The big 20 miler!: So the marathon plan... - Fun Beyond 10K & ...

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The big 20 miler!

25 Replies

So the marathon plan has that elusive 20 mile run hanging over me, planned for next Saturday. Not a great plan as I have a local 10k on Sunday and potentially some night shifts mid week. So I changed the plan! A couple of weeks ago I got up to 19 miles in storm freya, then cut back to a faster 16 mile last week with yesterday as a planned 17 mile. Yesterday morning I had a light bulb moment and decided to run 20 miles, no pressure. I was going to meet a couple from run group who were running a 14 mile route. So I set off early and ran a solo 4.5 miles at about 11.00min/mile pace. I got to the meet point in time to set off on the 14 mile route with the other two. However they decided to run a bit faster pace than agreed which was a little tedious at times but i kept to my pace-ish. Half way in to their route the road was closed to the park as a bomb had been found (later reported as a grenade!). This meant a 1 mile detour that fortunately I knew. It was still really windy, never more evident that running over the big bridge, at times I felt static it was such harder work! We carried on and they changed the remaining route to reduce it back to 14 miles. Once back at the meeting point I carried on and ran another 1.5 miles home. My legs were tired but otherwise no obvious niggles or pains. Boy did my legs feel it when I stopped running!! I used my fuelling strategy which seems to work ok for me, comprising high5 aqua gels (caffeine free) at miles 5, 8, 11, 14 and 17 with a few jelly babies thrown in. I carry water in my camelbak. Others in the run group are experimenting with tailwind and caffeine tabs but to me they drink lots and end up in the loo. I will stick to my plan!! 20 miles in 3 hours 39, not groundbreaking but good for me. 6 weeks to the event, eek!

25 Replies
roseabi profile image
roseabiUltramarathon

Awesome! Your training's going really well xxx

in reply to roseabi

I hope so. I feel like a fish out of water with both the distance and the plan!

roseabi profile image
roseabiUltramarathon in reply to

It looks very good from where I'm sitting!

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Half Marathon

Wow! You are doing amazingly RFD - well done!🙂

in reply to Sandraj39

Thank you!

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon

Well done. Sounds good💪👍😃🏃‍♀️ Apart from the bomb obvs 😁 💣

in reply to misswobble

Haha anything for a bit of excitement!

Madge50 profile image
Madge50Marathon

Wow RFD, that’s brilliant, well done you 👍🏃‍♀️, I have no experience of such distance, but you sound right on course, keep the faith, you’re going to be fabulous - well you are already!

Mx

in reply to Madge50

I am glad the milestone is done but I do have a touch of maranoia at times!

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon

It’s done now shug. You have the power !💪👍😃🏃‍♀️

in reply to misswobble

Feeling accomplished at the moment 👍💪Even worked today walking lots too, don't feel too bad.

misswobble profile image
misswobbleMarathon

Great stuff. Walking is brill. I walk slowly backwards on a regular basis to stretch out my calves, slowly rolling my feet through the gait cycle, toe to heel. Feels lovely You can do it walking forwards too That was a tip from my physio

in reply to misswobble

Thank you, I will try this!

Sandraj39 profile image
Sandraj39Half Marathon in reply to misswobble

...nice tip misswobble - might try this one out! 🙂

Langley-Loper profile image
Langley-LoperHalf Marathon

You are doing so well, fitting all this in with work and family life on top. Keep going, girl!

in reply to Langley-Loper

Fortunately hubs has been very supportive!

linda9389 profile image
linda9389AdministratorMarathon

Wow that sounds fantastic. Suuuuch a looong way :D And a great time too. You've got this!

in reply to linda9389

I really hope I have got this! Just got to keep training and keep injury free 😬

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon

You are doing amazing RFD! I know what you mean about starting up after stopping. After a short stop at 25k on Sat it felt like I had rusty metal legs getting going again. 🙂You will pull off 20 miles no problem!

roseabi profile image
roseabiUltramarathon in reply to Decker

It's a good thing to practice.

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to roseabi

It is how I’ve done my longer runs mostly, ie: 5k solo to the store, 5k bonus group short run, 15k group run and maybe 5k home. This time I felt it! 😊

in reply to Decker

Stop starting is so tough on the legs, unless of course it is at the traffic lights for a quick breather!

Decker profile image
DeckerUltramarathon in reply to

Yeah it really is. Anything longer than a minute or two and it all goes out the window!

Clairecandothis profile image
ClairecandothisMarathonHalf Marathon

Wow that time is so impressive especially for the distance! You are doing what I need to do next! Inspiring to read. 😊

in reply to Clairecandothis

Thank you! I will look forward to hearing of your marathon journey. I still have a few more long runs to go!

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