Sunday’s long run was tough. It was hotter than I expected, and I probably should’ve gotten started a little earlier. We ended up with a high of about 76°, which doesn’t sound terrible, but late in a long run it adds up fast. My target was 22 miles, my Garmin reported 22.66, there were a couple short segments where I forgot to re-start the tracking. This was my final long training run before my marathon attempt, and it showed me exactly where I’m at right now.
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The run was tough, but still got done. About halfway through the run, I took a break from running with the hope that once I got to lunch, things would feel better. After lunch, I spent some time talking with my son which was a great pick me up, but I struggled to get running again. I didn’t feel sharp pain, but everything felt on the edge — like I was one wrong step away from cramping. I didn’t push as hard as I probably could have, but I kept going. I took an extra break. I walked when I needed to. And yes, it was very tempting to call for a ride. I am happy to say that I didn’t, I finished the distance I set out to do. That’s why I still count this terrible, horrible, no good, very bad run a win. A lot of Marathon advice recommends running over 20 miles to demonstrate you can reach that distance, this was closer to 23.
This gave me the confirmation that I am ready to attempt Across the Years Marathon on New Year’s Eve. Unfortunately, I missed the online registration cutoff, but on site is allowed. I will head up there Sunday morning and make sure I can get registered. If I’m unable to register for December 31st, I will register for January 3rd. The reason I’m most interested in Across the Years is the long cutoff. They have a 24 hour cutoff, which I don’t expect to need for a marathon, but I know I’m not fit enough for the 6 or 6 1/2 hour cutoffs that are common with most runs. I’d also like to get to know Aravaipa Running (hosting organization) better as they offer a lot of events, mostly trail runs, some ultra’s, including the Crown King Scramble.
After Sunday’s run, I intend to be more proactive. I will take Gu Energy Electrolyte Capsules at the start and every 2 miles, whether I need them or not, since more is on the line. I expect to have regular access to my vehicle every 1.42 miles, where I’ll be prepared with snacks, refreshments and a camping chair. I will also make sure to have 2 bigger breaks planned in rather than 1, stopping after 10 miles and 20 miles for some refreshments. The course is supposed to have great options for refreshments including a water bottle fill station. I will be prepared with everything just in case, but ideally I can run without my hydration pack.
While I don’t expect this event to be easy, I see some other advantages at this venue. Being able to stop at my truck regularly means I don’t have to carry everything and it’s easier to keep things cold. It also means I can sit in the truck with air conditioning if I need it. I believe this event will also have real bathrooms. This will still be a tough event, I expect it to take me about 9 hours of moving time, probably closer to 11 hours including breaks.
I feel great about the effort I put forth in D.C. last October and still feel I earned it, but the next check mark on my plan is a full marathon within the bounds set by the event, this seems like a great place for it to happen. Once I make this happen another check mark will be finishing a marathon within a more traditional cutoff time, though I know I need to be much faster to make that happen. I’m making some small adjustments to my training plan for the coming week to prepare. Sunday will be a deloaded (~60% duration) bike ride and I will be cautious with my strength training as to not upset anything. I’ll pivot my activities a bit around this event and the holiday. Swimming on New Year’s Day would be good, but I’m not sure what the gym will look like, maybe I can do a bit at the apartment.
I am looking forward to this event, I think it’s a great chance to prove myself. It may not go great, but I know it’s within reach for me to cross off that next item on my list.