Treading the miles

• Sat, Jan 9: 19 miles, 4 hrs 5 mins - on the treadmill!!!!

Since I was still sick (antibiotics or not), and it was going to be below freezing, I decided that I was better off running inside than out. (It was a West Side Hwy run anyway - no thanks. lol) I slept in, and although the day seemed very warm went I looked out that morning, I still felt I made the best decision. Besides, I had a plan to run as if it was race day, and so even though I'd be on the treadmill I thought it might just not be as mindnumbing as I'd previously imagined.

So here's what I did. On the treadmill specifically "for the long run", I ran by time so I could fuel on schedule but not watch and obsess over distance. I did the run in 3 parts - first 1/3 at 13min mile, 2nd at 12.45min mile, 3rd at 12.30min mile. Did all flat, no incline. I concentrated on paying attention to my legs mostly, followed by breathing during each stage. I ended up running 18.8 miles straight in 4 hours, then walked the last 0.2miles for a total of 19 miles.

Afterwards, I felt awesome! So, yeah, I had to stretch and gently foam roll for 30 mins after, AND do the did ice bath at home later to help the legs. But I'd done it, and I felt a little more confident about race day. Can you imagine? 19 miles! 4 hours of running! Wow!!!!