
Way to go! That juice looks amazing. I may need to buy a juicer 🙂
If you buy a juicer, I’m coming over! That WF juice is $$$$
you go glenn coco!!
Great job completing your run- that’s awesome 🙂 And it never hurt to end with some good eats! I feel like a pansy, but I cringe at the thought of an ice bath haha!
Great job girl!!
You’re my hero..plain and simple. Good job!!
Vegas totally looks like a human being in that picture! And congrats on the insanely fast 20 miler!
I’m pretty sure he thinks he’s a human 🙂
Wow, 20 miles? Do you take walk breaks or run straight the whole time?
i assume the pancakes must have sat well for you.
I take breaks when I refill my water and/or go the restroom. This time I didn’t take any walking breaks, but I stopped my Garmin for the red lights.
Wow, that is awesome time! I have never competed in any races – I want to, but then I don’t train. I seem to have a mental thing with running where I can’t get past the “this is haaarrrrrrd” part and just enjoy it.
I need to work on that, haha.
Wow, you are a speed demon girl! Where do you put the gatorade and the water when you are running, it seems heavy to carry or do you have a camelback? I like short distances, it gives me enough endorphins without hurting my knees and I’m not completely starving.
I fill up my hand held water bottle with gatorade and refill it at water fountains during my run.
Posted on sad thing is an arstit thats made so many songs i love (Beans) is vaugely looking like one of them little small joints on the chess board.
Congrats on the 20 miles!!
Hmm, wonder if they have a juice bar at my local WF?
Woo-hoo!! What a great run Monica!! That drink looks so refreshing.
Hope you’re having a good weekend! 🙂
You must be a pretty decent runner to have gone 20 miles!! Totally awesome job. What kind of detox juice is that?
I just order the “Detox” juice from WF, it’s not my own pick. It has carrot, apple, beet, ginger, kale and something else I forget. Plus, wheatgrass on the side.
“I don’t consider myself a good runner”….pssshh whatcha talkin about, girl!? You did awesome! Great job doing it in under 3 hrs!
20 miles is awesome! Great job! I couldn’t even think about 20 miles
I was also wondering what magazine that is?
It was Women’s Running mag.
Great job on the run time! Hope you’re catching some massive Zzz’s now! 8)
Thanks 🙂
Oh, what magazine is that? And wow, nice run!
Women’s Running
Wow! I still can’t get over the fact that you ran 20 miles…… thats a fantastic time : )
Awesome time! I’m up to 16 on my long runs (today), next week is the 18 and then in a few 20. So nervous about those!
Do you ever hit any mental or physical walls during your training runs? Have you ever during a marathon and how did you get past it to finish?
I totally hit mental AND physical walls. I kind of think it’s part of the deal. I just do my best when it happens. A lot of times this means taking a walking break or going slower, and I’m okay with that (on some level).
Less than 3 hours? Coming off a 20 miler last weekend? ROCKSTAR! All this race training is making me want to sign up for another…
Awesome work breaking 3 hours. I think that night-before chocolate is key. Better not tempt fate; do it for the rest of your long runs.
Wow, what an awesome run. That must leave you feeling very confident for you upcoming marathon. You’re such an inspiration to me. I have to run 10 tomorrow and wasn’t really looking forward to it, but now that I’ve read about your 20 miler today, I’m feeling recharged. Enjoy the rest of your day!
How’d your 10 go?!
It went well. Thanks!
Reading your long runs makes me want to pick something to train for again! Might have to sign up for another 1/2. Training in the winter is a pain though.
Great 20 miles! I’m doing the Chicago 1/2 next weekend and hoping for that time! I’ve never done a full but I agree with you, after this I’m concentrating on shorter distances.