22 miles and a cloud of dust!

Okay, so today was a new first for me in training, the 22 mile practice run. Now to back up, last summer, I followed the "novice" training schedule since it was my first major long distance race. Since then, having run several half marathons, I felt I could handle the "veteran" training schedule. The novice training maxes at 20 miles; the veteran schedule at 22.

Several factors were rather against me today with the run, actually, probably only one factor, the weather. I had made arrangements with some TNT friends to meet at 7am instead of 8am to get some miles out of the way. As I am driving to Antrim, I am greeted to torrential rain and lightening. It actually managed to stop by around 7:15 but that meant that the rest of the morning was really humid, warm, and with little wind. Now, these conditions make it hard to breathe; also sweating does little to cool a person down, yet you sweat more when it's that humid. My running partner was sweating so much his socks were drenched; his feet were swishing for most of the run.

The other problem at this distance is "hitting the wall." (I put in a link for those interested learning more.) Yes, it is a phrase coined by runners when one is completely spent and depleted of all energy. I distinctly remember hitting the wall last year at around mile 21 during the marathon. I wouldn't say that I completely hit the wall today, but there were a few moments where I thought I might break down. Having a running partner though makes it much easier to get through that rough patch.

So, with now only 5 weeks til the big day, the long milage goes down from here (meaning it'll be 18, 20, 16, and 12 miles). I know that sounds like a lot but I'm relieved that I have now maxed out. I've finished running for a few hours now, and I basically feel a dull ache from my hips downward. In the end, I know that all of the pain and suffering is for a great cause. During the tough runs, I am reminded that my pain and suffering in that moment doesn't compare with those who have survived cancer.

Finally, a huge THANK YOU to all of you that have shown your support, in words and/or dollars. I am happy to say that I am only $40 from reaching my fundraising goal of $2870! If you haven't donated and had intended on donating you can go to this link http://pages.teamintraining.org/coh/nikesf08/mnarui or e-mail me at mnarui@gmail.com to get info about mailing a check. Even a few dollars would be much appreciated.

Hope all is well as the summer winds down with you all.

Mitsu

ps. In case anyone wanted to know, I ran for 3 hours 45 min and 30 seconds this morning ;-)