The Dreaded Week 15

Most training programs have a high week of training.  I'm following Hal Higdon's training program and week 15 is the highest week.  In total, week 15 is 40 miles of running.  (5, 10, 5, 20)  Since signing up for the marathon in February I have been dreading this week of training wondering how I'd EVER be able to run 20 miles in one day.  Well week 15 has come and gone and so is my fear of running 20 miles in a day.   

This 20 mile run wasn't looking promising for me earlier in the week.  On my long run in week 14 I had to run 14 miles and the last 2 miles felt like I my legs couldn't support my weight.  I started to get nervous for the 20 miler.  All week even touching my shins was painful.  I did everything I could to feel better.  After finishing the 5, 10 and 5 mile runs I was feeling confident for my 20 miler...then I woke up Friday morning with awful vertigo.  As the day progressed I felt like I had a fever...sure enough, I did.  I considered holding my run off until Sunday but prepared for it to be on Saturday just in case.  Ice packs on my knees and ankles, peace of mind lotion rubbed into my temples and eucalyptus oil rubbed on my chest I went to bed.  I woke up Saturday morning feeling great...ish.  By 6:30 the sun had finally risen and I was on my way.  Sure I had some crazy pains in my legs but who wouldn't after training for 14 weeks.  My pains shifted as I ran; pain I felt going uphill was different from the pain I had on my downhills.   There were times I was wondering if I was even picking my feet up to run and there were times I felt like I could really push it.  While it was tough at times I never thought to throw in the towel.  I actually ended up doing a 21 mile run...a little extra practice and proof that I could do the full 26.2 in 3 weeks. 

After the run I had a date with my pal...the ice bath.  As I sat in there shaking and cursing I thought, "This is it!  I have done it...I made it to 20 miles!"  On race day pure adrenaline and cheering spectators will carry me through the last 6.2 miles.  I can honestly say I'm ready and pumped.  I was pleased when I saw my times.  I was able to maintain a decent avg pace that will certainly make it possible to hit my goal for the marathon.  Originally my goal was not die, then it moved to finish the marathon and finally ended at sub 4 hours. 
This afternoon I had to attend my sister's engagement party...I'll just say I may have been in a dress but I didn't look like much of a lady today.  My sister told me my walk looked like I had just gotten off a horse and each time I sat down or got up or if I went up or down stairs I yelped a bit. I am beyond tired but am fighting with myself to stay up....I'm hoping I can keep this fight going until 9.   ha ha  I think I'll be sore in the morning, but it's expected. 
While there are still 21 days until the race and plenty of runs to do, I think it's safe to say I'm ready for 10-13-13!