Second 20 Miler Done

I headed out the door at 12:45pm.  It was 38 degrees.  I had on my Mizuno cold weather leggings, a tank top, my blue Avalanche pullover, gloves, wool socks, and my brand new Adidas Supernova Glides.  I was taking a risk wearing brand new sneakers for a 20 miler, but I would rather run through blisters than have to stop my run altogether because of guaranteed cramping and spasms.  I was going to wear a turtle neck under the pullover and I'm glad I decided against it.  The pullover is super warm on its own.  I brought two chocolate mint Gus and money to pick up a Gatorade at the halfway mark.

I headed ten miles north to the King Kullen in Manhasset.  The streets and sidewalks were mostly clear from snow and ice except for one short stretch on Shelter Rock Road.  I was forced to run on the road for a hundred yards which was a bit scary because the shoulder was narrow, I was running with traffic (there's no sidewalk on the opposite side), and the cars zoomed by me pretty fast.  I arrived at King Kullen in (one piece!) an 1:32:34, a 9:16 pace.  I washed down a Gu with orange Gatorade.  I started the Map My Run app because I like to explore the neighborhoods which makes it difficult to remember all the turns and streets after the fact.  I ran 5 hilly miles in South Strathmore, then 3 miles to Plandome.  I forced myself to consume the other Gu at Mile 17.  It was very gross, particularly because I had nothing to wash it down with (I think I'm going to go back to Super Candy for my next long run.  Much tastier and minus the gag reflex).  The biggest hill was at Mile 18 in Flower Hill.  It is only a 110 foot gain of elevation, but it's steep (I think similar to Heartbreak Hill).  I had to mentally will my feet to keep going forward.  Once I crested, I finished the last two miles easily with some pep in my step.  The second half of the run was a total of 10.37 in 1:36:07, a 9:16 pace again.

My new sneakers were the right choice.  I had no issues, except at one point splashing in a mud puddle and getting a couple of drops on the top of my right shoe (boo!).  My legs were sore the rest of the day, but they feel great today.  These next four weeks are going to be pretty intense with high mileage and speed work.  Boston's right around the corner.  Yikes!