Monday, March 29, 2010

First 20-Mile Training Run Was...a Bit Interesting.

Today I finally (i.e. delayed by a week) ran my first 20-mile training run. It was the first of three 20+ mile runs in this cycle. I decided to run an out-and-back on the Centennial Trail, starting in Snohomish, WA. I was dry for 11 miles, then the skies opened up, and every inch of my body was soaked thoroughly. It was a total monsoon, with wind and torrents of horizontal rain (I even got hailed on a couple of times). I was soaked to the bone, and my shoes had puddles IN them. I was colder and wetter than I've ever been. That actually "encouraged" my pace on the way back. I went out slowly (8:57 avg), then back a little quicker (8:02 avg). I felt comfortable, pace-wise, the whole time. Could have gone faster than 8's on the way back, and could have run further (although not in the present conditions), so it was a good confidence builder. My average HR was low, too (133 bpm), which is what I was shooting for. I'm a huge believer in ice baths, but since I was nearly hypothermic after this run (it took both hands to start my truck, and I was shaking badly on the drive home), I chose a hot shower instead. Still iced the knees and I might take an ice bath later this evening.

So, weather and borderline pneumonia aside, it was a great run! Oh - and it put me over 500 running miles (517) for the year - by far the earliest I've hit that mark.

6 comments:

  1. NICE! Hitting that first 20 miler of the cycle is always a good feeling. Especially in spite of the conditions.

    Nice work on the HR!

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  2. Thanks! It was a great feeling, even with the nasty weather.

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  3. Colin, Awesome run man. Glad to hear you did so well in such trying circumstances!

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  4. Well done, it's a great milestone. Congrats on the 500 miles!

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  5. Colin is a rock star!! Nice work on that twenty miler:) It is a huge accomplishment!

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  6. Nice job Colin. After looking at your pace, and the description of your stamina, it is hard to believe this was your first 20 miler. You are ROCKIN'! And, AND, your HR is really super for that kind of pace. Keep it up.

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