Yesterday was my twenty-mile run. I wasn’t sure how I’d do since I skipped the last twenty miler because I was in the throws of female hell. My partially gerbil-eaten girlie parts left me extremely tired and crampy making me want to crawl under the covers and rot until this month was over. High mileage running does the opposite for most women but the hard last month of training before a marathon turns my special organs and emotions into the worst PMS imaginable. Let us hope that tapering will be good for me, because if not I fear the same for New York.
But onto the happier news, my twenty miles yesterday were wonderful. There was no oppressive humidity, the temps ranged from the low 70s to low 80s and it was occasionally overcast. I felt really strong until about mile 18 when I started to feel the fatigue throughout my body and twinges of pain in my knees. I finished in 4 hours and 6 minutes and seeing the big 20 on Garmina was the mental boost I needed to know that I would finish the marathon.
The pain and fatigue has subsided this morning. The only sign of twenty miles I have is the tightness in my neck, which I get because I stare at my feet when I run. I do this because I have a tendency to fall. Often. I plan on getting a massage today to remedy this tightness.
Now the tapering begins and I feel a bit guilty about it since this hasn’t been my strongest marathon training plan due to building and moving and moving and moving and moving. But it does seem that things are falling into place. Except for the fact that I can’t buy a bus ticket to the start at Staten Island online anymore. They are only available at the expo and are “subject to availability.” I’m extremely freaked out about that.
Only 19 more days. Holy crap, I better start shopping.
Related Posts:
Popularity: 1% [?]
{ 16 comments… read them below or add one }
That’s bloody brilliant Susan. Good 20 miler! After that, you’ll do well at New York – as long as you don’t have to run out to the start
Good work Miss Runner Susan. I have every confidence in you now. You can doooo it!
I read somewhere that you can use any one of the three bus tickets they sell at any of the pick up sites. They damn well better because I plan to use my NY Public Library ticket to get on a New Jersey bus. Just what every runner needs – a little anxiety about making it to the start on time.
Excellent 20-miler, Runner Susan. Sounds like you’re ready.
Now, get to shopping. A girl’s gotta have some running gear.
“…my twenty miles were wonderful…”
How very awesome you can say that! Keep that thought and you are going to have an amazing marathon!
You rock!! To run twenty miles and feel good is saying a hell of a lot.
Love the masthead, by the way…
Congrats on the 20-miler! And, um, thanks for all the details in your first paragraph.
Great job on the 20 miler Susan! You are going to finish in NYC and have a great time. Good luck!
congrats on a good twenty!
Oh, you’re gonna do just fine in a couple of weeks. If you don’t get a bus ticket, let me know because I know people who know people…who know the alternate routes.
stiff neck from fear of falling…….ouch. get that worked out. congrats on the twenty. now try to avoid the taper madness. later.
Wow. How exciting for you. New York will be one of those very special races in your life – just relax & enjoy it !
You’ll do amazing, now that you have the 20 under your belt!
You’ll do so much better if you quit worrying about tumbling…you won’t unless you’re on trail, which i know all about and experienced.
Awesome last run! You are going to do great. I can’t wait to hear all about the Big Apple. Actually pondering the idea of doing that one next year!
Happy Days are almost here! I’m excited for you. 20 miles down, 26.2 to go!
You’ll do great in New York! What’s your bib number? I want to track your progress.
I just did my first 20 miler on Sunday for the Kiawah Island Marathon in December…congrats on such a great run. There really is nothing better thank finishing a 20 mile run and hearing your friends complain about a 3 miler they did that morning “I’m so tired”…I felt great! The more the better!