It is here. At last. Today I ran my last long training run before the LA Marathon. My second full marathon in 3 months. Taper time!! Crazy to think of how far I have come with my running mindset and goals over the past year. It is also amazing to me how some days you have it while other training run days are super hard!
Today’s training run was a beautiful overcast day with temperatures in the mid 60s. It was warm at times, but it had a great refreshing cool breeze that helped cool me down. My past few runs have been less than stellar, which can take its toll on the way I mentally push through a run.
I know I have the physical strength and mental mindset to cover the distance prescribed… as well as complete the upcoming marathon. But man, some days are just stinking hard! Today’s run was one of them. The first 13 miles flew by and were super easy and comfortable. Then something happened. A shift. A struggle. Mentally and physically.
I am not sure if it was my lack of properly hydrating and fueling my body the past few days… or if my body is slowly coming down with something the boys have brought home (snots/cough). Either way, I had to really dig deep and push through those last few miles. Running was easier than walking. Yet, my legs were super tight and running didn’t feel that great either.
I wanted to quit. I wanted to give up. But I kept moving forward. I didn’t give up. I ran and covered the prescribed training distance and finished strong enough that I could have (even though I didn’t want to) run further.
Mile 1 – 10:06 * Mile 2 – 10:04 * Mile 3 – 10:13 * Mile 4 – 10:26
Mile 5 – 10:28 * Mile 6 – 10:24 * Mile 7 – 10:19 * Mile 8 – 10:51 (bathroom/water refill)
Mile 9 – 10:13 * Mile 10 – 10:34 * Mile 11 – 10:38 * Mile 12 – 10:32
Mile 13 – 11:13 (water refill) * Mile 14 – 10:52 * Mile 15 – 10:52
Mile 16 – 11:20 (water refill) * Mile 17 – 10:47 * Mile 18 – 12:03 (headphone battery died)
Mile 19 – 11:16 * Mile 20 – 10:33 * Mile 21 – 9:48
Today wasn’t my strongest run. I kept fiddling with my new headset (review on the Jabra Sport Wireless+ coming soon). I found myself comparing my pace/time with my Clarksburg 20 Mile Race time back in November. I couldn’t get the right tunes, play list, podcast going to help motivate me. My legs were sore and aching. I kept listening to the new, fresh, wicked blister that popped up under my foot (under big toe) mid run. Yes, I will spare you the photos! 
Needless to say, I learned a valuable lesson. I am strong. I am mentally tough to push through even when I just want to quit. I also learned that focusing on proper nutrition and hydration is key every day! Not just on long run day! Those days leading up to the long run/race are equally important. Time to buckle down and NOURISH my body accordingly.
So… there you have it. Today was my last long run before the LA Marathon, which is March 9th. I am super excited and looking forward to the taper!
Way to stick with it through the tough!
My favorite mantra: I am strong and can do hard things.