Three 20 Mile Weekends in a Row

Peak training is here and right now I feel SOLID!!! The last three weekends have all be 20 milers, but with extremely different conditions and times giving me a big shot of needed confidence after the downward spiral of August.The three 20 mile weeks in a row wasn’t exactly what I had planned, I had hoped to hit 23 this weekend, but as you’ll see below I feel like what happened instead was probably even better for helping me to run on tired legs. These runs also gave me some awesome hill training, which I desperately was seeking to ensure I kick butt on the NYC bridges.

Boulder – 20 miles of rolling hills, in the cool rainy weather, at altitude at a 10 min pace. Big hike the day before left me with sore legs, but luckily I had not altitude issues and enjoyed every moment.
Treadmill – 20 miles with 15 at GMP, added in hills, total rest the day before. I felt solid for all of my goal pace miles and was able to go do 9 miles at near my half marathon pace 48 hours later with David.Hawaii – 20 miles with at least 17 at GMP + 10-20 sec, gnarly hills and warmer weather. The day before included 5 miles at HMP and a 1 mile swim. My knees definitely started to scream at the end of this and I feel a little more tired than after the other two, but that could also be the 6 hour time change and lack of sleep!

In fact it almost seems surreal to me that I can post about 3 entirely different runs within the span of just a few weeks. I never imagined that my choices would provide me with opportunities to run in so many amazing places.

I believe the reason these runs have gone well is largely because they got me out of my Florida rut. I was becoming frustrated with the heat and humidity, but when running in new places I tend to be so overwhelmed with excitement at seeing new places that I get lost in the miles. When people ask me about how to squeeze in workouts while traveling, I admit it’s hard for me to answer because I can’t WAIT to run when I travel.

I don’t know what marathon day will bring, but right now I feel like my body is cooperating more than it has for the last three years of training. I hope that it continues for the next few weeks and on race day I’m able to smile with gratitude the whole way just have I have been doing lately.

You think I’m kidding, but in Boulder and Hawaii I just kept throwing my arms up and going “I can’t believe I’m running here!!!” Stunning in totally different ways and from complete solitude to being surrounded by phenomenal athletes.

What run helps you feel really ready for race day?
How many 20 + milers do you include in your marathon training?

IRONMAN NEWS
For those of you looking for Ironman updates today due to my trip to Kona with Timex, I will be posting all day long on social media. A full post may take a day or two as I truly wrap my mind around the experience of seeing it all unfold:
Instagram: https://instagram.com/runtothefinish
Twitter: https://twitter.com/runtothefinish
Facebook: https://facebook.com/runtothefinish

TIMEX
You can also follow Timex for posts throughout the day and because I’ll be seeing them in NYC as well!! Bill Rancic is running to raise money for Fab-U-Wish and will be starting at the back of the pack, donating $1 for every person that he passes.
Twitter – twitter.com/TimexSports
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/TimexSports
Instagram – https://instagram.com/timexsports ———————————————
Gratitude Journal
Oct 12
Where do I even begin really…this whole weekend thus far has felt like a dream. I am really beyond grateful for the kindness of the Timex team.