Mel Runs a Marathon: Mel On...The 15 Miler

Well, it happened. The dreaded 15-miler was yesterday. And you know what? It wasn't that bad!

I say this not because it is my rest day (and we all know how I love rest days) or because I spent close to an hour in the aqua-massager (which was marvelous, by the way) but because it was...well...fun.

I love "firsts" and this was my first time running that far at one time in my entire life...and I did it! I didn't think I would be able to finish (especially since I freaked myself out on Sunday) but I did it. I. DID. IT.

It was also the first time I popped a squat behind a hay bale (hey, when ya gotta go, you gotta go).

And, it was also my first time running for 3:01:14 seconds in the rain. Ok, I lie, I got maybe 15 min. reprieve around mile 4 and another 15 min. around mile 11. But you get the picture:

The rain is a funny subject, because on the day of the run I DID NOT WANT TO RUN IN THE RAIN. I was looking for every excuse in the book to get out of running in that weather. Fortunately, I was meeting other runners from my running group to run the first 5 miles with. I was so scared no one would show up because I would have tried to hit the gym. And I know good and well that there is NO WAY I could do 3 hours on a dreadmill. I did 2 hours once and I wanted to drown myself in the sink. Not happening. So I was thankful that one girl showed up to make me get out there. Besides, I'm a frequent hand-washer...I'll take my chances of getting sick if I can get this long run behind me!

And after the first mile or so out there, I really didn't mind the rain so much. It was kinda fun! Like I was rebelling against nature. Although I will have to admit, I do need some proper rain gear. I was SOAKED by the end and I'm pretty sure there is still water in my shoes...

Anyway, everything else about the run went well (expect mile 9). I had my method of attack planned out so I was prepared. I would do the 4.6 loop 3 times then run the extra mile or so to make it 15. The first loop went by before I knew it thanks to good conversation (gotta love running buddies). The second loop I was on a mission since I lost my beanie the first time around. However, by mile 9 I was spent. I needed a Gatorade and a Gu and a hot shower. But I was determined.

By 9.5 I officially hit "the wall." Hard. And, the rain had already started again. Hard. And, I was going uphill. Hard. (and woe is me, yadda, yadda, yadda). But eventually, I got to the top, my energy kicked up, and the rain was just a drizzle. The next 5.5 miles weren't cake but they weren't bad either.

Break in the rain, LOVE these trails.

I did start my 2 mile stretch breaks after the first loop to practice for marathon day (I'll run 5 then walk a few minutes to stretch and hydrate every 2 miles after that). I'm hoping this will keep me from bottoming out too early the day of the race. It seemed to help yesterday. I was stiff by the time I finished but I wasn't sore during or afterwards (which was really surprising!). I popped a Motrin when I got home since I didn't have time to ice my knee but it never really bothered me much...and I'll take an ending like that any day!

So, all-in-all, a good day, a good run, a good memory...and I get to chalk up another 15 miles for the Million Mile Run....Maybe I CAN do this?!