Distance Milestone!

The Marine Corps Marathon is about 15 weeks away.  Training is getting real.  I have be doing my long runs using the Galloway method and running with the group when I can.  Yesterday I tackled my longest distance ever 14.3 miles.  I may sound like a broken record but it was of course another hot and humid day in New York City.  We met up at Columbus Circle at 6:30 am for a 6:45 start.  We ran down 59st to the Ed Koch Bridge into Long Island City, across the Pulaski Street Bridge into Greenpoint and Williamsburgh and back.  Three boroughs and 2 bridges (times 2).  I had my camelbak for certain as I knew I would need plenty of fluids.  We had an aid stop set up just for us in Long Island City.  At 4 miles I took in some gatorade, pretzels and 2 oreos.  On the way back I refilled my camelbak with water and nunn, had two cups of gatorade, and more pretzels.  I had some gel and cliff shot blocks for energy as well.  I tried out my first gel which was the Body Surge that I got in my July Stride box (which I never posted about, lol).   It sat while in my stomach and I would try it again but definitely another flavor ( I was given double espresso).   My cooling towel made a big difference as I probably would have had to drop back to catch the 45/45 group.  I felt pretty group for the majority of the run and was able to stay near the front of the group.  The return on the Ed Koch Bridge (which is apparently  notorious for affecting runners during the Marathon) really took a lot out of me.  The sun was overhead and beaming.  I slowed during to the middle of the pack and stayed there until we returned to Columbus circle.  My shirt and sportsbra were extremely soaked and I knew I would have to pick up something dry to change into for the train ride home.   My feet also started to swell.  I waited until TJ Maxx opened and purchased a shirt, Danskin sports bra, and flip flops which made my ride back home bearable.   I was sore but not completely done so I very happy to complete my longest run ever.   The next longest distance with be 17.5 in a couple of weeks.