Yesterday I had my last really long run on my schedule – the 2nd 20 miler of this training cycle. This was the first training cycle I actually ran the 20 mile distance twice.
For Saturday they said humid and hot weather in the AM and storms in the afternoon, so I postponed my run to Sunday and took a nap instead.
My kind of marathon training
The weather could not have been better on Sunday morning! When I started it was sunny and 61F and when I finished it was 72F. LOVELY!!
On top of the perfect weather I ran on the most perfect trail – the Mount Vernon Trail in Alexandria, VA. It’s an hour from my house, but so worth it! Last time I ran this trail exactly 1 year ago, also the 20 miler before the Wineglass Marathon. I was excited to see if I would do better than last year. Plus it would help me to define my race goal. Last year I ran the 20 miler at the exact same pace (10:07 min/mile) as I ran the marathon 3 weeks later.
The first few miles I felt a little off and actually my right shoulder was a little tight. But the view was breathtaking and I just got lost in my run and had a blast! I listened to my favorite radio show and just kept running. First along the water, then I passed the airport and almost touched an airplane. Shortly after I saw the Capitol and the Washington Monument and everything was just beautiful! I could write hours about how perfect everything was!
Around mile 8 the hills started and I was more than ready to turn around. My pace didn’t slow down too much even though it was hillier. I was happy how good I felt at the turn around point, plus all miles haven been sub 10 min/miles so far. Nice!
On the way back I felt even better and started to pick up the pace a little. Mile 16 was actually my fastest one with a 9:02! Wow!! Who am I? 
The last 2 miles were a little tough, I could feel my legs but other than that I felt great! I was soo happy and excited, especially when I saw my finish time. I finished in 3:14 (9:43 avg pace), my fastest 20 miler ever! 2 weeks ago I ran the same distance in 3:25 (over 10 minutes slower).
Today taper starts and I hope I don’t go crazy over the next 3 weeks. Right now I’m on cloud 7 and can’t wait for the marathon. I really think this will be a good one!!
That’s so awesome! I’m glad it went so well. Yay for the taper!
I have my 20 miler this weekend. Hopefully it goes as well.
Great job!! Your body seems to hold up well. I’m not sure mine is ready for two 20 milers. Nice work! Now for the fun taper. Taper is hard for me because it throws me off my regular groove. But you’re so close!!
That is an excellent 20 miler time!! Sounds like you’re going to rock that marathon! I can’t wait to hear about it. Enjoy the taper!
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Excellent job! Sounds perfect!!!!
I am so happy for you! Enjoy the taper now.
Wow! What a great time! So proud of you… your peaking at the perfect time, your going to crush this marathon. I miss running back East and really wished we had been able to do a long run together. Come visit SoCal!
It’s great when the last long run goes well like yours did! That’s a nice improvement and what a great place to run!
Congratulations on a great run…sounds like you’re ready for the upcoming marathon and I’m sure you’ll do well.
That’s Chad’s kind of training too
Good call waiting until Sun. Such a beautiful day!
The taper is the hardest part of training but I’m slowly learning to embrace it and remember how good it is for me.
You’re going to be amazing in this race. I can just feel it!
Congratulations on your fabulous run – what a great run going into your next race!
[...] I ran the best 20 miler ever. You can read all about it HERE! [...]
you are going to have a great race! so excited for you!
[...] Best run: My last 20 miler – perfect run with a perfect pace (9:42)! You can read more HERE. [...]