It is officially taper time! For the next 3 weeks, all I see on my training plan is progressively easier and easier workouts. (!!!) To get to this point, I really had to work this weekend. I did my very first 22 mile training run! I have always maxed out at 20 miles for my other marathons, but this time, I decided to do something different. Hopefully that 22 miles will make it so I do not hit the wall – fingers crossed!!
I was lucky enough to have a lot of support for this run. Courtney was a trooper and joined me for the first 10 miles, bright and early before the sun even came up. We held a solid 8:05-8:10 pace, and were just killing the first half of the run! I dropped Courtney off, did a couple more miles, and then went to grab Marcus, right after catching this…
It doesn’t get much better than that. Marcus and I ran the next 8 miles together, I dropped him off, and then set out for the last 2 miles. My goal was to hit them at goal pace, and I pretty much killed them (just saying). I clocked them at 7:53 and 7:58, and even felt like I could go longer. I can not wait until the marathon gets here! I am sooo ready to kick some major butt!! Nashville, look out. I’m coming to get ya!!
After such a long run on Saturday, Sunday called for some cross training, and we decided swimming would be out best route. Although, someone stole the show and got in all the strokes – doggie paddle being her expertise!
We ventured over to Honeymoon Island to their dog beach. If you have a dog and live in the Tampa Bay Area, I strongly encourage you to head over to Honeymoon Island. It was absolutely beautiful, and such a great place for animals. Everyone is required to keep their dogs on a leash, keeping the grounds free of doggie poo – a win win for everyone. We took Winnie to get her first taste of swimming, and had an absolute blast! The girl is a natural – I’m pretty sure she can swim way better than Marcus and I! She was such a champ – just look at that form!
I had an amazing time with my little family over the short holiday weekend – hope you all did too!!
For those of you that did your last long run this weekend – how did it go? Anyone else ready to absolutely kill their race!? All you Boston runners – one more week!! How are you feeling?!
Awesome 22! I’m excited for how well you will do in Nashville
Hope to see you at the pool tonight!
Wow – super impressed with time (and of course distance). nice job!!! Love the pictures of your pup. Too cute.
We have the same Garmin. I feel special. Awesome mileage, very impressive.
Nice run! Hopefully the next 3 weeks fly by for you!
I definitely need to read up on the Honeymoon Island dog beach. I really want to take our dogs there, but our little dog is so barky, i’m afraid she’d drive everyone bonkers. We took her on a walk this weekend and she was so funny trying to get down into the canal. I let her down there once and she just plopped right down in the water. I know she’d love the beach! Must convince the Husband to let me take her!
Congrats on taper time! Um, holy cow on those last 2 miles! Your going to rock this marathon!
I sure hope so Whitney!! Only one more week for you! I’m so excited for you to run Boston!!
Taper Time! Enjoy it, embrace it and try not to lose your mind. Embrace it, and rest up for a FANTASTIC race. Run Strong, Finish Stronger.
I always get so restless the week of the marathon. But luckily this time, I’m attending a big conference for work that I planned, so I should be nice and busy
You’re going to do great! Enjoy the taper and get some needed rest in those legs!
Thanks Carrie! I always have a tough time with the taper – I just get so bored! But I am definitely going to be nice to my legs and rest up!
You killed that run!!! Nashville is going to be awesome
WTG!!
Thanks Lynda! I am so excited!
Great run! You are so ready for this! I’m running the 1/2 in Nashville, so maybe we’ll bump into each other! Good luck!
Ohh that would be awesome!! Good luck in the 1/2!
OOOOHHHH WEEEEEEEE!!!!! Hot stuff! What an awesome run! You’re gonna kill it in Nashville!