Twenty Miles (That Felt Like One Hundred Years) of Decrepitude

Yesterday was my last 20 miler this marathon cycle.  It was a tough one.  Originally, I thought I would run up to the intersection at Northern Boulevard and Shelter Rock Road in Manhasset and back.  Unfortunately, the day before I caught a stomach virus from my 2 year old.  I decided it might be too risky to take that route.  There are too many long stretches without a bathroom.  Instead, I did two local 8 mile loops and then my 4 mile loop.

I set out at 7am.  It was cool and damp.  I felt good for the first 6 miles.  Then the fatigue from running on an empty stomach set in.  At 8 miles I stopped home to use the bathroom, drink Gatorade, and eat my Gu.  The Gu was a new flavor, chocolate mint.  I usually don't like anything interfering with my chocolate, ex., peanut butter, fruit, and mint.  Don't ask me why I didn't stick to this rule when at the store.  I think I was desperate for something new.   Let's just say I won't buy it again.  The chocolate was too rich and sugary.  Back to warm strawberry banana and lime (blech!).

The second loop was slower than the first.  I iced and taped my toes before heading out earlier.  They didn't bother me up until now.  After some time, the kinks worked themselves out, but my gait changed out of cautiousness.  I stopped at home again before my final 4 to hydrate.  I finally finished the entire run, 20.16 miles, in 3:01:59, a 9:01pace.

To sum up, I don't recommend running 20 miles after a 24 hour stomach bug.  I also will never run 20 miles locally, if I can help it.  Way too boring.  Between my empty, rumbly tummy and my decrepit toes, I felt like I was hanging on by a thread for much of the run.  Thankfully, these are temporary problems with fixable solutions.  Looking forward to the taper and a positive race day!

This is me passed out on the side of the road (I wish!).