Run and Done

Wahoo! Twenty miles run and done!

Theodora and I rocked our 20-mile long run this morning. Surprisingly, it wasn’t all that bad either. (Who says that about 20 miles?!? Crazy people. That’s who.)

Hey, nice shirt, Theodora.

I woke up bright and early to prepare for this morning’s run. I ate my usual breakfast (nut butter + banana on a whole wheat English muffin) along with a peach tea-flavored GU Brew, which looked a lot like an early morning cocktail, but I promise you, it wasn’t that fun.

Once we were ready to go, Theodora and I grabbed a cab to Prospect Park in Brooklyn for the NYC Marathon Blue Line Run hosted by the New York Front Runners.

About 200 people came out for the run this morning!

The run was extremely well-organized. I’m still so impressed by the Front Runners. They provided multiple water stops, turn-by-turn maps, and plenty of super friendly volunteers along the 20-mile running route— all of which were completely sponsored by the Front Runners organization. They really put on a great run. THANK YOU, Front Runners!

The run started about 6 miles into the New York City Marathon course in Brooklyn.

We ran about seven miles through Brooklyn, and then crossed over the Pulaski Bridge into Queens.

After about two and a half miles in Queens, we crossed the East River on the Queensboro Bridge into Manhattan.

I had heard horror stories about the Queensboro Bridge, but it really didn’t seem so bad to me. Ok, it had a gradual, seemly never-ending incline, but the views were so breathtaking and beautiful, they took my mind off how difficult it was to run up. We were also six miles behind where we’d be on marathon day, so, hopefully, I’ll feel the same way about it in three weeks.

Once we reached Manhattan, we headed down First Avenue, then crossed briefly into The Bronx via the Willis Avenue Bridge and then back into Manhattan via the Madison Avenue Bridge.

Then, we ran through Harlem down Fifth Avenue and into Central Park where we finished just before Columbus Circle.

Success! Theodora, Sue, and I finished 20 miles in 3 hours and 25 minutes, which was an average pace of 10:18. We stuck to a slower pace than usual since we didn’t want to unnecessarily push ourselves so close to the marathon, but we finished strong with negative splits on the last couple of miles.

After our run, Theodora and I grabbed some recovery supplies: bagel sandwiches, ice, and beer.

I had an egg and cheese sandwich on a toasted garlic bagel. It tasted amazing, and I inhaled it.

I rehydrated with a coconut water and then dehydrated with a pumpkin beer.

Once I had a beer in my hand, it was time for an ice bath.

Please note the back of my shirt. Clearly, I have no idea how to work a shower.

Theodora’s turn! Brrr!

Once we completed our post-run recovery routine, Theodora and I headed out for dinner and (more) beers at The Ginger Man.

We each started with a flight of beers.

We picked four seasonal drafts from the menu for our flights. I liked all of them, except for the Hofbrau Oktoberfest, which was so nasty, I couldn’t even drink it. However, the Chelsea Pumpkin Pie Ale totally made up for it. I absolutely loved it. It tasted just liked pumpkin pie, so I ended up ordering a full-size pint with my dinner.

To eat, I ordered a roast beef sandwich with Smoked Gouda, horseradish mayonnaise, and pickled onions on French bread. It hit the spot.

Derp. I love pumpkin beer.

After running 20 miles and drinking a few beers, I’m going to sleep like a baby tonight. PJs time!

Good night!

P.S. Taper time starts now! Yay! Runner friends: do you have any advice for me? I’m clueless.

Tagged as: Chelsea Pumpkin Pie Ale, New York City Adventures, New York Front Runners, NYC Marathon Blue Line Run, NYCM11, The Ginger Man