Saturday June 23rd - 13 mile run day

Two weeks ago, I successfully ran 8 miles. Then I ran twice during the week, but missed our on the long run on last weekend. This past week I did get in 5 miles on Tuesday and 3 miles on Thursday. So with the 13 miles today, I felt that I was close to being prepared.

This morning we had a pretty large group. I would estimate about 13 or 14, possibly more. For me, that makes running more fun. Although I primarily like to run with my ipod and zone out, having friends around and going through the same journey make it just a tad easier (for me at least).

We began the group and split up into 2 groups. A 9:30 pace and a 10:15 pace. I fall into the 10:15 pace. Immediately when we took off though, I felt like I was struggling to keep up. I made sure I did, but I felt like my effor level was more than it should be. Kevin and I were the back and running along. He has been having some knee problems that won't seem to go away. It was even last year at the LA Marathon that he had to pull out due to it hurting. I believe I mentioned that in my marathon blog. Anyway, at mile 3, Kevin felt it was a good place for him to turn around so that he could finish at 6 miles. As he took off, this meant I had to pick up the pace a little bit more so that I was with everyone else. We then kept on going, approaching the bridge to go over to the Queen Mary. Boy did that hurt. On the way back I found out that we were averaging under 10 minute miles. HELLLLLLLLLLLLLLLO!?!?!?! OK this is why I felt that I was struggling a little bit to keep up. I was expecting 10:15 miles. OK no biggie, but at least now I know why I felt like I was applying more effort. I chose to keep with them, but not push it anymore. But then as we began to climb that bridge to head back on over, everyone began to take off from me. OK go ahead I thought. I need to focus on finishing these 13 miles.

After I got over the bridge, the group was about 10 seconds ahead of me. That was fine. They were within eye contact. I just kept on focusing and keeping my pace. About this time, I began to feel fatigued. Luckily Kurt had provided me a gu that I had taken just after I went over the bridge the first time. About 15 mins later, I finally felt it kicking in instead of that continual fatigue I was having. I kept on running, as my ipod played on. I was happy that my music was going strong with no boring music. With 3 miles to go, I was still going strong. I was going to be right around 2:12 I believed, which is about 10:15 pace. Last year I ran the 1/2 marathon in 2:11 and this year in 2:05. So to be around 2:12 is far better than I had planned. The last two miles were survival. Thank goodness for the weather though. It was overcast and never once was I feeling wiped out. But then it happened. I hit a song in my ipod that just didn't belong. This means though that I have 2 hours of non stop marathon music. Plus the two songs after the bad song (I don't want to say bad, more non-marathonic music), were great. I want to make sure come marathon day (October 14th), that I have minimum 5 hours of great music to keep me going.

I finished the 13 miles at 2:12:05. I'll take it. 13 miles down!

90 minutes later, I was back at Kurts for DAY 3 of P90X. Today we did Shoulder & Arms and another set of Ab Ripper. Here is what was said about Shoulder and Arms: This workout incorporates a potent combination of pressing, curling, and fly movements that will do wonders for the development of the deltoid muscles and the biceps and tricepts. We did chair dips, shoulder presses, curls, and others. Another great and hard workout. I can still feel my body aching in a good way. Followed up that 60 min workout with 16 mins of Abs.

What a workout day, and done by 12:30pm.