Last Thursday was the long run. I mean THE long run. The longest distance i would run before 26point2. It went as smoothly as I could have asked and it was a great prep for the Potomac River Run Marathon i’ve been talking about for so long.

I set out to run on the tow path, just along the river where the race will be held. I don’t normally run on trails or dirt, so i needed to see how my legs, ankles and feet would handle with the different terrain. I chose to run in my Saucony Shadow Genesis’s. They are lightweight but more stable than my others. I wanted my ankles to be supported and it ended up being a great choice.

I’ve been so focused on speed over the last two years that it was strange, but so refreshing to settle into a pace that was comfortable (8:20-8:40) and just RUN. Sure I had my Garmin and I knew there was pressure to finish this long run feeling good, but I felt happy and rejuvenated the entire run. I generally struggle with staying mentally positive when i’m running for so long but today I fell in love with the long run.

There was a moment early on at mile 4.5 where I already felt a runner’s high—and again at mile 8—and again around 15. It was like the best roller coaster of emotions ever. I always say this, but runner’s are CRAZY. I literally had this manic happiness just listening to the pitter patter of my shoes on the dirt. With the canal on one side of me and the river on the other there was a ton to appreciate and keep my mind busy, all while feeling proud and relieved my body was responding how i needed. There were moments I remembered where my running life started… in a residential neighborhood with a quarter mile loop. Then I thought of how lucky i am to be healthy. I pictured my life in the future, my wedding day, traveling to different countries and running in exotic locations. I broke down personal reasons I run and almost teared up (seriously don’t call me a baby, this stuff happens when your miles and miles into your own mind). Keeping thoughts positive and my mind active throughout the run is what made this particular run special.

Okay enough with the sugar drops and lollipops.

The run was almost perfect. This is why training runs are important— to figure out what you need to do or change for race day. I can tell you, I need to fuel better. I drank two 16oz bottles of water w/Nuun & 2 GU packets. Hydration was spot on. I never felt thirsty but I could tell that 18 miles was all I was going to get out of my body that day because of food. That dreaded “wall” everyone talks about wasn’t far from me and i know that consuming only 200 calories over 18 miles just doesn’t add up to a successful race.

This is where i need your help! What do you eat or take with you or leave in your car to eat for your long runs? I’m figuring i need to eat about every 45-50 minutes.  I don’t know if i can realistically eat 4-5 packets of goop, so give me some tips!! I have one final long run this week (14 miles) and i want to experiment with different fueling.

aaaaaand shoes.

I bought a pair of Saucony Mirages on clearance for $49! I’ve read reviews that they are like a mix of the Kinvara & Shadow Gensis..which are the other Saucony’s I own and love. I’m gonna try Honey Stingers for the first time, found a pretty purple sweater and my favorite deodorant.  Shopping was a success last weekend!

Peak Week Workouts!

Monday: 20 min TRX upper body, 10 abs

Tuesday: 6.5m running/walking, 15 min triceps, 10 abs

Wednesday: 7.5m 7:44/pace tempo 

Thursday: 18m 8:30/pace (pace ranged from 8:25-8:40)

Friday: 6m easy recovery 8:41/pace (with a few 30 second walk breaks)

Saturday: Rest

Sunday: 3 hrs of TRX Rip Training class, 6.3m tempo (7:28, 7:18, 7:10, 7:08 + cool down miles)

Total Miles: 44.3 <—personal record! 🙂 

Alright, help me out — how do you fuel during marathons?