Long Run

I had my first 20mile run for marathon training scheduled for this weekend (also first 20 ever!) Due to business travel, I moved it to Friday afternoon.

What went wrong:

Didn't carry enough liquid or have enough drink stops planned.

Wore my ipod on my hip and its case rubbed a raw spot on my side.

Screwed up my calculations and ended 20 miles about a mile from home.

Pace was about 6:11 marathon. I had hoped to be about 20 minutes faster, but finish is my primary goal.

What went right:

Food! I carried 4 packs of "Shot Blocks." I was able to intake them without problems and they really helped. I am a big guy, and I was starting to hit the wall at mile 16 on my long runs before this. I pushed that back 4+ miles. I was still pretty much drained of glycogen at the end of 21 miles, but 4 packs of shot blocks really helped. I will carry 4 at the start of the marathon and pick up 4 more from a co-worker that is volunteering at the mile 13 rest stop.

Support. My wife and son met me around mile 18. I handed off my hydration belt, topped up with gatoraide, picked up my reflective gear for the last two miles, and got some much needed encouragement.

Powder. I only needed one pit stop today due to a better eating and hydration plan before the run. I purchased a small travel size of Gold Bond powder and used that at the rest stop. No "monkey butt" or chafing; no discomfort at all! Also, no bladder discomfort. It comes down to being smart and planning. It is clear that if the training schedule says "4 miles", I can basically tie the shoes on and go! But high mileage requires a plan and extra steps.

Shoe tying! I was given a hard time by a friend because I had to stop in the first 1K of a recent 5k to retie my shoes. I have a high instep (my foot is "thick" from top to bottom and not side to side. I am constantly fighting a battle to find a point where the shoe is snug on my foot but isn't cutting off circulation. I can't wear Nike running shoes for this reason. This was the first long run where I tied them right before the start and they never came loose the entire run!

26.2 in 35 days!!!! (5 weeks and 2 hours from when I type this!) 7 days from now, I toe the line for my first half-marathon race, and 14 days from now, I have my second 20miler. My plans are to run that at 8am on Saturday to simulate race prep.