So today I completed my 3rd 20-mile run :). As happened with running half-marathons, the third time proved to be the charm!
First of all, I was faster than ever. In fact, I ran 35 seconds per mile faster than last time. Secondly, I felt pretty good for the entire run, whereas on my previous two 20-milers, I was getting really tired by the last five or six miles.
Lastly, as I type this in the evening, I feel satisfied with the experience, as well as physical good. Always a sign of a successful run!
Contributing factors to today’s win:
- I got up early and had a delicious banana smoothie beforehand
- I brought two bottles of gatorade and sipped continually (but not too much); I also had a gel about an hour in
- Running more often, but for shorter distances. I have been running 5 days a week the past month or so. This has caused me to shorten the runs overall, though it has led to an overall monthly increase in my miles.
- For the past few months, I have been doing abs and core work outs 1-2 days a week on non-running days. I believe this has contributed to faster runs and being better conditioned overall.
- There’s a psychological benefit of doing something at least three times. I overcame my fear of the longer run. Not only my body, but my mind had no reservations about it this time.
All in all, it was an amazing experience, and I am totally fired up!
As an “appendix” of sorts, I decided to create a little table* comparing my three 20-milers:
Comparing My Three 20-Mile Runs
| Date | Distance | Time | Speed | Notes |
| 6/7/20 | 20.00 miles | 3:01:40 | 9:05 min/ mile | Huge accomplishment! Felt great elation afterward for hours. Last 5-6 miles were surprisingly difficult despite adequate nutrition and good preparatory runs in weeks prior. A milestone achievement nonetheless. Read more. |
| 8/2/20 | 20.02 miles | 2:59:06 | 8:57 min/ mile | Made last-minute decision to do this while running. Finished slightly faster than first time, despite lack of proper nutrition 🙁 Was a slog, like first time. Made it through, but nearly blacked out afterward. Read more. |
| 11/7/20 TODAY | 20.12 miles | 2:48:27 | 8:22 min/ mile | Pulled it all together: excellent nutrition before & during, and I felt good the whole time. Honorable mention: Abs/core workouts 1-2 times per week since Summer also seem to have helped. |