20 miler

wk 14, day 6
Saturday, October 15, 2011

goal: 20 mile run and finish between 3:00:00-3:30:00

I woke up early and had a banana and a mini pnb and honey sandwich. I left the house around 5:30am. I have never been so nervous in my life! I brought my ph w/ me in case I needed Oscar to come pick me up along my route.
I strapped on Oscar's camel bak with 70 ounces of water in it. It was a little heavy and I so wasn't use to running with it. I knew I would be emptying it out and as time went on it'd get lighter. Around mile 3 (30 mins in), I felt slow and sluggish. I somehow managed to swallow a thing of gu gel. Yuck!! It was horrible! I downed a whole bunch of water and then realized that probably wasn't the best decision! Now I had to pee!!!
At mile 7, I turned onto Wilderness Oak...boy oh boy was I in for a surprise! There were big giant rolling hills. Up, down, up down. My booty was burning!
I stopped around mile 10 (about 1:30 mins in) at a CVS store and used the restroom and had some more gu. Once I was at the half way point and turned around it was mentally good. I started setting landmark goals. That worked so nicely.  
The last 5 miles I rationed out my sports beans. Those are so good!!! The only draw back is you have to chew them and swallow. During a long run, eating isn't conducive to breathing!! I probably should've had another gu as well, but I couldn't bring myself to it. They aren't my favorite.
When I hit mile 18, I was so ready to be done. I just didn't want to go anymore. I knew I could, but I didn't want to. I wouldn't let myself give up, I kept running. It all paid off in the end. I finished with a 9:18 pace!!!! Such a great feat! I am soooo proud of myself. I finished in 3 hours and 7 minutes. WOW! Still amazed at my newest accomplishment! I'M READY ... bring on the marathon!

accomplished: 20.07 miles - 3:07:? / 9:18 pace