I finished off my last big training week with my second 20 mile run, and it was a success! Zach’s parents are in town from Montana and we all drove out to a beautiful trail west of Portland. Zach ran 18 miles, I ran 20, and the folks hiked a few miles. It was great. I love running.
Here is the recap of my weekend and a few pictures:
Saturday
4.0 miles/34:55/8:44 average pace
Waterfront run with Zach
(Saturday: 60 minute Vinyasa yoga class)
Sunday
20.0 miles/2:54:25/8:43 average pace
Banks Vernonia Trail
This trail is so beautiful and so quiet. It’s one of my very favorite places to run. It’s a rails-to-trails path and is over 20 miles long. Part of it is flat and runs through farmland, and part of it climbs up through forested hills.
We parked at a mid-point and ran out and back in both directions. First, we ran down a couple of miles and then out and back on the flat section. Then it was up, up, up back past the car and through the forest. This part was pretty tough, but the reward was finishing on a nice downhill grade. Here is how that played out in terms of my pace:
2 miles downhill @ 8:44 pace
8 miles flat @ 8:47 pace
6 miles uphill @ 9:08 pace
4 miles downhill @ 7:56 pace
The sun was out and the temperature was so comfortable- high 50’s and low 60’s by the end. So nice to finally get some sunshine.
I pushed a bit harder this time compared to my last 20 miler and my legs are feeling it this afternoon. That could be the accumulation of all my training miles though. Nothing hurts, I’m just tired and sore. I’ll take it. And with three weeks until the Eugene Marathon, I’m heading into taper territory so it’s recovery time! That’s pretty fantastic. More time for yoga and hot tubbing and sleeping. :)
total miles for the week: 52.1
A few pictures from my run today:
Looking back at the flat farmland stretch of the trail:
Forest:
Post-run brunch at Tin Shed in Alberta
Thanks for reading! :)
16 comments:
great job on your 20! I love the Banks Vernonia trail - such a fun place to run.
Looks like a great run! And now time for taper! :)
We haven't tried out that trail before, so we'll have to head out there soon. It looks beautiful! Thanks for the recommendation!
PRETTY pics Jen!! So crazy I look at yours and Aron's miles and I am amazed.. Guess I am doing the best I can as a working Mom....at least I am getting in LONG runs..
I WISH that Eugene were next weekend, I feel so ready to run and run fast.
Fabulous photos Jen - that looks like the most amazing place to do a 20!
Nice going on the miles and the pace as well - you're in VERY strong form!
I will be living in Portland as of September 2010 and you will HAVE to tell me where you went for the beautiful 20 mile run!!! Maybe we can get together cause I love Running as well!!!
Your body is in perfect marathon condition right now. Your getting tired just in time :) That track workout was still awesome despite the hilly warm up and the tired legs.
Your so strong!
Wow! What a cool place! I never knew about it. I totally want to check it out now. Is it good for biking too?
I'd say you're well on your way to a great marathon in a couple of weeks.
Also, caught up on your yoga post too, I think it's awesome you went to a meditation class. I fear I don't have the patience for meditation---which probably means I should go!
That run looks beautiful. Nice job on the 20 miles. The weather sounds perfect! Maybe if I can swing getting out to portland this summer, we can actually go for a run this time?
SO beautiful! Great job on your last 20! Rest that bod and youre going to kick some major marathon booty in a few weeks :)
What a pretty trail! Great job on this last 20-miler, you are so ready for Eugene!
Enjoy the taper and much-needed rest. You have worked so hard and have earned it!
Love and miss you!
Great job on the run... you are set to kick butt in Eugene! Looks like an amazing path to run on! :)
That's a beautiful looking trail for a long run. The surface looks brand new! You're going well Jen. I think you'll pull out a good one at Eugene.
By the way, thanks for your comment on my non-marathon. You're right. One needs to be committed to go to a place that hurts. Half arsed marathons aren't fun or satisfying.
Such a beautiful place to run, Jen. And great job on that 20 miler. You are very consistent and getting faster. I wish I was running Eugene. That is definitely one of my "to do" marathons. I hope to run it next year. Have a great taper!
(I tried emailing you, but I don't think it worked.) I'd love to meet up at the Bridge to Brews. Did you want to meet up after the run in the brews area?
Sorry, I'm behind.....great long run. That pace is amazing. You're going to do great in the race!
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