Monday, March 3, 2014

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!


8 comments:

  1. Great job and those new shoes look great!! I am training for Boston as well, I can't believe we are 7 weeks out...eek!

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    1. I know. It's crept up on us! How is your training going?

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  2. What a great run! I hope one day I can run like you do! What is your boston goal pace?

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    1. Ideally, I would like to finish 3:30ish (-ish meaning -sub). However, after my race this past Saturday, I'm not so sure that's realistic. I really am going to try that 15k at the end of the month to get a better idea of my fitness. I also need to run hills for the remainder of my long runs. I also need to figure out how to hide that jetpack under my shirt. It'll be hard with the tightened security.

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    2. Kings Park 15k? Looks very challenging. I'm contemplating running it to test my fitness level and determine my pace for the LI Half. Have you done it before?

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  3. That must have been awful. Not the run (you will be SO ready for Boston), but washing down chocolate mint GU with orange flavored Gatorade. Running with traffic behind you on Shelter Rock Rd. must have been a pulse raising experience. I admire your willingness to take on these long runs on public roads. I won't even cross Jericho Turnpike on a run.

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    1. If I don't cross any major roads I will wind up running 1,000 loops of my flat, boring neighborhood streets. Now that I think about it, I cross Peninsula Boulevard, Hempstead Turnpike, Old Country Road, Jericho Turnpike, Hillside Avenue, Shelter Rock Road, and Northern Boulevard. I cross with the light and always make eye contact with the drivers so I feel safe, except Shelter Rock. Not all of us have an indoor track in our dens, you know.

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    2. I keep forgetting that, although the indoor track does have its dangers (ottomans, high schoolers). I wish it was safe enough for me to run to Stillwell Woods and back from my house. That would be such a great combo workout.

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