Monday, March 5, 2012

Am I marathon training?

 I ran 18.25 miles yesterday in 2:41:02.  My new personal distance record. 
I am going how far?

 One of the best things about yesterday....the weather!  Look I am in a running skirt!  YAY!  and a short sleeve shirt!  That is a first for the year!  All kinds of firsts yesterday.

 I think all my pictures would have turned out better but I had to crop my shoes out of them since I am wear testing them.  I can't post pictures of them.  Too bad, they are pretty sweet!

The first couple miles were pretty easy and I was feeling really good.  My legs were fresh and I had some great new podcasts to listen to from Marathon Training Academy.  One was on Running Etiquette and was pretty fun to listen to.

I made sure to keep my pace in check those first couple miles so I didn't drain all my energy.  I refueled at miles 6 and 13 with a raspberry Hammer gel and a Mocha Clif shot.  Both very yummy.  I of course had my fuel/hydration belt on full of Nuun and a water bottle and a check point so I could get a refill halfway through.

The last couple miles were pretty painful and I was thinking..what am I doing?  Of course as soon as I was done I was already planning when my next long run was going to be. 

 You can't really tell, but this was me doing a celebratory dance move.

 I am thinking of doing the Missoula Marathon in July.  It is supposed to be a great one for first timers.  it is also 124 days away, which gives me plenty of time to get more comfortable doing these really long runs .  I was hoping to find one close by in May or June, but am having no such luck.  The great one about the Missoula one is that my in-laws live an hour away and my parents will actually be in Missoula that weekend for a skeet shoot.  So either way a babysitter should not be an issue! 

The course has a slight elevation gain, not too bad.


So I think all the hills I run for my long runs will really help me

They also have pacer groups, which I think I would have to take advantage of.  Just not sure which one I would join...I will have to see where my long runs are at closer to marathon time.

My long run times now suggest I could easily join the 3:50 group. 

I have to admit I am a little sore today.  I can't imagine how much worse it will be after a full marathon and at race pace..a little scary!



 Anyone else up for running in Missoula with me?

34 comments:

  1. My daughter just saw your pictures and said "That looks like the middle of nowhere!" Haha I wish I lived where you lived though :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. I had 3 layers yesterday, it was -12. I want to be where ever you are! So sick of winter. (And I love the skirt, is that lululemon?).

    ReplyDelete
  3. Great long run, if you are doing long runs that long, probably going to be doing a marathon sometime in the near future!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Yes! It's definitely time for a marathon! You're killing these long runs.

    ReplyDelete
  5. you and i are on the same page here- did my longest run (for me) this weekend... 17 miles. I'm not sure i'm ready for a marathon yet, but my mentality is getting better.

    Since I'm doing a 1/2 in every state, I thoroughly have to research states that don't offer too many races throughout the year (montana definitely is one of them, and I've heard NOTHING but GREAT things about the Missoula race.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Oh Christy, if you decide to do a marathon, I think you'd be able to shoot for 3:30. You are probably a little faster than I am and I can do something similar to that, you totally can!!! Your body would be totally kosher with it once you do more long runs.

    And they say that your long run paces should be 30 seconds to a minute slower than your actual race pace...which would put you at around an 8:00 race pace.

    But of course since it'll be your first marathon, you certainly shouldn't put too much pressure on yourself! I think I put a little too much pressure on myself with my very first one (RIchmond), whereas I think the first marathon should be more of a learning experience.

    So anyway, no pressure at all, just trying to give you an idea of what I think you'd be capable of!

    ReplyDelete
  7. Congrats on the nice long run! You are in great shape to launch some marathon training with that. Gotta go for it now!

    ReplyDelete
  8. Yay great long run!!!
    Go get that marathon. You'll do great.
    Love the skirt!

    ReplyDelete
  9. The weather was gorgeous in Spokane too! I ended up shedding my gloves and long sleeved shirt quick. Running outside in a tank top was nice!

    I think Missoula is a GREAT idea! I might be able to swing it and will let you know shortly. I would probably just do the HM.

    ReplyDelete
  10. Look at those quads chickie!!!!! Great job on your long run! You are so ready to do a marathon!! You're going to rock it!!

    ReplyDelete
  11. I have seen you commenting on blogs every where so I thought I would drop by and say HI!

    Great job on your training run! I think your dance moves pose does a great job showing off your awesome calves!!!

    ReplyDelete
  12. Love the muscular legs!

    I think Missoula is a great fit and especially with the family there to help keep the kids occupied. You are obviously leaning that way.

    So happy for the nice weather for you.

    ReplyDelete
  13. You should do Missoula for sure I think. It already sounds like it would be perfect for you!

    Great run Christy!

    ReplyDelete
  14. Um, you HAVE to do a marathon now! If you can run 18 miles, you will have NO problem with a marathon! Our weather was great yesterday, too. Too bad I did my long run on Saturday when it was freezing!
    I agree with the previous commenter who said not to put too much pressure on yourself, BUT I bet you'll be faster than 3:50!

    ReplyDelete
  15. Girl you are so ready to do a marathon. Great long run girl. I wish I could run that fast. I also wish the weather was warmer here to. I cant wait to wear shorts again on my runs. I'm so tired of putting all the clothes on an all the reflective gear and lights.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I got to wear shorts for the first time this weekend too and was incredibly excited!! :) (ps I wish my legs looked like yours - freaking muscle woman!!)

    If you did this run at that pace... you are already ready for a marathon!! DO IT - you will rock it!

    ReplyDelete
  17. DO IT! You could go out and run a marathon tomorrow girl :)

    ReplyDelete
  18. Awesome! You are BEYOND ready for a for full. I have been telling you this for how long now? ha!! And I think you are 100% capable of 3:30. So very excited for you to experience a marathon this yearh Christy.

    ReplyDelete
  19. That's a great long run!! If I could only be so fast :)

    My mom lives about 2 hours away from Missoula and I've always thought about going up there to run that race! Seems like it's such a good fit! Do you read Jim's blog at 50 after 40? He ran that race this year and did a big recap on it!

    ReplyDelete
  20. Oh, I'm so excited you are considering a marathon! I think you should go for it. Jim at 50after40 ran Missoula last year--here's his review--he's always super detailed so hopefully it will help! Good luck! I'll be following you every step of the way!
    http://50after40.blogspot.com/2011/07/missoula-marathon-review.html

    ReplyDelete
  21. Love the skirt!!
    You are going to rock whichever marathon you choose. I see a BQ in it too!!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Great job! You definitely need to go for it. Weather looks great!

    ReplyDelete
  23. That would be awesome! I am a wanna be 50 stater so if you have some extra cash for a plane ticket I will come do it in a heart beat : ) And you have to get permission from my husband to run #5 for the year : )

    However I may not be able to support you breaking 4 hours on your first marathon. I would be SUPER jealous : )

    ReplyDelete
  24. That would be awesome! I am a wanna be 50 stater so if you have some extra cash for a plane ticket I will come do it in a heart beat : ) And you have to get permission from my husband to run #5 for the year : )

    However I may not be able to support you breaking 4 hours on your first marathon. I would be SUPER jealous : )

    ReplyDelete
  25. ahhhhhh!!!!! so dang excited that you are thinking about doing a marathon!!!! you are an inspiration to me and are so strong...i am so pumped for you to race across a marathon finish line!!! way to rock 18! and for serious. your legs are INTENSE!!!!

    ReplyDelete
  26. And an adorable running skirt it is!! After that training run, I would say you are absolutely ready for a marathon! Go get 'em girl!

    ReplyDelete
  27. you would ROCK a full!! and i love your skirt!!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. You have some killer quads!
    I think you are ready for a full!

    ReplyDelete
  29. YAY!!!!!!! marathon time :) you are so ready and I agree with other posters - HOLY QUADS, CALF muscles!!! hello!

    ReplyDelete
  30. So is it official? It's sounding like it!!! I've been waiting for you to run one already! You are so ready for it!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Dang I love Missoula! I wish it didn't cost $600 to fly there. This summer is out, but I'm thinking next summer could be it. You are so ready for a full Christy, so ready it is ridiculous.

    ReplyDelete
  32. Dang woman! Those legs! You should be a fitness model.

    You are going to kill that marathon! Sub 3:50 is my guess!

    ReplyDelete

Because I love hearing from you all!