17 and 16 Days and Counting - the 20 Miler

Folks this run was sooooo important to me. In my previous marathon trainings I have never been able to finish the 20 mile long run. I did not care how long it took me, I was going to finish this run.

My route was the Lakefront Path. The day was very nice, mild and clear at the start, mild and cloudy at the end.

After a good luck kiss from Mark, off I headed towards Soldier Field. The first 5.5 miles were uneventful. I really enjoyed looking at the fall colors in Lincoln Park. Fall is my favorite time of year, so I really like what I saw. I met Mark at the 5.5 mile marker, and felt good. I got my next bottle of NUUN, and off I went.

Normally I would follow the path, but I am not a fan of the path as it hugs the water. It is very slanted and difficult for me, considering my limited range of motion in my feet. So I veered off, and went along the more residential part of Lake Shore Drive. What struck me on this run was how few people were out. I had the route to myself for the most part. That is so different from the summer months.

I made my way to Soldier Field. I met Mark at the Field Museum, facing the stadium. I finished the the first 10 miles in 2:18. Not a bad time. I wanted to take it easy, and I felt good at this point. Mark had a peanut butter sandwich and more water for me. Soon I headed back.

I was going slower on the return trip, and my only thought was, "I need to finish." I met Mark back at the original 5.5 marker. I was feeling a bit stiff in the hips, but otherwise fine. I told him I would meet him at the finish.

Mile 17 was where I hit the wall. My ankles and feet were hurting. I need encouragement. I called my sister. As luck would have it, she had bad news for me. Our father had a bad blackout spell when he got up in the night, and fell. We talked some about what the future holds for dad. He is 92, and his health is not the best. I was walking during all of this. I had no problem with the prolonged walk break, though I knew it would kill my time. My sister told me she knew I could finish this run, and off I went.

My goal for this run was a 6/1 interval. I followed it for most of the run. Mile 17 as mentioned changed that. I did more 4/1 at that point. I called Mark who was at the finish, and asked him to come towards me, and walk/run with me to the finish. We met about .2 before the finish, and I was so happy to see him. I got emotional when we started heading to the finish.

What a relief to finish this run. As I said it was so important for me to finish this run. It tells me I can finish this marathon. Will I finish in under 6 hours? I don't know. I do know I will PR, and that will make me very proud and happy. My time for this run - 4:48:41.

Charlie