I am a Turtle

How do you log a 20 mile run, especially on a humid September morning? Like a turtle - slow and steady. That was our mantra as Sarah and I finished a 20 mile run as part of the Bear Water Run in White Bear Lake yesterday, September 12.

The morning started humid, but overcast. I had some nerves before we left the house which subsided as soon as we started running. Sarah and I fell into a nice pace - about an 11 minute mile. I kept reminding myself that I wasn't running this race - simply logging my long run for the week which happened to be 2o miles.

We ran the first half, the first lap around the lake, without stopping except to walk through the water stops every two miles. I was thrilled that Sarah was doing so well - because it was great to run with her. Running with someone and chatting along the way really does make the long running easier and actually makes the time pass easier too.

As we started the second half of the run, we could really feel the humidity. Sarah decided it was best for her body if she handled the second lap with her run-walk-running. I was enjoying the run with her, so I decided to stick with her. I've always added walks during my long runs, but nothing as set and scheduled as what Sarah does. So I've always been a believer - and I actually believe that I would not have finished the 20 mile when I did if I hadn't stayed with Sarah.

I think we have a plan for tackling the marathon - I'd like to try to run the first 13-15 with only walk breaks through the water stations. Then, for miles 15-25, do the 6-minute run, 2-minute walk method of Sarah's. Then - we run the last mile!

Being a turtle not only got me through this 20-mile run, it gave me more confidence about the 26.2 in three short weeks.

I am a turtle, a smart turtle - and proud of it!