Four months ago, I registered for the Amica Marathon. At that time my longest race was a 5K. I had been running for six months. I was training for a spring half-marathon. I don’t know why I decided to register that day. I guess I was particularly inspired by the Boston Marathon. I knew I loved running. I knew I had the time to train. I just went for it.
Marathon training began in June. When I started, training was running. I ran my miles and crossed them off the list. My was running mileage that I felt comfortable with. It was all good. Training shifted in July when I got hungry. Really hungry! And thirsty. It was hot and I needed water. Training was no longer about only running. I had to focus on fueling. I started paying attention to my food and water intake to made sure I felt strong on each running. A few bad runs came my way, but nothing major. By the time August rolled around, it all changed. My mileage reached new heights. Every week was record breaking…I felt success. I also felt a little bored. Long runs can get boring.
Last weekend I went to Chicago. Running with new friends and sharing my experiences was truly amazing.
Again, my view of training changed. It didn’t have to be all business. Many of these people had run marathons. They knew what it was like to train. Running with them taught me to relax, take in the sights, feel the breeze, and enjoy the moment. Since that sixteen mile run, each run has been more enjoyable. Each run is an experience – exploring new places, reaching deep into myself, and making the most of every mile.
I’ll admit, it was sad to leave my new running buddies. The camaraderie was so powerful. Imagine my excitement when one of my new friends tweeted that she was coming to Massachusetts for the weekend! I live minutes from Massachusetts! Just one week after HLS, I reunited with my running buddy and another great blogger friend for our long run. Fabulous!
Jen, Lauren, and I met bright and early. It was a cool, crisp morning. Dare I say, fall-like? Perfect for running along the river. We’re all training for fall marathons, but there was no pressure for a super long run. We ran extra miles last week and opted to run fourteen today. The distance seemed to work for everyone.
Total Distance: 14.0 miles
- Mile 1 – 9:01/mi
- Mile 2 – 8:58/mi
- Mile 3 – 8:43/mi
- Mile 4 – 9:00/mi
- Mile 5 – 8:52/mi
- Mile 6 – 8:53/mi
- Mile 7 – 9:36/mi
- Mile 8 – 8:55/mi
- Mile 9 – 8:55/mi
- Mile 10 – 8:57/mi
- Mile 11 – 9:00/mi
- Mile 12 – 9:04/mi
- Mile 13 – 8:53/mi
- Mile 14 – 8:49/mi
Total Time: 2:05:43
Average Pace: 8:58/mi
Thank you, ladies! This was by far my strongest long run to date! I am not the speediest runner, so I was really proud that I kept up and stayed in the conversation. Nothing comes between me and a good conversation! It’s hard to believe that I only met these girls once before. It felt like I was reunited with old friends – never a loss for words. I can’t wait for our next run!
***
This run was made possible by some early morning fueling.
The obligatory black coffee and toast with Barney Butter, banana, and sweet ribbon of honey. It was the perfect combo of carbs, protein, fats, and simple sugar.
After burning nearly a day’s worth of calories during the run, I came home for more food.
I loaded my favorite bowl with plain Chobani, Kashi GoLean Crunch, blueberries, banana, and cinnamon almonds. It was cold, crunchy, and full of fresh fruit. It was the perfect morning to bask in the morning sun on my deck. Love!
My weekend is off to a particularly great start! I have Jen and Lauren to thank for that.
What is making your day special? Think of something great and smile today!
I love the appetite that comes with marathon training! Bring on the food!
Great run, girl!! That pace is seriously FAST! Keep up the great training, you’ll be ready and set for the marathon!
My run this morning made my day special. For the first time (I’ve been doing 10 miles on Sat. for 4 weeks now) I ran a ten miler that seemed like a pretty easy, go with the flow kind of run. I agree that it’s really hard to not be all business when you’re training. I have a really hard time with that concept. You are seriously speedy!! Great job!!
Awesome time with other bloggers! And, um, I think you are fast!
I love this! It’s amazing how your runs can change over time – both in how they feel and the attitude you have when you’re doing them. I’m glad you’ve been able to relax more and enjoy your runs. Distance running really is all about the journey.
I had a really awesome time on our run today! I agree — the convo came so easy, it’s like I’ve known both of you forever. Thanks for running with me!! Can’t wait to do it again!
Great run! I can’t run nearly that fast. Awesome fueling before and after the run as well. The foods that you eat for training are the best part!
What a great run! You may say you’re not speedy, but you’re speedier than me!
I love when you have a really good run — everything feels good and you feel like you could run forever!
You are a speed demon Bec! Great job. Refuel with something yummy!
I am soooo glad you love running! You have come so far in the past year, and the fact that you still enjoy it so much is amazing!
I had a blast running with you both today! Thank you so much for getting up so early and meeting up! I wish I lived closer
but know I’ll be back soon.
Great job on the run ladies- fabulous times!!! Next time you guys run together, I want to join!!! I live about 30 minutes outside of Boston!
Glad you got your carbs craving!
And I love how running provides such growth outside of physical progress.
I just found your blog from clicking through lots of blogrolls. I have to say that your time is awesome… speedy!
Whoa, awesome run! Good for YOU!
What an amazing run! I love running with friends like that for the same reason – you see things so much differently.
Nice job, girl! And that IS speedy – especially for a 14 mile run! Nice:)
I cannot believe you ran that far. I have been slacking so bad on my running, it has been almost 2 weeks! I think you just inspired me to get a move on it this evening though!
And can I please come over for breakfast? lol
Congrats on your recent achievements and keep up the amazing work!!!
YAY! sounds like a fabulous LR. i agree — when you find the right group long runs become so magical!
The added passion that you feel for running since meeting those awesome ladies is really inspiring. I agree that having someone to run with makes a huge difference and makes it more then just a run.
Great times in that run by the way!
That’s so awesome! I’ve never been one to do runs with other people, I’m always nervous I won’t be able to keep up. Keep up the great work, girlie!
Sounds like you have a fantastic attitude toward training. One of the reasons I love running so much is for the experience…sights, sounds, smells….it is what makes it all worth it. Glad you were able to hook up with a group and have another killer run.
Congrats on your run babe! And it was awesome that you got to reunite with an HLS buddy so soon after. Me <— jealous!