This morning I met up with the awesome Alyssa and Katie for our long run around San Francisco.
I was actually a little nervous for this run for a few reasons:
- Distance: I was shooting for 20 miles but was kind of nervous that might not happen. I ran 17 miles last weekend, but was pretty tired at the end… who knows what would happen today.
- Company: Alyssa and Katie are fast. I was hoping I could keep up.
- Course: We were planning on covering 20 miles of the San Francisco Marathon course to get a sneak peek of the race coming up in 5 (!) weeks. I have ran SFM before (full and both halves) so I know it’s tough and knew today’s run wouldn’t be a walk in the park.
Combine all those things and it made for a nervous Aron! I was excited though, I love these 2 girls, love running in SF, and knew I would feel awesome after 20 miles.
After a 5am wake up and 45 minute drive into the city to meet the girl, we were ready.
Bring it!
We had a ton to talk about and definitely noticed it in our pace in the first few miles. Ever notice when you have hot topics to talk about you speeeeed up?! That was definitely the case.
I am planning on doing an SFM preview post soon, so I brought my camera along to document parts of the route. We were all feeling good, fueling as planned and cruising along (and I was keeping up!).
![DSCN0585[1]](http://www.runnersrambles.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/DSCN05851.jpg "DSCN0585[1]")
It was a cool morning and as we made our way around the city, the fog came out and I was in runner’s heaven.
![DSCN0600[1]](http://www.runnersrambles.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/DSCN06001.jpg "DSCN0600[1]")
We climbed the hills, flew down the downhills, and generally just had a good time. I had a couple waves of “my stomach is pissy” and “I don’t think I can run anymore hills” but these girls pulled me through and we finished our run strong.
20 miles of the SFM course later we were back where we started, all happy, tired and proud of conquering SF!
Such a great day.
20.0 miles/2:53:34/8:40 avg pace
Tomorrow we are having a massive blogger meet up and I am SO excited to see so many old friends and meet some new ones.
It’s definitely going to be a weekend of running and friends… the best kind if you ask me.
super awesome! great job
I love this & I loved this morning!!
DANG WOMAN!! GREAT GREAT RUN!!!! Wish I could run with you….I don’t think we would stop talking the entire time!
WOW! What a fantastic run, and SF has the best scenery to do it in!
Holy Fast Batman!! That is an awesome pace. Great job!
Great run! Enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Great pace for your 20!
aww I’m so homesick! I am coming home next weekend to SF for a concert. If I get into town early enough Friday night (I’m driving up with my 2 dogs) I’m going to crash the SFM training run saturday.
)
Awesome run! I’m no expert at your historical long run pace, but that sounds like of your fastest 20 mile runs ever. It sounds like your training mojo is back. I mean if you run a 8:40 pace at SF marathon that would be awesome. Or who knows, maybe you will have the run of your life at SF and even break your marathon PR =)
I think running with slightly faster folks is the way to go, Aron! Awesome pace on this run+ you had fun. Win Win!
Running freinds are the best!
Great job Aron! I would love to run in San Fran! Good push to run with speedy girls and your pace showed it. 8:40 for a training 20 on hills is AWESOME! Have fun with the Blogger meetup! FUN:)
Awesome run! 20 miles is huge! Can’t wait to read your SFM post.
Enjoy your weekend
You totally smoked it! What a FUN and confidence-boosting long run. Atta girl!!!