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!
The big 20 miler!: So the marathon plan... - Fun Beyond 10K & ...
The big 20 miler!
![roseabi profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/629a7b81e5d3b9187b20a934fda9ab03_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Awesome! Your training's going really well xxx
![Sandraj39 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/5b663862a0fefe9c469705583230161d_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Wow! You are doing amazingly RFD - well done!🙂
Thank you!
![misswobble profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/5cd91f1661b1fc76c727b0f79e4424a6_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Well done. Sounds good💪👍😃🏃♀️ Apart from the bomb obvs 😁 💣
Haha anything for a bit of excitement!
![Madge50 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/1a231ae377d605f1d8dec03b482523a4_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
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
I am glad the milestone is done but I do have a touch of maranoia at times!
![misswobble profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/5cd91f1661b1fc76c727b0f79e4424a6_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
It’s done now shug. You have the power !💪👍😃🏃♀️
Feeling accomplished at the moment 👍💪Even worked today walking lots too, don't feel too bad.
![misswobble profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/5cd91f1661b1fc76c727b0f79e4424a6_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
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
Thank you, I will try this!
![Langley-Loper profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/f355e9c8134169184a0d4da123de4ae7_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
You are doing so well, fitting all this in with work and family life on top. Keep going, girl!
Fortunately hubs has been very supportive!
![linda9389 profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/fef6968f6d01f3b8c68a017c095296e3_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Wow that sounds fantastic. Suuuuch a looong way And a great time too. You've got this!
I really hope I have got this! Just got to keep training and keep injury free 😬
![Decker profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/45b0fb05-1484-4bd9-bd0f-05334f5b02d1_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
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!
It's a good thing to practice.
![Clairecandothis profile image](https://images.hu-production.be/avatars/24060899abd750272bb56e22362997b3_small@2x_100x100.jpg)
Wow that time is so impressive especially for the distance! You are doing what I need to do next! Inspiring to read. 😊
Thank you! I will look forward to hearing of your marathon journey. I still have a few more long runs to go!