20 and 20

 



As we all know (at least us mid-westerners), this winter has been the toughest in history of the world...... . . well, for as long as I can remember anyway.  Last year Angie started training for our spring marathon a few months before me so she was running all winter and I picked up in March.  Neither of us ran one single mile on the treadmill for our spring marathon.  I didn't even have mine set up last year.  This year, we started earlier since we have a 50k coming up and we have both spent way more time on the treadmill than I ever thought possible.

 

 

It's March and we are still dipping into frigid cold temperatures. . . . . . .

 



Last weekend, Angie and I switched our long run to Sunday due to scheduling conflicts.  It worked out just fine.  The weather was equally as bad every day, so holding off until Sunday was no big deal.  The problem was, we were scheduled for a 20 and the temps were about -15 with the wind chill.  We were going to just "toughen up" and get it in, but when we woke up and saw the temps that cold, we realized that was never going to happen for 20 miles.  Not safe, not fun.  This running stuff is supposed to be enjoyable. . . right?  Not at -15 degrees.  So. . . next best thing?  Treadmills at work, together.  We just set up shop in our fitness center at work and ran 20 miles next to each other. 

TV on mute for something to look at, a few fans & my BRB to make 20 miles possible on the TM.

The most I ran on a treadmill up to this point had been 10. . . . and for Angie it was 7.  I would say 20 miles on a treadmill certainly gave us more mental strength.  Many days it's tough to imagine running 5 miles, let alone 20 on a treadmill.  The treadmills at work stop after 60 minutes (there is a reason for that!  You should NEVER have to run more than an hour on the treadmill!), so we did our run in 60 minute increments.  I just stopped after 6 miles, took my break to refill water and then hopped right back on.  The last round for me was only 2 miles. . . and it was torture.  Angie was done because she came in a bit before me to get a head start. . . . she was worried about not keeping up with me on the treadmill, so she finished quite a bit before me.  I made her tell me any story she could think of when she was done to occupy the time!  It was tough, but we did it!

I took my little buddy on a lunch date the other day. . . . he was people watching here. . . can't say I blame him!

 

 

Yesterday, Angie and I met at her house to get another 20 miler in.  Since we didn't end up getting  20 in the previous weekend and we only ended up finishing 12, we had two 20 milers back to back.  Normally, we run on Saturdays, but since our last run fell on a Sunday and this long run fell on a Friday we had less time to recover.  We also both ran on Thursday which we normally don't do before a long run.  I guess it's great 50k training since we will be really going further and having far more difficult terrain than the treadmill or even road running. 

 

The 20 yesterday were  difficult despite awesome weather (above zero!).  It was 30 degrees out.  We had a few miles in the wind which was uncomfortable, but the rest was pretty awesome.  It was so nice to be able to hydrate.  I drank about 20x more than I have for any run recently because my water and Gatorade never froze!  It really makes me think about how poorly I was hydrated for all of our long runs this winter.

 

This is what happens after a 20 miler, unless I fuel properly throughout the run!

 

 

I will say, I fueled far better yesterday than I did the week prior.  Our run yesterday was more technical, of course because we weren't on a flat treadmill.  The extra effort results in more calories burned, which results in more Runchies!  We both consumed around 600 calories while we ran yesterday, which is a lot!  We burned approximately 1600 calories (rough estimate as I didn't wear my heart rate monitor).  I'm usually have the appetite of a 16 year old boy after a long run, but I did pretty good yesterday.  I had a couple pieces of pizza for lunch and cereal for dinner with no snacking!  (Weird)  --I'm feeling the effects today and having some rebound hunger!  

 

 

 

I hope this is a step in the right direction of better weather.  Hopefully we can start getting some better outdoor running done without 3 layers of clothes, hats, gloves, trax, and hand warmers.  I'm so excited to run outdoors with shorts and a tank on.  Soon .   . . . very soon!

 

Question: What is your favorite post long-run "treat?"  Mine is pizza!  Jacks Natural Risers -Pepperoni. . . . .  I'm drooling thinking of it! :)

 

Enjoy the rising temps. . . . and outdoor running!  I know I will!

 

Happy Running!

~Brooke~