17 miler

I’m not really sure if I’m happy with my 17 miler.

I mean, I did it, I finished, I wasn’t dead after. But I’m just not super pleased with my time.

17 miles in 2:46, avg pace 9:49

As I was trying to be positive, I told myself, I’m sure this is better than last years 17 miler… umm. nope. that was avg 9:09 pace.

It’s odd because I felt like we were keeping a pretty decent pace. Even weirder… the times I felt like I was slowing down, I’d check my Garmin and I was actually doing really well and the times I felt like I was rockin my pace, I’d look down and I was going slower! What the heck?! I’m not even sure what went wrong, if anything went wrong?! or what?! I never felt like I “hit the wall” or couldn’t take one more step, sure, I could feel it, I mean, hello?! I was running 17 miles, my legs shouldn’t feel fresh at mile 15, but still… I’m kinda bugged.

As much as I am disappointed, I’m trying to be positive. I still finished a 17 mile run (and went on to function throughout the day… well… ’til about 9, then I passed out!). My stomach did well with the new energy gels. And my arch wasn’t killing me (thank you Lord!), I could feel it, but it was definitely bearable. But whatev, it’s over, and I’m moving on!!!

Next weekend my Mom and I are running Riverton City 1/2 Marathon. I’m hoping to have a super strong race and boost my confidence a little. I’m not sure what the course elevation is, but the course looks pretty good, it runs along the Jordan River trail. And I’m pretty sure Sundance’s family will be there to cheer me on. His Dad and his brother, Dallas and his fam have mentioned that they’d like to come. I always do better when I know I’m gonna see someone I know at the finish line. It makes me want to push hard and finish strong!

Another thing I’m looking forward to… running an 18 miler with Rachelle on April 2nd. I hope (and pray) I can keep up with her. She just ran Moab Canyonland’s half marathon and ROCKED! Check her out!

Oh yeah… the energy gels

the Lava Paradise Peach… not my fav. Flavor was okay, the texture… eh. Just not my fav. The Gu Roctane Pineapple flavor… much better. A little thicker, more like a jelly, but went down just fine. I finished up with the Accel Gel in Chocolate (with 20mg caffeine). My favorite one. Flavor was good (though I can see myself not digging the chocolate if I was not feeling well on a run…), and it went down super smooth. I’m looking forward to trying the other Accel Gels and my other Gu Roctane. My Mom also tried the Lava Paradise Peach, the Key Lime Accel Gel and the Huckleberry Hammer Gel. She agrees that the Lava was not her fav. She liked the Accel gel, but LOVED the Huckleberry Hammer Gel.

Not sure how I’ll fuel for the 1/2 marathon, I might try 3 gels again, just so I have enough energy… thinking one gel around 5, then 9, then another around 11 just to give me a burst. Still not 100% sure. Any ideas from my fellow runners?

Also… forgot to mention on my last post… that I’m thinking about running Utah Valley Marathon. When I mentioned it to Janae at our fro-yo date on Friday she was super supportive. I was totally excited and felt really strongly about signing up. And even want to sign up for St. George Marathon again. Which would mean… 3 marathons in a year (if we got into St. George, it’s a lottery). (but after my not-so-awesome-17 miler, I am not so sure) Part of me just wants to DO IT!

I AM OFFICIALLY CRAZY!