22 miles!

This morning, I tackled my longest run before the Rock ‘N Roll USA Marathon – 22 miles.  I’ve already done a 21 mile and a 20 mile run so 22 should be a piece of cake, right? Haha, I don’t think so.

I was super excited about this run because it was with Team in Training.  Our team is part of their flex program which means the training is done on our own and we have a coach who checks in with us weekly.  TNT is hosting group runs throughout the state every weekend until race day.  It’s a different location every week so I was stoked that it was in my area this weekend.  The other locations are quite a hike for me.

I got to meet my coach in person finally and she is the sweetest person ever.  Her name is also Kristin so obviously us Kristen/Kristin folks are super awesome.  She even gave me a hug when I finished my 22 miles.  If you want to hug a stinky runner after 22 miles, you are a good person! I also got to meet some fellow teammates and TNT staff.  They are such wonderful people.  Running with TNT is a huge inspiration and it’s amazing to hear about the strides The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society has made thanks to TNT fundraising.

I ran past 3 lakes – Centennial Lake

I got the the park a wee bit early to knock out a few miles because I had such a long run to do.  I met up with the group after 3 miles and headed off with them for the next 19.  Most of the team members are running the Rock ‘N Roll half so I didn’t run with anyone today.  There was one guy who planned to run 20-22 miles, but he was wicked fast.  Our coaches met us at the water stops along the way to check to see how we were doing.

The running route is insanely hilly so there were some not so nice words that nearly escaped my mouth while I was running, but I managed to keep those thoughts to myself.

Lake Kittamaqundi

I felt pretty good until about mile 17.  It’s funny that fellow Fitfluential Ambassador Pavement Runner gave me permission to dislike that mile.  Mile 17 is where I started to feel like everything hurt.  I couldn’t stop even if I wanted to.  I was too far away from my car! I kept on trucking and I started to lose my grip on reality around mile 18.  Ya know during a long run or marathon when you become slightly delusional? I started singing along out loud with Adele’s “Rumour has it” and I didn’t give a crap if anyone heard or saw me.

Wilde Lake

Mile 20 was pretty much all uphill.  It was brutal.  Did I mention we have 25-35mph winds today? Hills + windy = cranky runner.  I was a little past mile 20 when I got back to the park where we started.  I still had to tack on nearly 2 miles.  I swear that the last mile felt longer than the first 21.  I kept looking at my watch thinking I must have accidentally paused it.

Ignore the 7:46 pace – apparently long runs make my watch delusional too

Seeing my watch hit 22 miles was the biggest relief.  I did it! I met up with the group to chat for a few more minutes then headed out.  I made a quick stop to pick up a recovery beverage:

When you run really far, you get a new name. You can now call me Kristal.

I even managed to get a bloody injury out of my run.  I have this problem where sometimes I accidentally manage to kick my ankle with the side of my running shoe.  I must be seriously uncoordinated to manage this.  I kicked myself no less than 10 times and every time is made me wince in pain and perhaps let out a yelp or 2.  When I got back to my car, I noticed that I actually made myself bleed.  Awesomesauce.

It could be worse

You know you wanted to see it

When I got home and took off my sock, I told Zain I had a boo-boo.  He said “boo-boo?” and came and gave me a hug.  That’s my sweet boy.

So there you have it – 22 miles in the bag! I am SO ready for the taper.  I even managed to hit the exact average pace my training plan called for today – 9:46.

Holla!

Did or are you running or racing this weekend?