Butt-kickin' on Wildwood

Yesterday I answered Olga's call to meet up at Germantown Rd for a run on Wildwood. She was planning on 4.5 hours. Since I had only run 17.5 last week, I was thinking of turning around after 10 miles or 2 hours, whichever came first. Joining us were Rob, Adrien, Bret and Rick. Unfortunately, I didn't get a chance to talk much with Bret or Rick. I took off with Rob, Olga and Adrien, while Bret and Rick hung back and went a shorter distance since they have the Tucson marathon next week.

All three, Olga, Rob and Adrien, are faster and more experienced runners than me. But Olga was sick and it was supposed to be an easier paced run for her anyway, so the way out didn't feel too hard. The only time I felt a little stressed on the way out was when I stopped to water a bush and had to pick it up a bit to catch up. As we neared my planned turnaround spot, I mentioned my intentions of only doing 20. Olga has this very nonchalant way of bringing you into her world. Of course I was going all the way. We'd walk. It would be fine. So there was no arguing about that. It was decided. I'd keep going. : )

On the way back we eventually started to spread out. At one point I was in the lead with Adrien right behind. I finally told him I was losing gas and let him go ahead. Then Rob passed me too. Olga was behind, but not too far. With 5 miles to go, I started wishing I had only done the 20. But as the mileage starting ticking down, I felt more energized. The way back felt harder, but wasn't slower. I finished 23.75 miles in 4:27 (2:12 out, 3 minutes at the turnaround, and 2:12 back). Doesn't seem right, but I guess the watch doesn't lie. At an 11:14 pace, I think that's the fastest I've ever run for a 20+ mile run on Wildwood. Thanks Olga, Rob and Adrien for carrying me along! It was a real butt-kicking workout for me. I felt good at the end (and today), but last evening I was ready to crash by 9pm.

Also, thanks to everyone who suggested hand warmers. I had bought some a few weeks ago and since the temps were in the low 30's, yesterday was a good time to try them out. I will use them from now on whenever the temps are in the 30's or below. My fingers did get cold near the end, but I just pulled them out of the glove fingers and clutched the warmers. Next time I'll try them with my mittens. I've also continued my fueling experiment of carrying plain water and gels. It helped that Olga reminded us when to gel. I went through 4 gels, a few ginger pieces and one bag of blok-like fuel made by Luna, that I got in my last zombierunner order. I'm definitely happier with the plain water and can't wait to try it in a race. No more worrying about some crummy sports drink provided or having to bring my own.

I should go out for a run today. It's a glorious, sunny day. But I have 42.5 for the week and I'm happy with that. I'm going to wait until January to start upping the mileage. I've stuffed my running gear into my carry-on and am looking forward to some runs in sunnier, warmer southern California this week.