The Last Long Run
Last long run finally done. I did not want to get out of bed this AM, sleeping in to 5:30, which meant I only had 2:30 to get my long run in before M went out for a Girls Day. The first four miles were terrible...and then I needed to find a portajohn. After my unscheduled pit stop, things were much better.
I ran to mile 17 of the Boston Course and then ran out/back on the hills of Newton. Lots of folks on the course even this early, and I saw a few charter buses taking the charity teams out to Hopkinton to run in on the course.
At the turn around point by BC I was at 7:20/mile pace...by the time I got home I was at 7:06 which meant the second half was run at about 6:52 pace. Not too shabby considering sub-freezing temps and the motivation of a tree stump.
Total was 20.2 miles at 7:06 pace. Time to give the girls a bath and find and arts and crafts store...we're gonna get creative today! 
Tell us about your last long run!!!
Patrick
Comments
I did 20 miles with some friends on a hilly course. It was cold here but the sun was out and that helped. I wasn't sure how I would feel after yesterday's tempo run. I felt suprisingly good! Kept telling myself to not race it and save some for Marathon Monday! Time to taper!
I didn't even try to wrap my head around the weather, today. I left the house at 16F and about 15 mph winds (same as what the rest of you NE folks are facing). The first 10 miles out were rolling with a ton of exposed miles. The NW winds were brutally cold, but my clothing selection was perfect - just right on the return leg. Hit the 10-mile mark at around 6:40 avg pace.
Reversed course and had a nice tailwind to push me 9 miles back into town. Around mile 19, I threw in my version of Heartbreak Hill (steeper AND longer, as I understand it). Over the top, I looped around for another 1.5 miles, finishing with 21.7 miles in 2:25:xx (roughly 6:42 avg pace). Felt good and reasonably comfortable throughout. Now the waiting game begins.
FTR - a lot of people will tell you that cycling has no specific benefit toward running strength. For those of us running Boston and training in the OS, you will experience the benefit. Those hours of Z4 and Z5 intervals on the bike will give you the added ability to lift those tired legs up the late hills without spiking. Your quads WILL get beat up on the downhills, but have faith in the strength you've built. It will pay you back, in spades.
@Jane way to go. Easy now right?
I did the Easter States 20 miler today. Pretty cool race starting in Kittery Me and ending in Salisbury Ma. Shirts say one race 3 states. I have been doing my long runs at 8:45-8:50ish pace. 5 weeks ago completed the Hampton Beach Half marathon at a 8:10 pace not feeling very good either. Today felt awesome , was only going to push it down to about 8:15's but I just let it happen and did the 20 in 2:36 around 7:50's and the last 2 were 7:30's. Even feel like I left some on the table (with exception of last 2). Heck my qualifier was 7:52's last Oct. So the knee is good, got the fitness back, and most importantly now the conifidence. Yes its taper time which is kinda funny cause I just got built up. My OS ended last week. I am interested in the amount of biking and intensity everyone will be doing over next 3 weeks? Please post your plans.
Tim,
@Jane, you are smart...and ready!!
@Tim, have always wanted to do that race...maybe next year. Great work!
On a more positive note: Steve, my 53 year old superman husband ran his 20 miles in 6:47 pace. INCREDIBLE. Chatting with his friend. WHAT???
He has rubbed my calf and foot on that side twice today. We have no idea what happened but for sure the legs NEED to rest.
CC
Carrie - I hope your legs are feeling better today and will continue to feel better for the rest of the weeks leading up to Boston.
Tim - glad to hear that your knee is feeling fantastic.
Jane - looks like you are holding up really well to
Justin/Coach P - you guys are sick fast. Yikes.
JB - what about you?
Steve W - hows it going?