My longest run before the marathon is coming up on Saturday. I have to admit I’m a little apprehensive about it, because it will be a 32k solo run — about 3 and a half hours for me; it really sucks to be slow!
A friend is driving me out to Sidney, and I will run the entire length of the Lochside Trail to downtown Victoria. By myself. On a trail I’m not entirely familiar with, since I’ve only run it from the Blue Bridge to Island View Road. I’m hoping that by starting in Sidney, I’ll get the unfamiliar half over with first, while I’m still fresh.
Let’s face it: running for 3+ hours gets boring and it hurts. That’s why I join the clinics at Frontrunners: for the camaraderie and companionship. Other people take the edge off. There’s strength in numbers. Shared pain is more bearable, and actually feels like an accomplishment when it’s finally over.
I’ll be all right, I can do this. After all, I will be running the race solo (however there will be other runners on the course). I ran 2:45 mostly solo while I was visiting Regina a couple of weeks ago; a friend did join me for 5k or so, which definitely helped.
Is there anyone in Greater Victoria who wants to join me for a portion of my run on Saturday – either on foot or on a bike? I would appreciate the companionship and support, even for a little while.
UPDATE: As it turns out, my running group is planning a 3-hour run through trails from Elk/Beaver Lake on Saturday morning – I will run with them and add on at the end. Thanks to everyone who offered though!
This is a route I run often. I love it when you hit Blenkinsop Bridge… that has to be the most beautiful place to run on the Island. Whatever I have on my iPod, be it music or a podcast (my favourite for long runs is Dan Carlin’s Hardcore History), I pause it when I cross that bridge. I get to hear my breathing again and come back to the physical act of what I’m doing. Getting through 3+ hours of running requires that you be talented at zoning out! I saw that your run went well….good luck in the race itself.