Two weeks ago I attempted my first 20 mile run and I failed. I completed the run, with several bouts of walking, but a failure just the same. What I learned from that failure set me up for this weeks 20 miles of success.
After fearing the upcoming 20 mile run for almost 2 weeks, I decided I had better get my mind right before I dug myself into a hole that would be damn hard to dig out of. I ordered another piece of equipment and armed myself with the knowledge I had gained from the first attempt. The mistakes I made were all ones that could have been avoided, and ones I had been warned about from others who have taken this journey before. Some lessons are best learned through experience.
On a “warm” and sunny morning I set out on my run. I planned a new route with different challenges to help keep me from getting into a rut. I had stashed water bottles on my route and wore the new fuel belt I had purchased. I slowed my pace down to be inside the window of my plan, instead of always trying to beat those times. I set my nutrition times closer together to keep up/stay ahead of it, as opposed to falling behind on my caloric needs.
The run was largely text book. Other than the crazy yellow eyed dog that chased me and forced me to walk for about 30 seconds, the run went according to plan.
What was different? I took out 2 huge variables, hydration and nutrition. The first time I ran 20 miles the average temperature was around 26 degrees, so having good weather was a huge boost for my confidence. I only had to battle some wind, and in the end I almost got down to my shorts, but I am glad I stuck with pants!!! I also ran with purpose. I knew that if I failed this run I would force myself to try it again next week and put off my taper. I am glad that is a road I did not have to take!
The knowledge or “distance confidence” I gained from a SUCCESSFUL 20 mile run sets me up nicely to attempt my 3:30 marathon in a few weeks. I am more in-tune with what my body is telling my when I get past that 15 mile mark. I understand why people “bonk” after mile 20.
I am glad I failed on my first try. I am glad that I did not listen to those who told me “hey it’s ok, I couldn’t run 20 miles” or “you gave it your best shot, you’ll do better next time”. That is a bunch of SHIT!!! I do not care that you can not run 20 miles, and, at the time, I did not believe that I could do better next time. I took a knock-out style punch when I had to walk that ¼-1/2 mile on the first try. For the first time on this journey did I realize that I could fail. Failure is not an option, it is a consequence. For me, it was the consequence for lack of preparation. I am proud of myself for looking deep inside and deciding that I would do what it took to make my second attempt a success.
So for those of you who want to rest on the comments of idle bystanders, good luck ever completing your goals. For those of you who are willing to dig deep within and learn from your mistakes, keep up the good fight!
As of this post, I have logged 394 miles training for this marathon. There is also the hours of spinning I have done on my bike trainor and the laps that I have swam in the pool. I have enjoyed most of them and learned a lot about who I am and who I want to be.
I would like to thank my friend and mentor CJ for his great advice and training tips during this journey. He is the one who told me to “suck it up and figure it out”. He knew the answer all along; he also knew I had to figure it out for myself if it was going to mean anything.
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The unfortunate part Ebe is that many think they want to hear the truth, they think they want to be told to suck it up but when push comes to shove they want to be told that 18 miles is "pretty close" to 20 miles and is "good enough". Fitness clubs are filled with those, the herd who feel "pretty close" is "good enough". Remind me to never allow them to play with hand grenades...
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