2.07 miles
The 20 mile long run is here!! I am excited and nervous, but I think mostly nervous which means I’m already simulating race day conditions.
As most of my long runs have gone, I have no idea how this one will go. The wheels could fall off early where I’m on the struggle bus the entire time or I could feel energetic throughout the run without any issues. Ok, I don’t think I’ve ever had that second scenario happen.
My biggest concern is whether or not my left hip will give me any issues tomorrow or going forward. Today I had a couple of easy miles with no problem and I’m hoping that hip ache was just a fluke, or at least a tiny nudge to make sure I get my strength and mobility exercises in, and guess what? It worked.
Some of the pressure of this 20 miler stems from thinking you have to get everything right this last big run. Ideally, everything should be close to dialed in but that’s not always the case. I’ve had great long runs with everything flowing like clockwork and horrid races, and disastrous long runs with fairly decent and enjoyable races. Case in point, my 20 mile long run for the 2010 Rock n’ Roll Denver Marathon that had me bonking out early and sitting at a bus stop wishing I hadn’t forgotten money. Otherwise, I would’ve hopped on the bus to take me home. And I am not kidding. I would’ve taken the bus. Instead, I slowly walked the last 8 miles home for the 16 miles I managed to get through. But I got through that marathon just fine.
Tomorrow morning I will set out with every intention of completing the 20, but if there is one thing I am sure of I will not run through any unbearable pain (if it arises) for the sake of completing these miles.
Mentally I feel ready for this run. Physically, I have the capability of finishing as best I can. I guess I’ll just have to see what’s in store for me tomorrow. And that is the exciting part.
Thank you for reading my daily post on my Chicago Marathon training.