when a math teacher can’t count…
So, this entire time, I’ve been under the impression that I have 4 20-milers on my schedule. That is a HUGE jump for me up from just 2 for my last two cycles. Well, I’ve been wrong. Upon further investigation I discovered that I don’t have 4, but rather 5! Eeep. Good one Dawn. Way to be ontop of that whole counting thing… But I guess now would be the best time for me to find that out…since I just finished my 3rd one yesterday. Its good to know that I’m half way done with my 20′s.
That’s right, 3 20-milers DONE!
This one was probably the easiest. Mainly because of my s.l.o.w. pace. I’ve been trying to slow down my long runs because they’ve been wearing me out so much lately. Its so hard for me to keep my pace controlled when its just me and the open road, so I found a buddy to run with me. She’s currently training for marathon #2. Her schedule is all over the place so she doesn’t run all that often. She had a 9-miler that she needed to do and I figured it would be just the thing to keep my legs in check.
It was chilly, but not super cold when we set out at 10am. The nine miles pasted fairly easily. She wanted to walk up all the hills and take it fairly easy. We ended up with an average pace around 12:00 including all the walking. We chatted about life and relationships and running and marathons. You know, the usual 
.
Then after a quick pit stop at my house I was back out to do the 11 mile loop solo. It was uneventful. I think running the first half so slowly helped me to keep the pace in check. I did the second part with an average of 9:00 per mile.
That brings me to this:
- 7 weeks til Boston!
- 4 weeks til the taper begins
- 2 more 20-milers
- 3 weeks of taper
Seriously. When I think about the time as “weeks til taper” I start to get super excited!!!! I mean, right now I feel like things are going really well. I feel like I’ve rediscovered my love of running in the past few weeks, especially since I have geared down on my speed goals. I’ve just been running with joy and spending time with friends. It’s been awesome. And the sun has been returning to us here in the gloomy north. I can feel spring creeping in slowly and I cannot wait!
That’s okay! I find that those who are immersed in math are the same ones who suddenly lose their ability to do simple calculations. It gets tiring, ya know?
That’s a lot of 20-s. I think two is enough for me these days, but then again, I am not going to Boston, heh.
oops ! Slight miscalculation…haha! In YOUR favor, though =D .
You are going to be very prepared for Boston. I sure hope we can meet there!?
It’s getting close to downhill now…
OMG!!! I can’t believe it is only 4 weeks until taper time!! AHHH!! Great job on the 20 miler, too
You definitely got this…the rest of the training should be a breeze!! 
I need to find someone else to do runs with occasionally to keep things interesting!
I have noticed the daylight hours getting longer, which makes me excited for spring.
Holy crap 4 weeks til taper! Boston will be here before you know it! I’m so excited for you!
I used a plan with 5 20 milers on it to BQ but i always did 3 20s and a 22 miler and it turned out just fine both times so don’t sweat that fifth one.
BTW my zensah giveaway is not over–you have til 3/5 to enter. : )
your going to nail boston….
i cant help but wonder, whats next after that??
Ooops! Well at least you’re feeling good about having an extra 20-miler. Five is definitely a lot, but you are going to be so prepared for Boston! I’m really interested to see if you think that doing that many 20s makes the marathon easier. The most I’ve ever done is 3, and though I definitely feel like 3 leaves me better prepared than just 2, sometimes I wonder if I could benefit from doing more.
Congrats on getting this far in your training! It’s getting close
Wow!! 5 20 miler’s?! 3 done… you rock!!
Great job on the 20 miler!! That stinks that you thought you only had 4, but I’m sure you can do 2 more. You’re strong!! You are running so well! Keep it up!
Congrats on another 20! The countdown is definitely on now.
FIVE 20 milers? you are a certified badass.
You are hilarious!! 5 20 milers…..dang, woman!!! I agree about slowing down the long run….long runs are just for time on your feet, they aren’t meant to be speed workouts. 7 weeks…….that just freaked me out big time. UH-OH!!!
Ahhh ok now you are making ME nervous! I actually only run 4 of the 5-20 milers. I swap one out for a tune up race…
go dawn go!!! 5 20′s. holy crap-a-zolie! “it’s all downhill….” right?
Three 20′s already! Awesome feeling and great confidence to be gained from that!! Nice work! I can’t believe it’s only 7 weeks until Boston. Goes much faster when you’re not training for it I guess!! I’m glad you’re enjoying your training so much at this point and the stress factor isn’t getting the best of you! Keep up the great work!
OMGGGG i can’t believe it’s already only 7 weeks away! SO EXCITING. I still have an 18 and 20 miler to get done! Yayyyy! You’re totally gonna kill Boston, b-t-dubs. I’m so excited
I’m sure you could’ve figured your instantaneous velocity while on your long run, but its the minor details that escape you. What’s your peak weekly mileage going to be like?
I’m really interested in the schedule you’re following, would you be willing to share? I did my first 20 this past Saturday (March 5) it was BRUTAL. We tackled hill after hill after hill in preparation for Boston. I have TWO 22 milers scheduled, one on March 20th and the 2nd on March 27th and I expect that the 2nd will also be hilly, especially at the end. A lot of experienced Boston runners suggested emulating the course as much as possible; i.e., hills after you’re fatigued. We’ll see how it goes; my fingers are crossed. I had originally wanted to kick butt at Boston, but I’m reserving the possible “experience” as an option; i.e. fun, nice and easy.