Yesterday I ran my 20 miles, and psychologically I really needed it since I missed my long run last weekend. I ran the first half of those with my friend Marta, the one who runs sub 4-hour marathons. She was kind enough to stick the “slow” pace out with me. I was also testing out a new pair of turquoise shorts that deemed promising on a few previous short runs but turned into a “where did they hide the razor blades in the fabric” chafing game for twenty miles. So, no, I’m not wearing razor blade shorts in Chicago – even if they are a really pretty turquoise.
It was a hilly course and the miles were hit or miss with either feeling good or pretty awful. I was either running well or dating Galloway again. Add in a side order of knees pain and foot cramping for good measure and you’ll get the whole picture. A real mix up of a run and I can’t use heat as an excuse because it was only wonderful 70 degrees outside. I finished with an 11:27 pace. How can one go from running fast to running slow? Am I not the same me I was when I was running faster than running slower?
I’m not complaining. Or am I? Oh well. As I was walking back to the house I noticed that my left ankle was a more sore than any other place on my body and bells started to ring to the tune of Austin Marathon. I was slightly achy and tired all over, but other than my left ankle, I really felt pretty good.
I was totally worried about the ankle until about noon today when I noticed that I was totally pain free. And not just pain free – more like “I feel disturbingly great for running twenty miles” pain free. Other than some grotesque gouge-like chafe wounds in some really unusual places, I don’t feel like I ran twenty miles at all.
This is a good sign. So Marta and I celebrated with a beer at a nearby restaurant. Then we ate some pizza and I gained thirty pounds. Sigh. You know, the only problem I have with beer – is that it tastes like beer. But I reckon beer-tasting beer is better than no beer at all.
Note to self: don’t hide razor blades in shorts. Susan said so.
Great job on the 20.
That left ankle … was it pain-free after the pizza and beer, or before?
Ice it babe; and stretch.
You and Marta look great. Reminds me of a time ten months ago …..
Congrats on your 20 miles run and your pain-free ankle. Chicago, here comes Runner Susan!
Mmmm… beer.
Nice run. I’m jealous. Not so much of the razor blades though.
could i just point out you’re awesome delts in this photo!!?! weight training is paying off!
i’ll trade ya arms!!!?!
mmmmmmmmmmmm…………pizza
20 miles earns you whatever the hell you want to eat and drink!
I think I have a pair of those shorts too.
There’s still time to turn out a few more confidence-boosting runs. And, hey, you did 20 under serious circumstances. Cheers.
Sorry I’ve been gone all week. Great job on the 20…and smart to discover the razor blades before the real thing. I’m sure they make pretty turquoise shorts w/o the blades.
Beer and pizza after a long run is absolutely mandatory!
Well done on the 20-miler Susan. Don’t worry too much about the speed – that will happen on race day 🙂
Impressive photo. I thought you were just a wine connoisseur.
Hey Susan!
Well done on such a long and great run. Now how do you manage to look so beautiful afterwards??
D.
Who cares about pace – your arms look great!
As for the chaffing I feel your pain, I really really do.
Nice work on the 20 miles. Sorry about the razor blade shorts. I guess it is better to know that now, rather than during the marathon!
THAT’s you recover from a 20 miler. Awesome.
Hey now…I try wine every now and then…you should be able to swill some finer ales.
BTW – according to the picture you seem to be behind her in drinking pace as well.
20 mile run. Seems as insane to me as I am sure a 160 mile bike ride seems to runners. Pain is good. Congrats. Just leave a little of my fine city behind when you come up here and start kicking butt.
20 IS DAMN CLOSE TO A MARATHON…YOU KNOW THAT RIGHT???
beer tasting like beer is sooo good. pizza tasting like pizza is yummy too. nice run. later.
Suz,
Good work on the run! You rock girl!
Looks like you and Marta had a good time! Sorry about the suicidal razor shorts…
I WANT TO MARRY JOHN STEWART AND HAVE LITTLE LIBERAL BABIES!!!!
Nice job on the 20! That beer looks mighty good.
Nice job on the 20 miler.
Have you tried out any running skirts? I seriously have a crush on mine. Three words: no crotch bunching.
Good job on the 20 miles!!!
A good job and a long training this time.
And after beer is oké!!!!.
Groet Rinus.
http://rinusrunning.punt.nl/
i hate when they hide razor blades in shorts. or pebbles in my socks.
i wish i could answer your question about if it’s the same you who runs fast or slow. sadly, since i’ve never run fast, i have no idea!
sounds like that was a hard 20 miler though. (like there’s an easy 20-miler?)
to laura: RS INVENTED running skirts! tell her, RS! 🙂
congrats on the 20, and your weekly mileage! i’m really looking forward to reading about your big day!