You only 32k/20m for the first time once. With the 2015 Saskatchewan Marathon rapidly approaching, I'm deep into my training on the winding path of the Meewasin Trail here in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan. My runs have been between 3.5 and 26k thus far, but yesterday was a milestone: 32k. I'm not sure what sounds more impressive, 32 kilometres or 20 miles. They are roughly the same distance, and yet the numeric sting of 32 or the impressive heft of the word "mile" add a certain undefinable quality to each.
In preparation for my long run I "carbed up" for two days ensuring that more than my usual < 300 grams of carbohydrates. I ate things like fettuccine alfredo and other carb-heavy foods, while also drinking gatorade and eating fruit. My secret vice, Doritos, contributed sodium--but otherwise, their importance is debatable.
Before taking off to run, I drank about 500ml of gatorade, consumed one organic banana and one PowerBar gel pack. During the run I had one bottle of Gu brew, two Gu gels, and about 750ml of water, along with a bag of skittles (mostly near the end).
Part One: The first 10k.
I set out running on the sidewalk in my neighbourhood until I reached the first asphalt trail (exactly 1km). It was a slightly chilly 10c, but I felt quite comfortable in my long sleeve tech shirt (from a 5k race I did in 2013) and Under Armour running pants. As I made it past the first kilometre it occurred to me that I had 31 left to go. I wasn't intimidated by the challenge, but I wasn't totally comfortable with it either. For most first time runners the 32K is the apex of their training, whereas for me it is the first of several 30K+ runs.
Then I yawned around the 2k point. Realizing that my muscles needed more oxygen, I took deeper breaths. I averaged a 6:14/k pace over the first 3k, but from 4 to 10 I ran about 6:00/k.
My first stop came at 3.5k when I crossed a heavily travelled street. After that I ran through University of Saskatchewan and onto the Meewasin Trail. As I reached the 10k point, I felt great. I drank a bit of my Gu Brew and had a Gu gel.
Part Two: The next 16k.
I accidentally "ended my run" according to Runtastic, and was forced to begin a new run. No big deal. Strangely enough, though, I wasn't particularly aware of the fact that my pace really picked. But no big deal, right?
As I wound along the South Saskatchewan River, I saw other runners. Some, I noted, ran on the grass alongside the trail, while others ran on the trail itself as I did.
You don't really notice the accumulation of tightness or pounding your body takes until it sends you a few warning signs. But by the time you hamstrings, let's say, begin to start hurting, there isn't too much you can do about it.
Part Three: The finish
What I found most challenging was how sensitive my legs became after the 24k point. It really got to the point where I had trouble tolerating running on the asphalt of the trail. Otherwise, though, it wasn't until about 30k that my heart rate began to rise to a level higher than it ought to be given the effort.
