The Longest Long Run
This was it. The big 20. Peak week.
The morning started off like any other long run, except this time time I was in Chicago, with my sister, and voting had to take place before we left:
Selfless plug: VOTE VOTE VOTE!!! 
As usual it was dark when we started, but check out the spectacular view:
Not bad, right??
They even have an area specifically for runners like me:
Hehe……I kid, I kid.
It really was beautiful. And the change of scenery was just what I needed. The first 10 miles flew by – there was so much to look at! We ran along the lake, around Navy Pier, past downtown and Soldier Field. The path supposedly runs 18 miles one way – perfect for marathon training (we need a path like this along the lake in CLE)!
I was feeling great and enjoying just being in the company of my sister:
I made it to mile 15 with no problem but was starting to feel a little fatigue in my legs. I stopped to stretch for a minute and immediately started to doubt myself. I could see how far we were from the finish and I was getting annoyed. Annoyed with myself, with the run, with the people around me, etc, etc, etc…..
Can you tell? 
The last three miles were KILLER. Like always, those extra miles every week are the ones that get to me, and with my longest run prior to this being 17 miles I should have known the last 3 were gonna suck. I may or may not have even snapped at my sister around mile 19.5 (sorry, sis!!), but I just wanted to be DONE! My upper back was sore and I could feel myself hunching over those last 2 miles. It wasn’t a good feeling.
What a difference between this 20 mile run and the 20 mile run from when I trained last year. I’ve only been training for 8 weeks and boy, can I tell. I’m definitely not as confident and I have so many questions:
- Do I start off too fast?
- Is it my mind or my legs giving out first?
- If I “hit the wall” should I run/walk or just slow my pace?
- Should I just wear my hair in a bun?
- Will race day provide the much-needed adrenaline in order for me to finish?
This is just the start of what’s roaming around in my head right now. But I think I’m gonna save that for another post. Let’s just focus on the fact that I ran 20 miles. In Chicago. Along the lake. With my sister.
Do you have a favorite trail you like to run on?
Hugs my friend! Just the sheer fact that you’ve come as far as you have including coming back from a pretty major injury? HUGE progress. HUGE strength, HUGE confidence booster (I hope). You SO can and WILL do this and you’ll run that race proudly. You’ve earned it. I promise.
I’m glad you had a great run! Next time, we’ll definitely have to plan something together- I LOVED running on the lakefront all summer and part of fall. It’s just so pretty!
Yeah for 20 miles!! That is seriously impressive to me. I have some mental wall at 15 I have yet to conquer… (some day!) So 20 just sounds awesome to me! Run, jog or walk! Heck even bike ride!
And don’t you love sisters! I snap at my sister all the time but she is my best echo and helps me realize I need to just it up and shut up! I wouldn’t be as good of a person without her
You are such a rockstar!! Nice job on your long run. You sound appropriately nervous but totally prepared. Good luck!
dude, a few months ago you couldnt WALK without pain!!! so proud of you!
I think bullet #4 is my favorite because it’s something I would totally consider myself! And even though I’ve never a run a full marathon, I think you’re completely right with bullet #5. It’ll be SO exciting!
I knew you could do it! Great job getting though it!
You did an awesome job and I had so much fun! You should come back to Chicago more often
Just remember….Easy Peasy!! lol Love u xoxo ps-I cant believe you put these picks of me on here
I wish youd remind us more!! I keep forgetting to vote! Sorry the last few miles were tough. I think you should focus on how awesome you did with the initial miles. You can do it!!
So glad you reminded me to vote: DONE!
You had a great run. I would love to have an 18 mile trail to run but instead, it’s mostly pavement pounding and the same old, same old.
As for your questions – the first one will ruin your day if you do it- DO NOT go out fast. As much adrenaline as will be flowing, and as good as you feel, you have to fight the urge. It’s been a tried and true rule: you can never bank the miles.
You are amazing Heather! You have made such a quick comeback and be proud of that! I hope you can enjoy taper a little bit and get ready for such an amazing experience that awaits you in NYC.
Awesome run! Beautiful photos too!
you’ve been training for 8 weeks and ran 20 miles…that’s about as bad ass as it gets!
Congrats for getting in 20 miles! You’ve really made a quick comeback. Trust your body. You’ve done this before and you will do it again in NY!
Congrats on the 20 miler! Sometimes the challenging ones feel more rewarding when they are over…you conquered the distance because you went out there and did it!
I love that your sis rode next to you. Sisters are the best. And Chicago is one of my favorite spots! OH, the hair question…bun or no bun. I honestly struggle with my hair. Seems silly, but when it’s flying all over the place or bouncing around too much I go insane!
I have been voting for you everyday! Congrats on an awesome 20 miler, NYC is right around the corner!!!!