30 Days and Counting - 18 Miles

As of today, it is 30 days until the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon. I celebrated that fact with an 18 mile run this morning. I was nervous last night before I went to bed. Poor Mark saw a bit of an anxiety attack. I was worried after the 16 mile run, so I went into panic over this run. Turns out all was fine.

It was 40ish and breezy as I head along Chicago's lakefront path. Not too many people out. I suppose they are all tapering for the Chicago Marathon this weekend. I started .2 miles north of the 0 Mile sign on the path. Mile 9 is at Buckingham Fountain. That would be my turnaround point.

Mark gave me a kiss, and off I went. The first few miles were nice. As I said not too many folks out, so I felt like I had the path mostly to myself. Highlights: the gaggle of geese near mile marker 3.5, who had no fear of runners. One goose waddled along side me for a short distance. I did speak with him. I figured, if he wants to be my running buddy, might as well chat with him. Another highlight was the sheer beauty of the skyline. Chicago is blessed to have such a nice skyline. I also appreciated the calmness of the water. Nothing like running and a wave crashes, and you get wet.

Mark met me at mile 5.5 with Nuun and more Gu. Today I used Vanilla Bean Gu. I really liked it.

The approach to the Mile 9 marker is tree lined Lake Shore Drive. This part of the drive always reminds me of Paris - tree lined boulevards. I was feeling great at mile 9, so I turned around and headed back.

Around mile 12, I decided my body needed a break. The hips were a bit sore, so I went from the 8/1 interval to 6/1. This helped a great deal.

Again I encountered Mark. I have a Kashi protein bar, and some Nuun, and soon I was off again.

At mile 14 my body was beginning to get more sore. I was able to keep the 6/1 interval, but I knew I would have to maybe do a bit more walking. I was frustrated at this point, that the restrooms which had been open on the first part of the run were now locked. Never fear I eventually found an open restroom.

The last two miles my body was hurting. I think this was the wall. I called Mark and had him talk to me as I walked through the pain. He was very good, telling me he knows how strong I am, and I can do this. That helped, and I began to run. At this point though I was doing more of a 3/2 interval.

Mark met me before the final mile marker, and he encouraged me on to the finish. In the end I ran the 18 miles in 3:57:07. I have to say I was pretty pleased with that time. I am not sure if I can keep that pace for the marathon. My goal is to finish sub-6 hours. I will try though.

All in all I am very happy with the run, and so glad I could put the 16 mile run behind me.

Charlie