I HATE THE TREADMILL.
On Wednesday I ran 20 miles on a treadmill. There was no other way. Hail, strong winds, rain, lightning, and lack of time forced me to face my nemesis. Before that day, the most I had run on a treadmill was 7 miles, and that was over a year ago.
I felt really good.... for 8 miles. Maybe less? Shoot. It really doesn't matter how I felt- 20 miles- DONE. I made that treadmill my B.
I wore my Garmin to make sure I could accurately track time- which is good because the treadmill shut off after 99:59... luckily it didn't restart the mileage. I kept my watch going no matter what-
...through 3 bathroom breaks.
...removing shoes to apply Boudelair's Butt Paste in between my toes.
...water and GU stops.
Even with all of those breaks, I ran the 20 miles in 2:55:09- an 8:45 pace. I kept the TM between a 7.1 and a 9.0 for the duration of the run. My last 3 miles were my fastest.I'm not going to lie. This was SO HARD. I don't ever want to run on a treadmill again. BUT, I feel so much stronger mentally. This felt harder mentally than my marathon was- after all, this was just a training run. No medal. No finish line. No tear-filled hugs from the family.
Everyone comes across those really tough runs at some point in their training cycle. The important part is that you push through them and check them off the list. I feel like it's these runs that provide the most growth. The only thing that got me through this was determination.
And to quote Dolvett- Hard work. Dedication. Dedication. Hard work.
I still have one more 20 mile run before my marathon in 5 weeks, but I feel ready because NOTHING could be worse than 20 miles on a treadmill. Nothing.
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| I could smile because it was over! |
BEST. CHEERLEADERS. EVER.
Katie and Breona got me through the toughest miles (14-20) and witnessed me at my weakest running moments. I would most assuredly be dead on that treadmill if they didn't show up.
12 comments:
Ew, I can't even imagine. Some days I wish I did have a treadmill though. Way to go Amy! I am very much anticipating the day when I get up to 20 miles!
Wow. You inspire me!!!
you are an animal!!! and look at that -- nearly 1000 calories burned!!! you should be so proud:)
PS: LOVE THE PICS!
you are insane. lol I love that your friends cheered you on ;)
so awesome lady and nice pace even including all of those stops:) 26.2 here you come! (btw i am still loving these nike shirts you wear and have not been able to find them)
Haha wowzers!!! I have had runs like that! I actually trained for my first and only marathon on the treadmill. It was psychotic, I know...but I got it done!! I had very few runs outside because most of the training was through the crazy winter months and I hate running in the snow!! It was my only option. You're lucky you had some awesome cheerleaders there! You are going to rock this marathon, Amylee!
I hope all your runs are in the beautiful sunshine from here on :)
Friends are the best!
You are way tougher than I am! I would have just bailed on the run! Way to go woman!
I don't even have a good comment. 20 miles on the treadmill is insane. I am definitely not as strong as you clearly are!
You're my hero!
Great 20 miler! I did my longest marathon training run last year on the TM - 21.5 miles. Something in my brain must be off because I really don't mind the Tm at all!
Oh, man, you're such a badass. Go you. Seriously. That is awesome.
I can't believe I am JUST NOW reading this. I get behind on these inspirational posts of yours. AND DUDE-those friends are the most RADICAL friends ever. haha. I love that I was there to see you Kill that thing. Congrats. !
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