Fastest 20 miler EVA!

Well, my fastest 20 miler to date anyway.

Saturday I had 20 miles planned, but to be honest, I wasn't even sure the run would happen. Things have been a bit crazy around here. When I realized the run would in fact happen, I wasn't sure what to expect from myself. Thursday I ran a hard interval workout and I was assuming the old legs would still be recovering.

I began the run as I begin most of my runs now. Easy. I just ran. I didn't look at my garmin. I just ran. Around 4 or 5 miles I checked my pace, 7:50, and that was fine. And the miles kept flying by. Miles 1 -12 were mostly in the 7:40 range.

Then something happened. The effort felt slightly harder, when my garmin beeped at me, I saw a 7:13. Of course, I then thought I might as well see how long I could maintain that pace. (Apparently, my body wanted to run that fast anyway.) As it turns out, I was able to hold onto that pace pretty well. It's worth mentioning that the last 5 miles were quite hilly. Miles 18 and 19, where I slowed a bit, were the hilliest miles.

Spits for miles 13-20:

13 - 7:13

14 - 7:08

15 - 7:08

16 - 7:08

17 - 7:11

18 - 7:23

19- 7:35

20 - 7:07

The end result was 20 miles with an average pace of 7:30. My fastest ever! I also only drank 6 ounces of water and took 1.5 gels during the run. I didn't feel sick for the day and I'm not sore today. In fact, I ran a hilly 7 miler with the running stroller this morning at 8:50 pace (which is actually a good pace). Anyway, I am really shocked by the whole thing...

So what does this mean for the marathon? Beats me. It was a good run, but it was just one good run. My running mileage and workouts right now are more conducive to running a good 5K or even a good half marathon. I am lacking the endurance necessary to ensure a great marathon (for me). So, no solid goals at this point. I am starting to get excited though! Only two more weeks with mileage increases, one more 20 miler, and then it's time to taper! Woo hoo!

In a day or two, I'll have another post for you. The folks over at Cox Rhode Races are encouraging the runners to run for a cause. There are a ton of charities to choose from, but I hate asking people for money. Well, I've had a change of heart. I recently found out that a close friend from my teenage years has a child with duchenne muscular dystrophy. I'll be trying to raise money for their little boy, Connor. More about all that later...

I hope everyone's training is going stellar! I'll be rooting for all you Boston runners!