The Litmus Test

The Litmus Test

In a marathon training program there's one run that serves as a litmus test for how you will perform on race day. That run for me was yesterday--the 20-miler, the last big run before my 3 week taper.

Based on my last few runs I wasn't too nervous, but knew a lot rested on this run. If it was bad all confidence of an injury free and successful marathon would be shot. The 20-miler is the one training run that HAS to go smoothly.

And, it did.

Maybe it was the finale episode of Grey's Anatomy I watched Friday night, the 2 glasses of wine, or the pre-made spaghetti from Jewel. Either way, I couldn't have hoped for a better run.

One of our patient honorees, Keegan, a little guy of only 8 years old died on Tuesday, so Saturday's pre-training talk was a teary-eyed occasion. I just can't get over how much pain this family is going through, especially after the loss of their daughter to heart complications. Nothing I would experience during my run would be anything close to the loss this family is feeling.

Needless to say the first few miles were pretty quiet as I ran by myself thinking of Keegan and the enormity of what his family was going through. Keegan would be the inspiration for all of us out there on the path.

Our course was the usual; start at Montrose on the Lakefront path to downtown. We ran to the 10.5 mile marker which put us right by the Soldier Field parking lot almost to McCormick Place. The south section of the Lakefront path is pretty amazing; not as crowded and nicely shaded. I need to go down there more often. As we turned around for the second half of the run I started to feel pretty hungry, but knew I needed to ration my two packages of Sport Beans. I finished those off pretty quickly.

Every mile I wondered when the aches and pains would set in. Don't get me wrong, there were a few annoying pains...but nothing that I couldn't run through. I was amazed to look up and see that I was back by the tennis courts which meant only 1 mile left to the meet up spot [which totaled 18 miles]. I finished strong and stopped for some Gatorade and pretzels. I didn't want to stick around too long for fear of the Tin Man syndrome. Only 2 more miles left. Those were a bit difficult...I think I stopped for too long.

When I saw the meet up spot on the last leg, I have to say, I felt pretty damn good. I was more conscious this run of my time, usually I could care less how long it takes me. But, when I realized on my way north that I could finish 20 miles in 3.5 hours, I was pretty ecstatic. Barring no injuries and judging from that performance I could quite possibly finish in 4:45. I'd be VERY happy to finish at that time. I don't want to jinx myself, but that would be brilliant...and almost 45 minutes faster than my first marathon time!

Here's to 3 weeks till marathon time and NO injuries. From here out I only have an 8 and 6 mile weekend run left. I can't believe how far I've come in this training. I can remember when running to the totem pole seemed like a long run. Now, reaching the totem pole on the way back is a relief.

And, this is why I love marathon training. It's such a clear cut accomplishment. One month you're struggling through a 6 mile run and the next month you're kicking ass on a 20 mile run. For me, it's so hard to judge accomplishments in my career because they're so intangible. Running is tangible...you either do or you don't. Maybe I'm insane for having to run 20 miles to feel like I've accomplished something. But aren't we all a little off in one way or another?

Happy running!