Start time: 10/28/06, 8:00am
Location: Downtown Washington DC to Bethesda MD (and back)
Distance: 23 miles
Run:Walk ratio: 5:1
Average pace: 10:37min/mile
This past Saturday was the final long run for the Florence Marathon training program—a 23-miler. Stephanie, Tod, and I did it together (no Katie, alas!), and were joined partway through with Sarah who was running an 18-miler after having to take some time off. After spectacular 18- and 20-mile training runs, the 23-miler was mostly good but not great. The first 20 miles went well; we were aiming for an 11min/mile training pace and looking at our splits for the first half they ranged from 10:09 to 10:45. The second half had a bit of a slow down towards the end when my legs felt like lead, but once I took an Advil (which I’d forgotten to bring with me… Tod to the rescue!) our pace actually picked up a great deal.
It was a fun final long run… good company and spirits kept everyone moving, and at the end was a big celebration with balloons and what have you waiting for us.
I’ll miss having my long runs with Stephanie (she’s running Honolulu); she’s been a fantastic running partner.
http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=454110