23 Mile FART, I think I can do this!

I did my long run Sunday.  Was suppose to be 22 miles, but when I stopped to hydrate and do a gel at the 21 mile mark I had decided to try to get in an extra mile.

My plan is to take liquid in at 3 mile intervals, so that is what I have been practicing. I have been carrying G2  with me or time it so I go by my car to refill. I have also been using gels. I plan on walking the water stations.

Mile 18 was tough and mile 19 was even tougher, shin splints and knees were hurting. Once I made it to mile 20 I started telling my self I can do this and the pain had eased up. I slowed down and drank 8 oz at mile 21 and started back. Didn't seem quite as bad as getting started out on mile 19. I kept telling my self I can do this. If I had more time I would have tried to  do the full 26. I had to hurry home and do an ice bath. Took a quick shower after that and had to take my grandson home. 70 miles one way. Well didn't quite make it. Car broke down about twenty minutes into trip. So with legs aching I am crawling under my car to see what was wrong. Determined what the problem was and without going into all of that, my wife came and took our grandson home and 2 1/2 hours later car is fixed. Go to start car and battery is weak and won't start the car because the flashers have been on the whole time.
Some people have all the luck!
Quick jump and was on my way home.
At one point I was getting up from under the car and I told a friend that had brought the tools I needed I would have had such a hard time if I was still 375. Even with doing the 23 miles it was easier than when I was 375.

When I started the day I was wondering if I could really do a full marathon. After today I'm thinking, "I can do this". In 3 weeks I will know for sure.


pan head

I'll be cheering for you.

We'll be pulling for ya'!  

What an awesome post.  Thanks for sharing all the details because it helps me get an idea of whether or not I want to try the marathon some time.  The half marathon was hard enough on my legs.  BUt, I have been dreaming of what you are doing and may have to try it next year.  Weigh to go!!!  THat ice bath thing also leaves me shivering.  Perhaps it is because I see snow falling outside my window right now.  I don't know if I could get myself to take an ice bath even if I did make it up to 20 miles.  I loved reading about your success.  Great job and thanks for inspiring me to keep going.

 I had surgery almost 2 weeks ago and started couch to 5k on sunday, your post is an inspiration!!!

"After today I'm thinking, "I can do this". In 3 weeks I will know for sure."

I'm sure already.

I jogged 5 minute stretches @ 6mph between walking 10 minute stretches @ 3.5 mph on the treadmill last week. Went for an hour. It actually didn't suck as bad as I thought it would. I'm still a long way from doing any serious running though.