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Tread 17

Yep, I ran 17 miles on the treadmill. It wasn't easy. It wasn't fun. But it's done.

Why, you might ask, would I choose to run 17 miles on a treadmill? Sometimes you do crazy things, like sign up for a marathon which puts the longest runs of your training schedule during your husband's busiest time of the year at work. When the signing up took place, your brain tricked you into thinking you could make it all work so smoothly and conveniently. Ha-ha-ha-ha-ha!

In spite of reality hitting me in the face lately, I did what I had to do. In fact, somewhere around mile nine, I asked myself how I was going to make it the rest of the way. I told myself, "You just do it." (Thanks Nike!) After my pathetic previous week, I had to get my training back on track and just get 'er done.

Pathetic would be one tempo run and one speedwork run, followed by a weekend of scheduling and rescheduling my long run, 12 miles that never happened. So last Monday, I reminded myself that my half marathon was three weeks away, my marathon seven.

My total going into the weekend was 14 miles (all but two on the treadmill). I didn't schedule my long run, because rescheduling it over and over just causes frustration and makes me want to bag the whole thing, so I just told myself to make it happen. And I did. I stepped off the treadmill at 11 pm Sunday night. I don't like running on Sundays; it is the one day we have to spend as a family. But with the hubby working until 5 pm Saturday and a prior commitment from 5:30-8:00 that night, it wasn't going to happen on Saturday. (I forgot to mention the hubby sets the alarm for 1:05 am most mornings, so a morning run is out of the question.) So Sunday night it was, after everyone was in bed. Like I said, it wasn't easy or fun. Yet it wasn't totally worthless either (besides the obvious fact that I was running). My tread 17 taught me:
  • There isn't much on TV on summer Sunday nights. I learned more than I want to know about former playmate Kendra and her new football hubby.
  • The treadmill automatically pauses when it hits 100 minutes. Not great for your momentum.
  • I really like Vanilla Bean Gu.
  • The treadmill starts smelling funny after about 10 miles. I think it gets tired too.
  • There's something to be said for having quick, easy access to the bathroom.
  • Next time I do a long run, I am taking a picture of the treadmill before I turn it off since Garmin doesn't accompany me on my treadmill runs. There's something about having proof of running that far.

When my husband woke me just before 2 am to say goodbye, he asked if I finished my 17. I said yes, but I didn't know if I would ever make it 26.2. "You will," he said. Today, in spite of my sore legs (behind my knees, what's up with that??), tender hip and sleepy eyes, I think he might be right. I can do it. It won't be easy, but it won't be on the treadmill either. My 20 this weekend might though...

Comments

  1. Great job! I don't have a treadmill, but if I did, I am not sure I could go any length of time on it, it is sooooo boring!
    I am only up to 5 miles, so I am totally inspired by your 17 mile run! You rock! You will finish your marathon, without a doubt! Believe in yourself!
    By the way, as a new runner, I haven't quite made it into the distances that require a GU, but can you give me some info on the best one's and also, how and when you use them. I am terrible at hydration and knowing the correct nutrition before and after running. I never seem to have issues, but like I said, I am only up to 5 miles! Thanks for any info you can give me. My email is tobi@3rdware.com

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  2. You are a champ. Treadmill miles to outdoor miles are like dog years to people years.

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  3. HOLY WHAT?? You are CRAZY!! and amazing all wrapped into one. If you can make it 17 miles on a boring treadmill while watching Kendra you can do anything. KUDOS mamma!! You fit it in.. Love that the treadmill smells...and please take a picture of the treadmill and you next time..

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  4. 17 miles on a treadmill? Are you insane? If I was on a treadmill I'd go postal after half of that. Points to you though for getting the run in however you have to.

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  5. I can not believe you ran 17 miles on a DREADMILL!!! Girl you are hardcore! I can barely make it 3 without going insane! I really hope you don't get stuck doing the 20 there as well... keeping my fingers crossed!!!

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  6. Awesome run - I'm proud of you for making it 17 on the treadmill!!! :-) That's, like, serious dedication! Good luck with 20 miles this weekend!

    I just found your blog - and look forward to reading more!

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  7. WOW... that takes some SERIOUS dedication to run 17 miles on the treadmill. the longest i have been on one was 11 miles this past spring and i havent stepped on it since. with dedication like that there is no doubt you will cross that finish line. knowing you can do 17 on a treadmill means you can do anything :)

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  8. Holy Cow! Ditto all the above comments! IF YOU CAN RUN 17 MILES ON A TREADMILL then RACE DAY WILL BE YOURS! I am impressed! I know how hard it is to train and juggle kids and family, and you are making it happen! Awesome job! Keep it up!

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