Running: Saturday, September 19

Yesterday was the big run, the longest of my training plan - 12 miles. It was actually pretty uneventful, which surprised me. I think I did a good job of prepping myself during the week, both mentally and physically, and it paid off during the run. I'm still having a problem with miles 3 and 4, but less so yesterday. I think it was easier because I knew I had to run so much further than that, so I didn't have to be looking down at my watch all the time during that part of the run and could just power through it.

I decided for the long run I needed to plan a route that involved multiple stages so I could keep myself entertained. I ran from my building through Brighton center, down to Commonwealth Ave, then over Storrow at St. Mary's Street to the Charles River and all the way down to the Museum of Science. That's six miles exactly, so then I just turned around and headed home! I felt really good when I got to the halfway point, and I was on pace to keep up a 10:00 mile. Then at mile 7 I got the worst cramp I have ever gotten. I had to stop and walk for about 5 minutes as I walked through it. I was able to pick up the pace again pretty easily once it subsided so that was good. At about mile 9 I decided I needed to take my gel. I have not mastered the art of running while doing this so I had to take another quick break. The gel definitely gave me a boost! The only problem I had at the end was that I was tightening up so much I could feel my stride getting shorter and it felt awkward. I finished in 2:09:18, which I am pretty excited about!

The big question is, did I have another mile in me? The race is 13.1, so being able to push through and get that final mile in is critical. I think I could have done it, and I KNOW I will be able to do it on race day. I'm a little sore and stiff today, but I actually feel great!

I know I've skipped some workouts and not taken the best care of myself during my training, but I'm still proud of all the work I've put in and I'm really excited to finish the race. The next couple of weeks are a bunch of short runs then some rest before the big day!