As I was parking I mentally mapped out my challenge, a figure out course along the outer edges of the base and cutting through the center that I'd run many times before....only this time I would be doing it twice. I picked my direction out to ensure the "long, boring" stretch was what I started with knowing that I'd need the several short term landmarks on the final stretch to make it. As I started I briefly entertained the thought that the course was probably closer to 10 miles so a double loop would make a 20 miler, but I pushed it aside with the thought that I'd have a cool down walk to end it if needed. I set out slow and methodically, planning out my fueling and hydration strategy based on rough mileage/time estimates. Whereas I'd normally mentally check off points on the course I just let my mind wander and enjoyed the warm spring air (we'd been blessed with a nice day for a change!) and the critters here and there (mostly squirrels and bull frogs). As I came back up the center of the figure 8 the second time (so nearing completion of the first full figure 8) I realized the loop may be closer to 11 miles, but pushed it aside. I was feeling good so I decided I was running the entire thing...probably getting 20 miles in, and maybe a little more!
As I approached my car I still felt strong and was surprised with how well I was doing. I intentionally did not let myself check the Garmin as I was afraid knowing the exact mileage would somehow psych me out on my second loop. During the second loop I starting checking points off mentally...the long boring stretch is DONE for today...only 1 more time up this 1.5 mile center stretch and I'll be done with it....this is the last time I pass through the office areas today....the fence line stretch is DONE for today... I refused to check the Garmin, still knowing I'd do the math and figure out my total distance despite not wanting to know. I know the rough mileage of each stretch of the loop and it wouldn't be hard to figure the total. As I came up the center one final time I started struggling a little. I'd been doing good with my fueling and hydration plan, but suddenly my knees were aching and within a tenth of a mile I had pain in my ankles (that was new). Without even thinking I glanced at the Garmin...17.24 miles...I was NOT stopping now! I used the Judd's bday mentality to keep pushing through the pain, but I worried with each stabbing in the knee if I was doing damage that I'd regret later. The Garmin beeped...mile 18, but the pain was letting up...I was almost done with this section, I wasn't stopping. As I turned the corner for the final stretch the pain was gone and I was fine again. A quick glance at the Garmin had me just over 18 miles. Even quicker math had me realizing I would be over 21 but not quite to 22 miles if I finished up the loop. I committed to it.
Approaching the final stretch along the waterfront I found myself struggling again. This time there was no pain, my body was just done. I had nothing left in the tank. I'd used my last GU miles before and was low on eneregy. All in all I'd taken in 2 Stinger Waffles, 4 GUs, 16oz of Gatorade, and 16oz of water; but I'd been running for over four hours. I knew I could finish, but I knew I was going to have to push through on empty. I started concentrating on bragging rights....I already had my Facebook status mentally composed....I LOVE my body, sure I've got jiggles and bulges and blemishes that I'm not a fan of, but the realization that this tangle of muscles, tendons, ligaments, etc can pull me 2?? miles without stopping is amazing! (I reworded it MANY times in my head and am not sure what the final post actually was...but that was the gist.) The only thing left was to replace the ?? with a number. I knew I'd be over 21 and 22 sounded SOOOO much better, but I didn't know if I'd have it in me to pass the car and go the extra distance to round it out. Between miles 20 and 21, while all of this struggling and mental chatter were occuring, I decided that if I got to the car and the mileage was over 21.3 I would continue, anything under .3 and I'd call the run 21 1/4 and be done. As I approached the car a quick Garmin glance read 21.36...to the corner and back should hit 22!
I hit my mark, turned, and head back to the car. A quick glance at the Garmin told me I was going to be just short. I couldn't stomach the thought of passing the car again! I start zig zagging back and forth across the road in wide sweeps. After 4 such passes I'd added just enough that I could turn into the parking lot and go a few feet beyond the car and....BEEP!!!! I was done. 22 miles complete, I stopped the Garmin and walked to the car. First order of business a quick pic to mark my first 22 miler
That night I made a bigger mental note...sunscreen is required! I was fried and had some serious raccoon eyes from the sunglasses!
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