On Sunday I ran 22 miles. The longest I have ever run. 3 hours, 9 minutes, and 19 seconds worth of running. An average of 8:36 per mile, for 22 miles.
I’ve never felt so cool or so sore in my entire life. Things in my body hurt that I didn’t even know existed, yet I felt really good. I think that’s that thing people call “runner’s high”. And it was a high, running 22 miles is bad-ass!
The Run: We had awesome running weather – low 50’s with some sun and light wind. I felt really good miles 1-13; started to feel a little like, “Oh, this is long” around mile 15; and pretty much hurt in every crevice of my body for the last 5 miles. I have, however, been working on my mental toughness because I know that BQ-ing won’t be a walk in the park. Mental toughness really came in to play the last 5-6 miles – everything hurt but I still managed to keep the pace under 8:45. But seriously, as soon as my Garmin hit 22 miles I said “Can we please stop??” I couldn’t wait to walk!
Post Run: I walked limped in the door, grabbed a cold bottle of Pelegrino, mixed up a glass of low-fat chocolate milk and stared an EndraSoak bath. Sweeter things have never been done. I seriously swear by EndraSoak – my new found recovery potion; the perfect combination of bath-salt-meets-rosemary-and-peppermint deliciousness (I would marry Rosemary if I could). After said bath, I slipped on my compression socks and headed straight for the couch. I stayed there until I decide it was time for bed.
Next Day: But, on Monday morning, I felt great. Okay, great might be an exaggeration…but I felt a lot better than I expected! I even went for a (slow) 3 mile run and yoga – 2 things I wasn’t sure I’d be able to do (I wasn’t even sure I’d be able to get out of bed to take a shower).
I’m feeling pretty good about my training – especially after coming back from New Zealand. I signed up (impromptu-style) for a 1/2 Marathon on March 26 and have one more looonnnggg run before I start cutting back on the mileage (Marathon is May 1). Yikes – I’m getting close.
Runners: How do you feel after a long run? A combination of soreness and excitement? Does your body get used to the milage? I’d love to know how others deal with their long runs – pre, during, and post.
Congrats on the monumental mileage moment girl!!! You are going to kill this marathon!
great job girl! your gonna rock it!
Your body def. gets used to the milage. My first marathon everything hurt when I ran anything over 10 miles. My second marathon I recovered much quicker and was able to continue with my regular life. So it sounds like you are ahead of the game! Good Luck!
There is something quite bad-a about going 22M, and you rocked it. Recover well.
Congrats on the strong long run! It sounds like you are well on your way to a BQ.
Are you running the National Half on Saturday? If so, maybe I will see you there! 🙂
Congrats for your first 22 miler!!! What a great pace!
Hi!!! Love your blog!! looks like we hve the same goal for our FIRST marathons!!! I am running the windermere on May 14th:)
Been running for about 2 yrs casually, 6months more seriously and like you would LOVE to run a 3:25:)
I have my first 20mile run this saturday!! I can't wait to see how it goes..this was inspiring for me!!! thanks!!
I always felt like I recovered ok from long runs by doing chocolate milk + tylenol + rest, but I should forewarn you: nothing truly prepares you for post race soreness. I can't logically explain it,.especially after training well…..however, I know it to be true after two fulls. I dreadfully ice bathed after my last full and although difficult it did help the soreness. Sounds like you are doing great.
YAY on the long run! Love them!!
great job!
That is impressive~!!!! Keep up the awesome job!
Nice long run, keep up those BA efforts!
22 miles! Wow! It's humbling when we stop to think about we can do when we just get out there, work at it and don't let ourselves quit.
I ran 22 miles on this past Saturday. It was totally random. I planned just to run maybe 8. I ran with my weight vest so I was surprised how much energy I had so I pushed a little further. Before I knew it, I had no idea where I was. Lol! My everything hurt! Had to call for someone to pick me up. I won’t win any marathons coming in at over 5 hours. But I was extremely satisfied with the fact I completed such a run!