I did it!

I did it!
Miles: 20
Time: 3:08
Pace: 9:30

After my 20 minute of pre-run prep I was out the door and felt great.
Miles 1 to 5
I was busy trying to NOT think about how many more miles I had ahead but to instead enjoy the scenery and find my pace. I decided not to look at my Garmin at all until I made it through the first series of hills. That worked well and helped move things along.

Mile 6-9
Feeling good, love this new route. I actually saw other runners. I got into some weird passing thing with one girl on the trail, which by the way was bugging me as she was running on the left side of the trail??? I was staying at my pace and ending up catching up to her and running along side her for a bit. I passed her and then she passed me. UGH....I had to fight every urge not to chase her down as I know I could. Instead I stayed focused as I knew I had many miles ahead of me. I caught her and she appeared to be done and walking. So I just gave her a nod and ran on. I think she woke up on the wrong side of the bed.

Miles 10-15
Hit the potty and took my GU on the run. That went ok but I think my form goes down the drain while I try to Gu and drink my water? I was happy to be on my way back home. I was starting to get really HOT as I had left the house in a jacket but things were starting to warm up.

Miles 15-18
I called my hubby and asked him to come root me on and take my coat. He showed up with my three lovely children. As they cheered and waved I felt exhausted and wanted to just hop in the car with them. The wind started to pick up as well so I was mentally trying to ingore it. Some of new songs kicked in, so that was just the distraction I needed.

Miles 18-20
Tough! My hamstrings were throbbing and I was having some pain around my ankle and shin. My stomach was feeling ick and I knew I needed to find my bathroom ASAP. So I finsihed and gave myself a little woo hoo for all the deer and birds to hear as I saw that 20! It is tough in bloggy land when you see all these amazing women talk so lightly about..15, 18, 22+ miles. Let me assure you, typing 20and running 20 are two different things. You may never run more than 3 and that is OK, or you may only run 26.2 one time and that is OK. This marathon training has made me realize that every run is BIG and significant if I choose to embrace it and learn from it! So wherever you are....you are doing great!

I got home rolled, ice bath, and bathroom and then was out the door to church. I know I needed more time in the tub, bathroom and stretching but I had run out of time. I really did THANK God that my legs carried me and that I had a safe run! My stomach was upset for the next several hours...not sure if it is the GU or miles?

I am gearing up to do it all over again this Saturday...as I have to modify for the long weekend. I know I can "do it"! I just can't wait to say I "did it"!

Check out my theme song from the weekend below. Good times!
Thanks for the words of encouragement. I am still on the fence about new shoes and would love your thoughts.