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Home » Fitness » Running » Marathon Training

February 3, 2014 (Updated April 12, 2023)

18 Mile Marathon Training Run + Apply for the TCS NYC Marathon

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

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Hello and happy Monday! It’s officially week 2 of the Winter Shape Up – for those of you joining us, check out that page for links to the week 2 meal plan and week 2 workouts! Gina and I have been loving seeing all your updates on social media and in our Winter Shape Up Facebook group. Keep them coming – you guys are rocking it! 🙂

I had a nice weekend, and I hope you did, too! One of the highlights of mine was an awesome 18 mile marathon training run on Saturday! Wait, did I just say “awesome” and “18 mile run” in the same sentence? Yes, yes I did.

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It was a beautiful day here on Saturday – the whole weekend was much warmer and sunnier, which was such a nice change. This week’s run was done in two parts with two good college friends: the first half with Kathleen and the second half with Sarah! It was so fun catching up with both of them in the sunshine.

For part 1, Kathleen and I met up at the Smithsonian metro stop on Saturday morning, ready to go. Kathleen was up for between 8 and 10 miles, and we set off down the mall together, enjoying the time to catch up and chat.

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We headed over towards the tidal basin, passing through the MLK Memorial on the way.

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Despite the frozen water, it was quite warm on Saturday (well, high 40s/low 50s?) and we had a blast chatting and enjoying the fresh air.

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From the tidal basin, we ran north along the Rock Creek trail along the water.

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We looped back and ended up at the Lincoln Memorial about an hour and 15 minutes after we started, where we planned to meet up with our college friend Sarah for part 2 of the run! Here I am with Kathleen:

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Once Sarah arrived, the three of us forged on together back towards the Smithsonian metro, where Sarah and I said farewell to Kathleen and continued on on our own for part 2 of the run.

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8ish miles down – 10 more to go! Sarah and I decided to do a loop around the Capitol, then run back down the mall and over the 14th street bridge to the VA side of the river.

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Hello, Capitol! You’re looking lovely.

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Regarding fuel, I had a mocha Clif shot gel earlier in the run (about 5 miles in, eaten slowly), and after meeting up with Sarah I noshed on this Cascadian farm granola bar. I’ve been digging the real food lately on really long runs vs. gummies!

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Here’s a shot from our run over the 14th street bridge. The water looked so cool.

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Once over the bridge, we headed down onto the Mt. Vernon Trail, which you guys know is a favorite of mine. We were both feeling great and chatting away!

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Last time I saw this part of the trail it was covered in snow! This was a nice change. 😉

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Sarah and I decided to do a loop around Roosevelt Island to finish out our run. Lots of people were out strolling on the trails on the island! It’s crazy that it’s so close to the city – you feel like you’re in the middle of nowhere!

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Sarah and I said our farewells when we reached Rosslyn and I forged on to finish the final mile of my run solo. My last mile was the hill of death up to Courthouse/Clarendon, but I was surprisingly still feeling awesome and trucked up it with no problem! That was a nice change from previous weeks. 😉

18 miles – done! Great pace, too.

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This was the best I’ve felt on a long run in quite awhile. A big thank you to Kathleen and Sarah for keeping me company out there! 🙂 Always love running with the two of them!

Splits:

    • Mile 1: 8:48
    • Mile 2: 9:10
    • Mile 3: 8:51
    • Mile 4: 8:48
    • Mile 5: 8:59
    • Mile 6: 8:56
    • Mile 7: 8:57
    • Mile 8: 9:17
    • Mile 9: 9:17
    • Mile 10: 8:53
    • Mile 11: 9:12
    • Mile 12: 9:07
    • Mile 13: 8:57
    • Mile 14: 8:51
    • Mile 15: 8:56
    • Mile 16: 9:31 (muddy/rocky trail slowed us down)
    • Mile 17: 9:40 (trail still)
    • Mile 18: 9:24 (great hill of death pace!)

It felt good to get such a great long run in. Yay! And thanks to an ice bath and some solid foam rolling, I felt felt good for the rest of the day/on Sunday, too.

And now, while we’re talking about marathons, I wanted to share some news about one of THE marathons: the New York City Marathon. FitFluential reached out to me as part of a sponsored campaign with the New York Road Runners and I was happy to participate to spread the word! I’ve always thought the NYC Marathon was cool, but it wasn’t until I had the opportunity to spectate it last fall and see all the excitement in person that I realized how truly special it is as a race. It’s the kind of thing you don’t really “get” until you’re there, you know?

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The crowd support is one of the coolest things about the NYC Marathon. We watched from Central Park South and there were hordes of people around cheering on the runners all day long. From what I hear the crowd support is absolutely amazing throughout the whole course, which takes you through all five boroughs in the city. Matt and I spent most of the morning and afternoon out cheering and the fun was contagious!

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After spectating the race last fall, I immediately put it on my race “bucket list”. I don’t think I’ll be ready for it this fall, but I know that someday I’ll do this race, even if only to see what it’s like to do such a famous and legendary marathon. The excitement in the city the whole weekend was just electrifying. And seeing elites like Geoffrey Mutai whiz by was pretty awesome, too. 🙂

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So, there are a few ways to get the opportunity to run the NYC Marathon:

  1. Guaranteed entry by time – aka run really freaking fast in another race and qualify. I don’t think I’ll ever be getting into the race through this route, but I suppose you never know. Maybe someday. 🙂
  2. Guaranteed entry by eligibility – more details at the link as to who qualifies for this. 
  3. Lottery selection for NYC-metro area applicants (e.g. residents in and within 60 miles of New York City)
  4. Lottery selection for “National” applicants (U.S. residents outside of the tri-state area). This will be me someday!
  5. Lottery selection for “International” applicants (non–U.S. residents)

This year, the TCS New York City Marathon is making it a little easier for 60 runners who apply for the lottery; there will be 6 weekly sweepstakes drawings during which 10 lucky runners (one from each of the 5 boroughs and 5 national and international runners from the marathon applicant database) will win a non-complimentary, guaranteed entry into the 2014 TCS New York City Marathon. Drawings will take place every Monday from February 3 – March 10 so the earlier you register, the more chances you have to get picked! Visit the TCS NYC Marathon website to apply. If you don’t win a guaranteed entry as part of the contest, you will automatically be added to the general marathon drawing to be conducted in March.

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For those considering the TCS New York City Marathon (general registration closes on March 18), consider joining the New York Road Runners (NYRR) and FitFluential for a twitter chat on this Thursday, February 6, 2014 at 9 p.m. EST. Follow the hashtag #TCSNYCMarathonApply and be sure you are following both NYRR (@NYRR) and FitFluential (@FitFluential), too! During this chat, you’ll have a chance to hear from Coach John Honerkamp who has coached runners of all ages and abilities for 15 years. He also ran the 2010 ING NYC Marathon in 2:44:22!

Have you applied for the lottery (or do you have a guaranteed entry?) for the TCS New York City Marathon this fall?

How was your weekend? Any great training runs to report?

- anne
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38 comments
  • Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run
    February 3, 2014 · 1:29PM:
    look at those tan legs of yours in the middle of winter!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 3, 2014 · 3:04PM:
      I don't know why the photos make me look tan because I'm totally pale in person! Although I have been running in shorts on all these sunnier days - maybe that's why!
      Reply
  • Jenn@Mark My Miles
    February 3, 2014 · 1:42PM:
    I needed to get 18 miles in this weekend but had only got in 8 : ( I need to find a running group that meets later on Saturdays for motivation and company. Loving the Shape UP!!!
    Reply
  • Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork
    February 3, 2014 · 2:18PM:
    I'm impressed with the title of this post (and the fact that it was true!). I have to say that, being a Massachusetts girl I think of THE marathon as the Boston Marathon, but I know the NYC one is up there as well. Congrats on helping to spread the word and thanks for the info!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 3, 2014 · 3:03PM:
      I feel like NYC and Boston are the two biggies for me - totally agree! Both are on my bucket list! :)
      Reply
  • Sara @ Zero to Sixty
    February 3, 2014 · 2:33PM:
    SHORTS?! I am so jealous.... I missed out on this weekends nice weather in Massachusetts! :( I bought my boyfriend Duke @ Syracuse tickets (he is a HUGE cuse fan) so we were in central NY all weekend. Saturday was warmer but not as nice as it was in DC or MA! I got a 6 mile run in on Saturday before the game though, and had 3 miles under 9:00 pace which is good for me. :) Great run this weekend!! Good job sticking with it on your last mile with hills!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 3, 2014 · 3:02PM:
      I know, shorts felt like SUCH a luxury!
      Reply
  • Jillienne @ ChasingRaspberries
    February 3, 2014 · 2:45PM:
    I had an awesome 18 miles on Saturday too! It was my first long run that was truly enjoyable. See you at the LA marathon!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 3, 2014 · 3:02PM:
      Awesome - glad to hear it! See you out there!
      Reply
  • Shel@PeachyPalate
    February 3, 2014 · 3:14PM:
    Awesome pace and gorgeous pics always!!! You share so many gorgeous pics I feel as if I was there on the run with you when reading your "run catch up" posts!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 3, 2014 · 3:46PM:
      Yay! That's the goal :) I love sharing them so I'm happy you enjoy them!
      Reply
  • Jennifer February 3, 2014 · 3:52PM:
    Congrats on your 18 miles! I am following the Winter Shape Up and am loving your meal suggestions. Recent fav = sweet potato and lentil curry and your banana spinach smoothies. Yum yum yum. Thank you for creating healthy, affordable recipes with a minimal amount of ingredients. I love to cook but it's so nice to whip up something great and healthy quickly. All the best to you in training.
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 3, 2014 · 4:48PM:
      I'm so glad to hear you're enjoying my recipes! Thank you for reading :)
      Reply
  • Kate @ SoCal Runner Gal
    February 3, 2014 · 4:20PM:
    Awesome pace! Come run my 16 with me this week? ;)
    Reply
  • karen - Fit in France
    February 3, 2014 · 4:44PM:
    I am impressed that you train like that - even more so in the cold weather. Keep up the great work !! and LOVe the DC pictures. I ran on Sunday here in Paris... spring like weather, 6 miles. So many people out I thought I was running a race... thats what happens when we get blue skies and sun on a Sunday morning !
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 3, 2014 · 4:47PM:
      Wow, Paris- I'm envious! :)
      Reply
  • Kayla
    February 3, 2014 · 5:05PM:
    applied for the NYCM, if I get in it will be my first!!
    Reply
  • Tricia @ Balance In Progress
    February 3, 2014 · 5:39PM:
    I am always so jealous of your running posts. It looks like you have an amazing system of trails/paths by you! I will have to check them out if I venture out to DC.
    Reply
  • Taylor @ Singletrackedmind
    February 3, 2014 · 5:48PM:
    Great pace! Congrats on your 18-miler.
    Reply
  • Elizabeth @ Positive Change
    February 3, 2014 · 7:38PM:
    Awesome run this weekend! I love looking at your pictures so much, D.C. is one of my absolute favorite cities! This week I had a great 9 miler on the docket, but was completed on the treadmill do to the crazy cold/wind :(
    Reply
  • Julie @ RDelicious Kitchen
    February 3, 2014 · 7:59PM:
    so jealous you are wearing shorts running outside right now! .. I'm stuck inside on the treadmill these days with all the snow!
    Reply
  • Ashley @ Kick Ash Mom.com
    February 4, 2014 · 8:15AM:
    You are doing awesome! I remember my 18 mile training run. It was such an amazing feeling after it was done!
    Reply
  • Megan (The Lyons' Share)
    February 4, 2014 · 9:49AM:
    Congrats on an awesome run! Love when things just go as well as possible! I've also been enjoying solid foods lately - after years of gus and chews, I went back to the basics with a cut up Clif bar ... and it's worked amazingly for the past 6+ weeks of long runs!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 4, 2014 · 10:45AM:
      I've been finding real food for the second half of the run just has me feeling less sick to my stomach by the end of the run/after!
      Reply
  • Katie R February 4, 2014 · 11:33AM:
    Had a nice run on Sunday here in DC - so nice! Only 7.5 miles for me, working my distance back up after being sick for several weeks. I entered the NYC lottery in December - I hope I get in!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 4, 2014 · 12:17PM:
      Nice!! Good luck getting in! :)
      Reply
  • Kelly @ Kelly Runs For Food
    February 4, 2014 · 11:43AM:
    Your views are amazing, as always! I'm not training for anything (unless you count the Super Bowl food), but I got in 6.5 miles on Sunday. It felt so good to run outside in short sleeves!
    Reply
  • Laura @losingrace
    February 4, 2014 · 11:46AM:
    Awesome training run, solid miles and pace... I see great things at LA for you! I spectated at NYC this year as well and I agree that even spectating it is an experience. I had so much fun cheering and being there for it. Definitely a race I would spectate again, and one I would definitely run in the future.
    Reply
  • Theodora
    February 4, 2014 · 12:36PM:
    March 2013: "I could never run a full!" May 2013: "Do you think I could run a full?" February 2014: "I'm training for my second full within 4 months and def want to do NYC someday." I love this change :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 4, 2014 · 1:06PM:
      Lol right?? Who am I!
      Reply
  • Roadrunner February 4, 2014 · 6:12PM:
    Really impressive, and well thought-out, on the 18-miler, Anne. And, hey, why not do the NYC Marathon? You can do it!
    Reply
  • wendy February 4, 2014 · 7:40PM:
    as someone who tried multiple times to win a lottery spot in the NYC marathon, it is incredibly frustrating to see commerical entities such as fitfuential take up valuable spots in the race.
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 4, 2014 · 8:24PM:
      I think you misread this post - fitfluential is just helping to spread the word about the race via their campaign with nyrr, not taking any spots!
      Reply
  • Christina @ The Beautiful Balance
    February 4, 2014 · 9:29PM:
    Your views for your runs are insane! Seriously, so gorgeous!
    Reply
  • Tara | Treble in the Kitchen
    February 6, 2014 · 4:29AM:
    The New York City Marathon is a "bucket list" item of mine too. I love looking at your long run pics...always so pretty!
    Reply
  • Austin Bonds
    February 10, 2014 · 11:28AM:
    Wow. I would very much like to visit DC and go for some runs up there. What a picturesque view! It looks like the weather was nice too. I've applied for the NYC marathon and like thousands of other hopefuls, will be waiting to see I get in through the lottery. As to qualifying for time, the half marathon time is bit beyond reach right now. However, speaking of time, I will wholeheartedly disregard any time goal if I do get in and run through the boroughs of New York and take in all of the amazing scenery. As your hat says, Run Happy! Austin
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2014 · 11:38AM:
      Awesome - best of luck and hope you get in!
      Reply
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about Anne

anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

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