I Did It!!!

I ran 21 miles today instead of 22, but that's okay because the last 12.31 miles were at an average pace of 7:07/mile... that's 8 seconds faster than my marathon goal pace! The average pace for the 20 miles was 7:37/mile. The 21st mile was a cool down. The run was challenging, but it didn't leave me feeling completely spent. However I am pretty sore now, as I type this at almost 10 p.m.

Anyway, started the day with a trip to my favorite coffee shop and had 2 cups of full strength coffee, a piece of broccoli-tomato quiche, a half of a 4" bagel with 1 tablespoon peanut butter and a cup of mixed fruit. It was enough food that other 'regulars' that know me there said, "Are YOU eating all that?" Embarrased, I said, "Yup." They all know I run so they asked how far I was going today and I told them I was shooting for 22. Then they nodded and understood the need for the grub.

I headed out the door at almost 11 a.m. It was overcast but warm enough that I didn't need more than one layer. It felt muggy out, or as we Californians say, it felt like earthquake weather.

The first 8 miles of the run were around an 8-minute pace, give or take. The next 7.3 miles were at a 7:14/mile and the next 5.01 were at a 6:59/mile. I did not waver from those paces by more than a second. They were that consistent. It was weird and amazing to me all at the same time. The cool down mile was 9:19.

I said quite a few quick prayers as the going got tough. And God must've heard them because I got through the entire run in one piece. :) I also was more conscious of my stride today, as one of my training partners, Ali, has taught me to be. When I got tired in the last 10 miles, I'd say, "lengthen" as in my stride, and I'd relax into it. Soon it felt like the road was moving underneath me as I ran on top of it. And everytime I got into this groove I'd check my pace and it was always faster! This little stride exercise also helped get me through to the end in my goal time. :)

I also was so inspired today by fellow blogger, Squirrel. He's training for the Flying Pig in May and working to improve upon his already sub-3 status. HE WILL! Last week he ran his first 100-mile week! That was coming off of an injury. Today he ran his fastest 20 mile training run to date. He did the WHOLE thing at a 7:11 pace, and that's just a training run for him. Anyway, I've sought his advice many-a-time throughout this training cycle and he's always honest. He pulls no punches, and it's that forthrightness that motivates me. So thank you Squirrel, aka Steve!

And thanks to all of you for YOUR feedback on my training. And Pastor Greg for your prayers! It's like having a bunch of coaches and I feel so fortunate. I hope to carry your spirits with me as I run Boston a few weeks from now.