I can’t believe the 18-miler is done. On to the next! I have no doubt that 20 will be just as great as 18. I can see myself running it and I look strong. It’s not until May 1st, so I still have some time to get nervous. Zoe and I joked about just making the 18-miler a 20-miler on Sunday. I know we could’ve, but that would’ve been even dumber than my Caddyshack joke.
Here are my thoughts on some things now that the 18 is run and done:
The Run-Walk Method
- I did not do the run-walk method for the 16-miler, but Zoë and I did it for the 18-miler. We definitely had more energy at the end of the 18. So…I am 99% sure I will be using the run-walk method on race day, June 25.
- Jeff Galloway actually suggests a 4-1 ratio and we have been doing a 5-1 ratio.
- What are the pros of the run-walk method?
- Enough energy left toward the end of the mileage for a boost of speed. Hello, 8:55 pace on Mile 18.
- Less chance of injury. Huge plus for me!
- Calculating the “run 5 minutes, walk 1 minute” ratio while running keeps your mind busy and off of how far you have left to go.
- The long run is broken into little bite-sized pieces making it more manageable.
- What are the cons of the run-walk method?
- At first, you feel a little wimpy because you are walking, but that goes away. I’m sure I will feel self-conscious during the beginning of the race when I stop and walk five minutes into it, but I bet there will be others.
- If I wanted to shoot for a goal pace, it is a tad difficult to figure out what my pace should be while running. I combed through Jeff’s site last night, though, and found this tidbit: walking fast during the walking parts only takes 15 seconds off your pace; walking slow takes away only 20. So, I think that means if, just for example, I wanted to run a 10-minute per mile pace, I would have to run a 9:45 and then walk fast during the walking parts. Right? Mostly curious, but if I’m being perfectly honest with myself (and you), I admit that there is a goal time floating around in my head. I can’t help it!
Soreness
- I’ve never had sore hamstrings, and the fact that it came on during the first half of the run leads me to believe it was from pulling weeds and ripping out overgrown rosemary bushes, not running.
- I have soreness in my inner thighs. Not sure what that’s about, but whatever works to make ‘em smaller, right?
- My left shin is still sore. This is the scary one, people. This is the one that I fractured around this time last year. I wore my compression socks under my jeans at work today and my running shoes with the custom orthotics. I had exciting plans to go running with my Tall Running Buddy at lunch, but I had to drive home from work and back this morning because I forgot to leave the spare car seat with Mr. T for T Junior. So I had to make up the hour of work during lunch. I was bummed, buuuuut it was nice to see my boys, and also an extra rest day is probably a good idea.
Testing, Testing
- My playlist was about five minutes too short. I hadn’t factored in our halfway point stretch-and-eat session. Duh! I also didn’t factor in time for the slug photo shoot. Go figure.
- I ran in my Wigwam socks. They are thinner than the Thorlos that I have, but I still got blisters. Not terrible ones, though. During the run, I told Zoë that I wished I’d worn my Swift Socks from RunningSkirts. Definitely wearing my compression socks on the 20-miler.
- I’m hoping the weather warms up a little for the 20-miler so that I can get a taste of what race day will be like at the end of June. Just a little, though, Mother Nature. Don’t get too crazy on us. I’m thinking 60-65 might be nice. This would help with testing a running skirt on a long run, too.
- I need to rethink fuel and hydration. My belt only has two 16-ounce bottles. I ran out of NUUN around Mile 16ish. I think it will be fine during the race because there will be plenty of water stops, but I may need the 20-mile training route to pass by the car for refills or something. Also, I took a gel just about every 45 minutes and was still hungry. Is it okay to be a little hungry? Suggestions?
Weight
- I believe my weight loss has a ton to do with how much easier running is coming to me. I am at my lowest weight in a long time – like since high school. In fact, I had to have my wedding ring resized from a 7.5 to a 6. Who knew you lost so much weight in your fingers? Haha! Also…and this is a big one for me…I bought Size 6 jeans over the weekend. Considering I was a 16 when I started running in 2009, this is huge. I can’t even remember the last time I wore a 6. Ever. I think it might’ve been during high school cross country. But, honestly, I cannot remember.
27 comments
Couple of points for your points:- Keep to your walk breaks. I broke that rule in October (skipped the first couple because I was just so excited) and it kind of threw me off.- Make your playlist well over your goal time (that you shouldn't have, but do and don't we all…? Sshh, I did too). There's nothing worse than expecting to be done by “x” song and having it come and go. Not to mention you no longer have tunes… Colin made a joke (uh huh) that I should have put a Barenaked Ladies song on that had the line “and it'll be great, just wait – or is it too little too late” right after my goal time went by…- For the hunger: start practicing with other food if you think you'll need/want it race day. I take along raisins, dates and arrowroot cookies. Just something for my stomach to actually digest, not just turn to liquid. My routine is GU every hour (on the hour) and real food every 30 minutes after the first gel.- Congrats on the new jeans! You've come a long way in 2 years and should be proud (pretty sure you are)!
I'm really interested in hearing how the run-walk continues to go for you. I haven't done it much, but it's something I'm considering for the future.Woo-hoo on the smaller jeans! I'm glad to hear it makes a big difference for your running.
Truly appreciate all your comments and observations from your 18 miler. I feel like I'm learning so much already about marathon training, and I haven't even started yet!!I haven't worn my “real” wedding ring in almost a year! I'm waiting to reach my goal weight to get it resize. For now, I wear a bunch of knock-offs!
I do run/walk whenever the run goes past 10k. Don't know why but it seems to work for me.
congrats on your 18 miler!!1 wow! that is huge!you should be proud!I also went from size 16 to 6 in about 10 mos..now I need 4 I think.I still shop like I need 16 or XL, I bring the big sizes in with me in the dressing room…old habits I guess. Like you I need my ring to go smaller..I am loosing it now and I don't weat it because I am afraid to loose it for real.
WOW! 18 miler – that's amazing! And up for me next — hope I can do it as strongly as you :)I started at a 16 too — I'm now around an 8 so I can so relate to your journey.Congrats on a great run.I've been toying with the walk/run thing, I need to look into it.
Loved the slug photos! I'm anxious to hear more about your experience with the run/walk method too. I haven't tried it yet, but maybe I should. My worry is – as you mentioned – about it affecting pace. Maybe doing that math would distract me for a few miles?Yay for a smaller size & getting your ring resized – that has to feel great!
Your post was very informative for me today. I have been wondering how the run walk method works. Thanks for the information. I have to experiment with other things to take with me on my runs because GU spikes then drops my blood sugars quickly which isn't good as a diabetic. Congrats on the new jeans! I am hoping to get down to smaller sizes the more I run. I am starting and am currently in a 14. I don't think I have ever admitted that before.
I thought you were looking skinny mini! Congratulations on the weight loss. It's gotta help with the running. As for the running fuel, for the longer runs (> 2 hrs), I switch from regular fuel (Heed which has carbs only) to a fuel made for endurance activities (Perpetuem, which has carbs and protein + a little fat). I've totally noticed a difference using the Perpetuem on the 15 & 17 milers. I have a more constant energy level throughout the run, including not tanking at the end (a miracle!), and I don't feel ravenous at the end of my run and through the rest of the day. I top this off with a recovery drink (Recoverite, magic!) and I feel pretty damn good when it seems like I shouldn't. Anyway – all these products are from Hammer Nutrition and I've had really good success. Definitely appreciating the Perpetuem. Check out their website, they have some good, technical literature on their products.
Sweet 6!!! Your confidence is contagious!! Keep it up friend!
Congrats on all these accomplishments! I'm so excited for you!
Had to take a deep breath after reading..I'm getting a bit nervous and feel not so prepared. You are making me want to do this run walk method…I have to totally look into it. If I find anything about the pace I'll let you know. BTW…gave you a little shout out on my blog about the woohoo lol.
Congrats on the weight loss, newfound speed, and distance PR! And thank you for the details of your 18+ miler. I am learning, learning, learning.
I tried a run-walk with a 4-1 interval (per Galloway) last night, and hit my fastest 5 mile pace ever. I used this site to calculate my walking and running paces…http://www.users.kih.net/~mewilliams/calc/I am ALWAYS hungry at the end of a long run, always. 😀
I used Jeff's run/walk method training for New York in 2005. I did all the long training runs with it, including 26 miles and 29 miles (for the 26-miler, I entered a local marathon and used it as a training run). I think it's great. I was *never* sore when I used it, even after 29 miles (I did 5 to 1 like you), and I never got injured.On race day in NYC, I ran the whole race–just got carried away, joined a pace group and did it. I do wonder if I could have been faster, especially at the end, if I had stuck to the walk breaks. I was super sore, for sure!These days I'm using the FIRST program (want to qualify for Boston) but I think I'll go back to run/walking for super-long distances if/when that goal is achieved. It just makes the long runs more fun.Good luck! You are doing great!
High five for size 6 jeans!Here's hoping for an awesome 20 miles.
CONGRATS on the teeny tiny jeans! I can tell in all your recent photos that you have been SHRINKING! And heck yes it makes a TON of difference in running.I always seem to be hungry toward the end of a long run, whether it's 13 or 23 miles. I think my tummy just knows it's almost food time. 🙂
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Morgan from Caution Redhead Running sent me your way..I am using the Galloway Method.. Just started actually. I am injured and have a race in 9 days. I am using the 5 min run/1 min walk It felt werid at first but once you get in a rhythm its gold.Congrats on size 6.
The run-walk method is my stand-by. I use it more often than I'd like but I feel less ashamed when others mention they do it too. I am not as organized with my running/walking ratio but maybe I should be. Does it help? Way to go on the weight loss. I have a similar story. I am now 35 pounds lighter than I was when I started running in 2009. It has taken longer than I expected but I think the long way is the best way. You kind of forget about the weight loss and push the thoughts to the side as you try to enjoy the run. It's hard to enjoy it at first (I had to train on the elliptical for 6 months before I could handle the impact of the treadmill). And then one day you wake up to find you fit into a size six and it makes all those sore muscles, expensive running gear and mounds of sweaty laundry worth the effort.
LOVE the run/walk method and Jeff Galloway! I do it for all my long runs – half marathons and fulls! Congrats on shrinking; and doing it in such a healthy way!Winks & Smiles,Wifey
Sounds like the method is really working for you! COngrats on your continued weight loss–if you feel good, that's all the matters!!!
Holy smoley SIZE 6!!! Dang lady!1 I could tell you were shrinking in your pics!! That is awesome!!!Your pretty much doing amazing!!
Congrats on the weight loss. THat is AWESOME!!!! And I am sorry about all the soreness. Hope you are feeling better today. 🙂 Finding the right socks is tough… one I found the ones I love I just bought 10 pairs and don't ever wear anything else.Great job on the 18 miler. Woo hoo!
size 6? WOW!!!!!!are you still using the BodyBugg? You're doing awesome and I am learning so much from your journey.
Great post! I am seriously looking into using a run/walk method to run the Seattle RnR Half (I officially downgraded my registration from the full…there's just not enought tmie after PT to get back into form). Do you use the Amphipod fuel belt? I do and if so, you can add additional holsters/bottles. I have 4 on mine and it worked well for my first full (though, I did have my wife meet me at about the half way point and swap out some new bottles).
Tremendous progress Kerrie! Goes to show what patience and persistence can lead to. Congrats!