Today, I did my last long run for a marathon I’m running in April.
My last long-run posting was the first week of March. I’ve done two 18 mile runs, and two 20 mile runs in the following four weeks. The theme in all five runs has been the same. I’m slower than in previous years, and my times are not improving as the month has progressed.
On the past 3 Thursdays, the weather was forecast for rain. Fortunately, it only rained during one of those runs, only in the last 6 miles. This morning I started before 7 am, before any rain.
At 7 am, it was 62 degrees, cloudy and windy. Winds varied from 5 to 20 mph with mixed directions. I never felt the wind push me.
I wore shorts over compression shorts, a singlet, gloves, a ball cap, and my Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 shoes. Even in the 60s, I felt cold, I’m becoming a wimp, going out the door and wearing a long-sleeve overshirt. The overshirt came off during my first walk and drink break at 20 minutes.
I ran my course from my house to Lansdowne Road via Lafayette Blvd and Lee Drive. That was my first 12 miles. For my last 8 miles, I crossed the Chatham Bridge and caught the Canal Path at Fall Hill Avenue and Canal Street. Once I got to the Outdoor Center, I took the dirt path to the old dam site.
I use the initial 12-mile section for both my 18-mile and 20-mile courses. I carry a 20-ounce bottle of UCAN and drink 4 ounces every 20 minutes. Today, 2:06:42 was the slowest of the five runs. I did not press to hit the light to cross Blue Gray Parkway on the way to save a little for later. I did hit the light on the way back and crossed without stopping.
Today’s last 8 miles were 5 minutes slower than last week. I drank another 20-ounce bottle of UCAN at 4 ounces every 18 minutes. I started getting a dehydrated feeling. Experienced as I am, I need to drink more in my upcoming marathon.
Going downhill in the last 8 miles, my right IT band was screaming at me. On the flats, it was feeling OK.
Five weeks of runs had times of 3:04:34, 3:03:40, 3:14;50, 3:33;22 and 3:42:05. Those times are going in the wrong direction. It’s time to stretch, relax, taper, and hope for the best.
As a comparison, I ran this 20-mile course previously in 2019 with a time of 3:20:39. Oh my, it might be time to cut back.
As always I enjoy reading your blog. Will be interested to hear your race report! I am running a 5k in Wilmington on Saturday (4/1) . I am having some minor surgery next week and will not be able to run for 8-12 weeks so will love reading your blog and experiencing running vicariously!!!!
Thank you!