24 Miler
by Robert James Reese » April 23rd, 2009 » 3 Comments
Almost three hours into today's run I said to Sarah, "You know, I've been trying to think of another run that was better than this one but I'm coming up with nothing." "Except the pace," she said, "Our pace is horrible." "Fuck the pace, this is the best run I've ever had." And now, even after missing half the day of work because I was so sick that I couldn't sit at my computer, I still feel the same. I had the best run of my life this morning.
The start was rough. I left my apartment really late and ran at a 6:49 pace across Manhattan to try to meet up with Sarah before she gave up on me and left. I barely made it. That quick first 1.5 miles, plus the fact that less than 10 hours had passed since my previous run had my legs aching early. Then, just as we started running up the Hudson, I realized that my stomach was going to be an issue too. Not again...
Luckily, things started going better after that. We headed up past the George Washington Bridge and then decided on a whim to double back and run across it. That was one of the best decisions ever. The views from the bridge were breathtaking, but nothing compared to what was still to come. We looped into Something-Or-Other Historic Park and ran around in the middle of a forest for a bit, enjoying the silence pretending we were explorers. I made my only bathroom stop there.
After leaving that park, we headed further on down the road. And, when I say down, I mean down. Sarah says to me, "This is gonna suck running back up." "Yep, but it's fun now. Whee!" and I just let loose and ran down the mountain like a little kid.
When we finally got to the bottom, we found ourselves in a completely alien environment: there were trees and plants, we were running on dirt, and there was fresh air everywhere. It was almost overwhelming after being stuck in the city for so long. We ran for a few miles along a trail right next to the water then finally decided that it was time to turn around. We were both starting to get fatigued, but still, it was tough to turn back. I wanted to just stay out there and keep running forever.
We came across a vending machine at just under two hours. I was thrilled because I hadn't had any liquids up to that point and was starting to worry about having to climb the massive hills without anything in my stomach. But my money was in my back pocket and completely drenched in sweat. The machine wouldn't take it. Sarah went off to look for someone to get change from, but there was no one around. Then, I noticed a bathroom and found a hand dryer inside. I dried the dollar bills off under it and then they worked! It was a total MacGyver moment for me.
Thank god I had that Gatorade because, as predicted, the hills did suck. Running up that incline anytime, much less 2 hours into a run, would be difficult. But, even though it was tremendously painful, I was able to fight through and keep a surprisingly quick pace. We got back to the bridge feeling like we had conquered the mountain.
And then, this huge surge of energy just hit me and took off running all out the whole way across the bridge. It wasn't about the pace or being competitive or anything, it was just that I still had juice in me after this grueling run and it left me feeling almost giddy. Plus, seeing Manhattan sprawled out like that across the river was just beyond belief. I couldn't resist running fast.
When we got back across the bridge, we slowed down again and the distance started taking it's toll. Each step became more painful than the last. Eventually we split up, each running back to our own neighborhoods.
I finished up with 24.2 miles in 3 hours, 8 minutes, and 13 seconds. It was a very slow pace (7:46/mile) but considering the hills and the distance, I really can't complain. Plus, pace wasn't the point of this run. I was out there to have a good time and to finish up my last long run. I did both.
The taper officially begins now. Next weekend is a 15 miler and that's the last run in the double digits. Less than a month is left until the marathon and I'm so excited. If this morning's run was any indication, I might actually be ready this time.
The start was rough. I left my apartment really late and ran at a 6:49 pace across Manhattan to try to meet up with Sarah before she gave up on me and left. I barely made it. That quick first 1.5 miles, plus the fact that less than 10 hours had passed since my previous run had my legs aching early. Then, just as we started running up the Hudson, I realized that my stomach was going to be an issue too. Not again...
Luckily, things started going better after that. We headed up past the George Washington Bridge and then decided on a whim to double back and run across it. That was one of the best decisions ever. The views from the bridge were breathtaking, but nothing compared to what was still to come. We looped into Something-Or-Other Historic Park and ran around in the middle of a forest for a bit, enjoying the silence pretending we were explorers. I made my only bathroom stop there.
After leaving that park, we headed further on down the road. And, when I say down, I mean down. Sarah says to me, "This is gonna suck running back up." "Yep, but it's fun now. Whee!" and I just let loose and ran down the mountain like a little kid.
When we finally got to the bottom, we found ourselves in a completely alien environment: there were trees and plants, we were running on dirt, and there was fresh air everywhere. It was almost overwhelming after being stuck in the city for so long. We ran for a few miles along a trail right next to the water then finally decided that it was time to turn around. We were both starting to get fatigued, but still, it was tough to turn back. I wanted to just stay out there and keep running forever.
We came across a vending machine at just under two hours. I was thrilled because I hadn't had any liquids up to that point and was starting to worry about having to climb the massive hills without anything in my stomach. But my money was in my back pocket and completely drenched in sweat. The machine wouldn't take it. Sarah went off to look for someone to get change from, but there was no one around. Then, I noticed a bathroom and found a hand dryer inside. I dried the dollar bills off under it and then they worked! It was a total MacGyver moment for me.
Thank god I had that Gatorade because, as predicted, the hills did suck. Running up that incline anytime, much less 2 hours into a run, would be difficult. But, even though it was tremendously painful, I was able to fight through and keep a surprisingly quick pace. We got back to the bridge feeling like we had conquered the mountain.
And then, this huge surge of energy just hit me and took off running all out the whole way across the bridge. It wasn't about the pace or being competitive or anything, it was just that I still had juice in me after this grueling run and it left me feeling almost giddy. Plus, seeing Manhattan sprawled out like that across the river was just beyond belief. I couldn't resist running fast.
When we got back across the bridge, we slowed down again and the distance started taking it's toll. Each step became more painful than the last. Eventually we split up, each running back to our own neighborhoods.
I finished up with 24.2 miles in 3 hours, 8 minutes, and 13 seconds. It was a very slow pace (7:46/mile) but considering the hills and the distance, I really can't complain. Plus, pace wasn't the point of this run. I was out there to have a good time and to finish up my last long run. I did both.
The taper officially begins now. Next weekend is a 15 miler and that's the last run in the double digits. Less than a month is left until the marathon and I'm so excited. If this morning's run was any indication, I might actually be ready this time.
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