Today I did the longest run of my training (23 miles on the dot), and what probably will be my longest run until the NYC Marathon. After this point, mileage will start to taper a bit in the training schedule, at least in terms of long runs.
The weather couldn’t have been better except for maybe a few degrees cooler. It was cloudless sunny skies and absolutely beautiful. The temperature was 71 for practically the entire run, yet it felt more like a cool 65. While there was no detectable warmth today, it probably had a slight impact on my speed. It certainly was weather that led to an abundance of dermal salt! I had salt coating my body in so many places today. One particularly gross place was on the front of my shorts, in a downward-traveling triangle–that got some looks! (I’m eating some Pita Chips right now to replenish my salt stores.) I achieved a realistic pace today of 8:23s, which included the Queensboro Bridge and Great Hill and Cat Hill 3 times. Here are the deets:
Considering that I did nearly a 10-mile run yesterday and that today was warmer, my slower beginning was expected (also considering I knew I was doing a long run). Still, I tried to practice some short-striding on downhills to prepare for race day. My speed and performance definitely started to diminsh over the course of the run, ending with a 10:25 final mile and peaking with a 7:25. I did a half-marathon somewhere around 1:41-1:42, but I wasn’t pursuing any goals there. That’s good to know as I prep for a half-marathon race in about a week.
My energy was deteriorating pretty steeply toward the end, but my brain was really keeping me going. I was thinking about stopping at 22 miles, but I rationalized, No, this is my only 23-miler, and I have the energy to pull it off, and its reward is its accomplishment. That worked and I made it all the way. While I didn’t have any specific injuries at the end of the run, I walked as if I had ridden a horse for a long time–sensitive, tired steps.
My reward, apart from the training achievement, was a Peanut Butter Moo’d at Jamba Juice. I walked there from Central Park after my run and got the largest size (770 calories), plus two whey protein boosts (100 calories) and one immunity boost (calories unknown). They gave me the excess they made, too. I probably consumed about 1,000 calories from that drink, which may sound grossly offensive, but note that Garmin said I burned 3,210 calories in this run! Even eating that caloric drink, I’m still very much at a calorie deficit today.
I fueled this run with a whole wheat bagel just before, plus two 2x caffeine Tangerine PowerGels. I also consumed two more during the run, somewhere around 14-15 miles I think. It’s hard to say their impact because I didn’t notice any performance improvements, though they may have just kept me running a bit longer. There were a lot of speedy runners in the park today and I was passed a nice amount of times, but mostly but fast people. I wasn’t trying to pass people, just set on getting to 23 miles.
Once home, I had an ice bath. I sure hope it helps for tomorow, and I imagine it will. I don’t have really anything to do tonight other than to relax near home. I can’t travel much because I’m hobbly and low-energy and a bit raw. I hope I sleep really well tonight.