20.5 Miles

Very pleased about this morning's 20.5 mile skate! Very pleased! It took me 1 hour and 46 minutes so that is just over 11.5 miles an hour. Two factors slowed me this morning from my target 12 mph - hills and rain. I took a route this morning that brought me right in front of Porter's house. In fact, it is exactly 10 miles from my house to his. But wow, talk about hills! Then with about 6 miles left on the way back to home the rain came down hard. Skating in the rain is very tricky because things grease right up and it is impossible to skate depending on the road surface and wheel hardness. Fortunately this morning I did not run into problems even though I was slowed down to keep things safe, the last thing I want right now is a fall with injury.

Besides this being the first 20 mile skate of my training, I am most pleased with overcoming the mental challenges I faced since about 7:00 pm last night. I had 20 miles as my goal and knew I needed to get to bed early. But, I really wanted to spend some time with my wife and so we stayed up until 11:00. I got up at 5:00 am this morning and did not want to skate. I was hoping it was raining out when I looked outside. Nope. I kept telling myself I just do 5 miles and then do 20 tomorrow. I started out and the first 10 miles all I wanted to do was turn back. But, as usual, right at 12 miles (or so) the endorpins surged and I was good to go. I am telling you there is nothing close to the kick of that kind of energy. I finished 2o miles but I believe I could have gone another 6, soon I will be doing that. The marathon is August 20th.