Last Long Run

22 miles. Longest training run I've ever done. Boom!

This run was everything I wanted it to be. It was challenging in all the right ways and so fulfilling and OMG I LOVE RUNNING!

But let's start at the beginning.

When making my training plan this time around, I decided to incorporate two 20 milers and one 22 miler. I felt like I was in a good place to handle the distance and that this would make me more confident on race day.

I woke up Friday morning ready for my last long run of this training cycle. I knew this run was going to be difficult, but I was also brimming with excitement.

Full of excitement. And wearing my 2011 NYC Marathon Shirt. Obviously. 

I had decided to head out to Alki Beach in West Seattle for my run. I had the 22 miles all planned out, complete with 2 pretty intense hills at miles 1.5-4 and 14-16. As I was driving over, the rain was coming down pretty steady, but as I was pulling in to park, it magically stopped. Call me superstitious  but I knew then it was going to be a good run.

Grey day, but no rain!

Although my legs were pretty lead-like thanks to my run straight up and down Tiger Mountain two days prior, I was trucking along just fine and made it up and down the first hill feeling good.

I was pretty happy with my mile splits and was holding somewhat steady just above 8:30 for most of them. I have to admit, I was somewhat holding back a bit most of the time because I didn't want to burn out too badly before the end. After my last big hill around mile 16, since I was still feeling stellar, I told myself to start picking up my pace a bit. I was hoping to hover right around 8:30s for miles 17-19, and then pick up even more speed between 20-22.

Unfortunately, I think I tried to pick it up a little too early. I hit 8:20 for a few miles, but then started getting really tired. My last two miles were nothing short of challenging. I was reminded of how difficult those final miles of the marathon were last year. The last two miles I was just trying to get through. I kept thinking how much I wanted to walk, but just kept shuffling along. I hope this helps come marathon day!

I finished 22 miles in 3 hours and 14 minutes. Despite how hard those final miles were, I couldn't help but be excited and happy. If I can hold this pace for four more miles, I will have a sub 4 marathon under my belt!

Allison smiles!

I am so excited to rock NYC Marathon I can't stand it! I am well-trained and mentally ready! The next two weeks are taper-time, which is not my forte. My goal is just to keep my legs from getting overly tired. Especially next week. Here we go NYC!