Countdown to St. Jude Memphis Marathon: 10 weeks
Long Run Sunday: 17 miles
Training Plan: Hal Higdon Novice II
So, I have this amazing life long goal of running 50 marathons in 50 states. The St. Jude Marathon will be Marathon #8 overall and my third marathon of the year.
This was actually a long run Sunday, which was followed by church, lunch, movie time with the kids, dinner, meal prep for the week, and then hitting the pillow sometime after it got dark, which felt like quite the accomplishment considering I was ready to tag out and go to sleep about 7:00 pm.
For me, the 17-miler officially means I am out of the honeymoon phase. Which basically means from here on out all my long runs are going to be more miserable than enjoyable for numerous reasons. These reasons include:
- Things start to hurt after mile 15…. feet, knees, calves, etc… etc..
- Long runs will only get longer and that means more time hitting the pavement.
- For some reason the hills seem to get bigger on long runs.
- As the distances get longer, my pace always seems to gradually get slower and slower…. creeping close to those 13 minute miles just does not make me smile.
- Nutrition… I have to more cognizant and consistent with nutrition.
- Stretching. Ugghh…. I am terrible about being diligent and stretching but the ever irritating IT band tightening is always on my mind and reminds me to stretch after every long run.
So, what keeps me going at this point in training? For me, there is this weird rationalization that there is less than 10 miles left to go and having less than double digits in mileage still to cover is some how reassuring (I think that is crazy marathoner brain rationalization). Knowing that all the pain stops as soon as I finish keeps me going. When I think of those who deal with pain and sickness each hour of everyday, then a long run is quickly put in perspective.
As always, huge thank you to my sponsor, Complete Nutrition Tallahassee, who has kept me healthy, strong, and accountable this year.
Sunrise about mile 12.
Jen Bendewish │Running Down a Dream 
Wow that is ambitious. 50 in 50. I thought of 1 once, but that was a fleeting moment.
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I have always wanted to run a marathon but now I am happy with my five miles. The most I have ever run is 6 miles.
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Wow! Now this is a great goal to be going for! I’ve never run more than 6km in my life but I admire people who can do long distance!
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I just came across your other post about 50 marathons & 50 states & I was really blown away!! I salute to your determination! I wish I had it in me to be so rigorous with even workouts!
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Wow you are doing so amazingly! You have such a great goal in mind, I wish you the best of luck.
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50 states and 50 marathons is a great thing to accomplish. Good luck on your journey and cant wait to follow up.
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I admire your passion. I could only finished 6km marathon 🙂
When was your longest run?
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While I’ve never EVER had the desire to run a marathon, I do admire those who have the ambition and will power to do so. I wish I had half your energy! This is amazing.
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It would be amazing to be able to run a marathon. There is so much hard work that goes into the training. It would be such a great accomplishment.
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I admire your passion. I’ve never dream of running a marathon but I love watching runners who I know work so hard training everyday for that big day. When there’s a burning passion, nothing is out of reach.
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Wow, I’m so inspired…I so want to train for at least a half marathon. Congrats to you and good luck as you continue to train.
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Wow you are so strong and motivated! I really need to work on my fitness!
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I admire your determination and motivation! I know you will reach your goal of all 50 states. Best wishes!
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More power to anyone who can run a marathon. I think it takes a lot of guts and determination. Good luck with your marathon training!
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I’ve always wished I were a runner, but I have always hated it. I applaud those who are able to run marathons…including my Mister!
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I have always wished I would run like that, but probably never will! Those are awesome goals and it looks like you’re doing great! Thanks for sharing!
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