Woo chiiiiiiiiiiiile, I have finally reached the peak of my training with 3 weeks to go till the big event! I still can't believe I'm on the journey to 26.2. When people ask how my training is going, I usually have to pause before responding. I need a moment to digest that I in fact am running 26.2 and then I have to figure out how to put it into words.
Every Saturday, a new milestone in life is reached. I really think that is the reason it is so hard to express this journey because I'm usually still digesting that I am exceeding my goals at a crazy pace everyday that I get up at an ungodly hour to hit the pavement or the gym. Saturday, I ran 22 miles. The longest I have run my entire life and it felt great! Yes, I'm still digesting that I ran that far and could walk after. Here's what I learned:
1. Ain't nobody fresher than my clique! No, but really!!! We talked about life and ratchet music for damn near the entire run. It didn't even begin to feel like a long run till mile 18. Salute to the clique!
2. I LOVE a good trail run. Being surrounded by nature is so relaxing and spiritual for me. At least 3 of my races at the beginning of the year were trail runs. I need more in my life.
3. I feel official when running with my headlamp. I really think it is because it shows your determination and dedication to your training and your training partners to get up at an ungodly hour that you would have to wear one in the first place. HOWEVER, let me tell ya'll, it was so DAMN dark on that trail, a couple times I was looking around for somebody to jump out because the area had a few houses along the route and it looked like a movie scene from Texas Chainsaw Massacre. I definitely had my mace with me and cellphone.
4. I hate cyclist. They do NOT know how to share the road or a trail apparently! Instead of saying, "passing on your left," these fools started ringing bells or flat out wouldn't say anything and ride up right behind a runner! One guy in particular ran me off the trail completely! I was standing in the mud! I heard and saw him coming so I moved out the way and OFF the trail. This fool slams on his breaks and almost skids into me causing me to jump further off the trail and I landed in a pile of mud. He proceeded to ride by me without even uttering "i'm sorry" or making sure I'm ok. So I proceeded to yell "asshole" and the other runners joined in with yelling proper passing etiquette tips. I'm still lowkey salty but such is life.
5. CW-X tights are overrated. I think if your muscles are already aligned and you're doing strength training and yoga, they aren't worth the money. However, I will note that they were great for AFTER my run. I no longer had the hurt marathon walk 30minutes after my run which was impressive. I live on the 3rd floor and I had no issues walking up those steps. Also, my legs weren't stiff when I went out Saturday hanging with friends. I doubt I will invest in another pair but these were great for my recovery not my run. I'm sure I can find a cheaper pair of compression gear that will aid in my recovery. Next time I will save my pennies and splurge in Lulu.
6. I will have the hurt marathon walk (waddle like a duck) after MCM. I finished my 22 miler a half a mile away from my car and I refused to run that extra .5 so I started walking as a cool down. As I'm walking, I hear a lady ask "are you ok, do you need help?" I turn around wondering who she is talking to and she was talking to me! LMAO I told her that I just ran 22 miles so don't mind my marathon walk back to the car. She laughed and we started chatting. She told me she ran MCM and loved it so we chatted the whole way back to my car. I love the run community!
7. With two 20+ milers behind me, I now know what to expect. At mile 15-16 my hammies will start talking to me. Around my 17-18 they will start whispering amongst each other but eventually will get tired that I'm paying them no mind and will shut up! Around mile 18-19 is when I start playing mind games with myself. Mile 20-22 is when I start with my mantra's and repeat them constantly until I hit the next mile marker. Mile 22-26.2 will be nothing but me and the good LAWD and I will cherish every minute of joy and pain all the way through the finish!
8. The race begins at mile 20. This is one of the most important mantra's for me. I know that in a race setting, people have a tendency to come out too fast. For a half marathon or less, that is fine but for a full that is not the bidness! Since I was running with the crew and joking around and laughing we ran at a nice and easy pace so once I hit the 20 mile mark I wanted to see what I had on reserve. I put my head down and picked up the pace. I just wanted to see what I had in me at that moment and I was pleasantly surprised at how effortless it was to pick it up and maintain that pace till the next mile. It was in that moment that I knew I was ready.
9. *TMI alert* Running is the greatest laxative of ALL time! I always make sure to clear the chute before going on a long run however, after a 18+ miler my stomach is always on a thousand once I finish and stand still. It's the craziest thing to me but I'm so grateful that my bowels wait till AFTER my run to start yelling "hey girl give us free." This is why I will run with my fuel belt and will run through every aid station.
10. Running with a 1L bottle of Smart Water is not fun but o so necessary! I was rushing to get out of the house by 445am that I left my handheld water bottle. I realized I didn't have it when I put on my fuel belt. Luckily, I was one step ahead of myself and packed an extra bottle of water. There was no way I could run the trail without having water on hand whenever I needed it so I ran 22 freaking miles holding a big ass 1L bottle of Smart Water! My back was not pleased but thank the LAWD I had a sports massage appointment scheduled later in the afternoon.
*bonus lesson* Since my first half, I learned that you never get that same feeling of joy after running your first distance race again. I'm looking forward to feeling that sense of joy and pride of "firsts" again with completing my first full marathon! Regardless of the clock, I will be so excited to run across that finish line injury-free and standing on my two feet! Glorayayayayayayayayayayayayayayayayayayayay!!!!!
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