• Recipes
  • Lifestyle
  • Fitness
  • Nutrition
  • |
  • About
  • Work With Me
    • Brand partnerships
    • Nutrition Coaching
February 17, 2014

20 Mile Marathon Training Adventure

37 comments
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

Hello and good morning!

How was your weekend? Any great adventures or long runs to report? I got in my longest training run for LA Marathon training – my 20 miler! I can’t believe the race is in 3 weeks – it’s all downhill from here! Next weekend I’ve got 14 miles, then a short 7 miler, then the race!

IMG_1195

I had another adventure run of sorts, picking up people along the way. My adventure started solo with a run from my apartment up to my friend Karen’s place in Cleveland Park.

IMG_1196

It was a lovely, sunny morning – really cold but beautiful. The only problem was that there was still a ton of snow around everywhere from earlier in the week! I ran through Georgetown, which was looking rather snowy/icy.

IMG_1197

IMG_1198

From Georgetown, I ran up Wisconsin and right on P street, over the bridge (pictured above) and to Dupont Circle, where I turned left on Connecticut to run north up to Cleveland Park. The sidewalks on Connecticut were mostly clear, but there were huge piles of (dirty) snow everywhere. Gross. Spring, we need you!!

IMG_1199

Running over the bridge to Woodley Park:

IMG_1200

I made it to Karen’s place around mile 5. We hadn’t seen each other in a few weeks since we’ve both been so busy (she teaches at Georgetown University, so it’s fun to talk teaching with her) – it was so good to see her again! I missed her. 🙂

washington dc running

Karen and I decided to run through the Zoo…

IMG_1201

And down into Rock Creek Park, hoping that the trails would be okay for us to run to Beech Drive, which is closed to cars on the weekends and lovely to run on.

IMG_1202

But unfortunately the trail looked like this! Fail. We ended up running on it gingerly for about a mile and then bailing at Porter Street. Oh well!

IMG_1203

Instead, we ended up running back to Connecticut and running up north and then back. Not as pretty but it did the job!

When we got back to Karen’s place, she said she was down to run farther with me, so we forged on back towards Georgetown. Yay – I was happy for the company for a little longer! We said farewell once we reached Georgetown and I continued back towards Virginia on my own. Thanks for the miles, Karen! 🙂

IMG_1210

Matt had wanted to do some running on Sunday as well since his soccer game on Saturday was cancelled due to snow, so we made plans for him to meet me at the bottom of the hill of death and to continue on together from there. We ended up meeting on Key Bridge – perfect!

IMG_1212

Matt and I hadn’t run together in ages and it was such a nice treat to have him as company for the end of a long run! I met up with him around mile 14 and we did a big out and back through Arlington to complete my final 6 miles.

IMG_1213

He ended up covering 8 miles total when you included his run to meet me – I was proud! 🙂 We’re doing the Pittsburgh half marathon together (along with a big group of friends + our brothers) in May, so you’ll see him popping up on here for long runs more often! It will be his first half marathon (and his brother Drew’s first, too) – exciting!

IMG_1216

20 miles – boom! Pace was ALL over the place given the snow situation, so it wasn’t as speedy as my long runs have been so far, but whatever. 🙂 Great run and a fun Sunday adventure! One thing that has been nice about winter training is that it gets me outside on days I’d probably normally stay indoors!

IMG_1217

Regarding fuel for this run, I did more of my new favorite from last week: medjool dates stuffed with a little peanut butter and sprinkled with salt. I had 3 of them, plus a small chewy granola bar. Perfect! Loving the real food fuel lately.

I felt surprisingly good for this run, especially considering Matt and I were at our friend’s Kathleen and Zach’s wedding the night before which involved 4 inch heels, dancing, and a couple cocktails. So much fun to celebrate with them, and to see a bunch of old college friends, too!

Matt and I are taking the government holiday today and going skiing with my dad! I’ll be back tomorrow with a recap. Have a wonderful day, everyone!

- anne
share this post:
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Email

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

you might also like:

running in dc in the fall

Top 5 Nutrition Mistakes Made By Runners

How to Recover From a Race

Back in the Game: 14 Mile Training Run!

15 Miles + Cinnamon Rolls of Deliciousness

leave a comment

Cancel reply

37 comments
  • Elizabeth @ Positive Change
    February 17, 2014 · 9:55AM:
    Great job on the 20 miler! Congrats to Matt for running his first 1/2 soon! Have a great day of skiing!
    Reply
  • Jojo @ RunFastEatLots
    February 17, 2014 · 10:45AM:
    It's great that you meet up with friends along the way! And props to you for running when it's cold and gross out. I can't wait for the snow to melt so I won't have to dodge piles of nasty snow and slippery ice!
    Reply
  • Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog
    February 17, 2014 · 11:14AM:
    Good for you for powering through a long run in the cold weather! Sounds like you'll be ready for the marathon in a few weeks. Enjoy skiing!
    Reply
  • Jess @dearhealthyness
    February 17, 2014 · 11:16AM:
    It sounds like a good 20 miler (snow aside), and great to have your husband with you!!
    Reply
  • simple green moms
    February 17, 2014 · 12:07PM:
    20 milers are for crazy people =) good job! and can't wait to hear how your first full goes!
    Reply
  • Aishah@ Coffee, Love, Health
    February 17, 2014 · 12:17PM:
    Ahhhh you are amazing! Go girl!! Enjoy the day skiing, you deserve a nice day of fun and relaxation!
    Reply
  • Sara @ Running Around The Charles
    February 17, 2014 · 12:33PM:
    The snow slows me down so much, especially when I have to run in it. I was telling my friend while we were running, I am not sure whats worse, running in the snow or sand! Good job forging through!
    Reply
  • Crystal
    February 17, 2014 · 12:46PM:
    Nice pictures! I have the same Garmin. Isn't it fabulous. Congrats on your 20 mile run! I am just starting my marathon training for my June 1 marathon. Ran 13 miles yesterday.
    Reply
  • Annie @ Annie Get Your Run
    February 17, 2014 · 2:41PM:
    I'm inspired to try the "real food" refueling for my Baltimore marathon training! Since the race is in October, I'll be running through the hot summer. It'll be trial and error to see what sits well, but the dates sound awesome!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 17, 2014 · 5:48PM:
      Yeah I might still prefer gels in hot weather... in cold definitely liking the real food though!
      Reply
  • Ja@ Ja on the RUN
    February 17, 2014 · 3:18PM:
    Yay! Congrats on the 20miles! :) It's still snowing here like crazy too. Can't wait for warm weather!
    Reply
  • Shel@PeachyPalate
    February 17, 2014 · 3:21PM:
    Amazing!! I'm seriously in awe of your training and dedication whenever I stop by!!! A true inspiration!!!! I'll take a date with peanut butter...running or no running :) Do you and Matt have a similar pace?
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 17, 2014 · 5:47PM:
      He's a lot faster for shorter distances because of all the soccer!
      Reply
  • Stephanie @ Whole Health Dork
    February 17, 2014 · 6:33PM:
    Sounds like you're in great shape for your marathon! Do you add the salt to the dates for taste or electrolytes (or both)? Have fun skiing!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 17, 2014 · 8:48PM:
      Electrolytes :)
      Reply
  • Roadrunner February 17, 2014 · 8:54PM:
    Really impressive, especially considering the snow. Great work! You'll be ready for LA! Hope the skiing was fun...
    Reply
  • Tara | Treble in the Kitchen
    February 18, 2014 · 5:15AM:
    I absolutely love your running recaps!! This may be a weird question, but do you stop to take all of the pictures as you go? I LOVE it and have stopped to take a couple while running, but I am usually with other people and don't want to ruin their pace...who knows, maybe they won't mind!! It's pretty snowy in Indy too which makes running outdoors VERY interesting :) Yay for getting your big 20 miler in!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 18, 2014 · 12:51PM:
      No, I usually take them while I'm running! The only time I stop is (obviously) if I'm in the photo, or if it's really dark out and I wouldn't be able to get a good picture while moving. :) I use a point and shoot so it's easy to take action shots on the go!
      Reply
      • Tara | Treble in the Kitchen
        February 18, 2014 · 8:09PM:
        Of course!!! Tomorrow is our 7 miler...charging my camera tonight to see what kind of pictures I can get! :)
        Reply
  • Runner Girl Eats
    February 18, 2014 · 6:27AM:
    I love that you meet different people throughout the run to keep you company. You are going to do so great at your race!
    Reply
  • Anel February 18, 2014 · 1:23PM:
    Congrats on the 20 miles! I love your "run and pick up people" idea! All that snow! Gross! I'm ready for warmer weather!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 18, 2014 · 4:32PM:
      ME too! Is it spring yet?!??!
      Reply
  • Danielle February 18, 2014 · 2:58PM:
    You will love the Pittsburgh Half! I've done it 3 times and am doing it again this year and it's my favorite! So much crazy crowd support!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 18, 2014 · 3:47PM:
      That's awesome to hear! So excited!
      Reply
  • Laura @losingrace
    February 18, 2014 · 3:12PM:
    Awesome 20 miler, you are certainly going to be well prepped for LA! That's great you got to run the last few with your man, I'm sure it was good motivation knowing he was going to be meeting you!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 18, 2014 · 3:46PM:
      It really was!
      Reply
  • JC
    February 18, 2014 · 10:09PM:
    Hi, long time reader and native Virginian here. I live in Pgh now and will be running the Pgh Half for the first time this May! I've always been in awe of runners and always wished I could run the Half. Took up running about a year and a half ago and ran my first Half last Sept. Anyway, also looking forward to the Pgh Half, have always heard great things. Glad you guys are running it too!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 18, 2014 · 10:30PM:
      Awesome! See you out there! :)
      Reply
  • Christina @ The Beautiful Balance
    February 18, 2014 · 10:10PM:
    20 miles?! That is awesome! I love that you picked up people along the way, it has to make the run that much more enjoyable.
    Reply
  • Kathy Q
    February 20, 2014 · 8:44AM:
    A few days late commenting but I wanted to say I also ran long in DC last wknd and find the best routes are roads like Conn Ave, Wisconsin, etc...sadly the trails and waterfront paths were unworkable. And I know what you mean about running forcing you to spend time outside every day- I think it almost makes winter seem more bearable when you an at least run and enjoy the scenery. Anyway, great job!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 20, 2014 · 9:22AM:
      Totally agree!
      Reply
  • Olivia B. February 20, 2014 · 7:14PM:
    Hi Anne! I'm Olivia and I've been following your blog for a few months now because I'm thinking about becoming a dietitian (I'm a senior in high school)! I'm from Pittsburgh and I'll also be running the half marathon in May! It's a great race- I've been running it for the past 4 years. I'd love it if I would happen to see you there! Keep up the awesome blog!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 21, 2014 · 11:45AM:
      Thanks so much for reading - awesome to hear you want to be an RD, too! Hope to run into you in the 'Burgh in May! :)
      Reply
  • Jennifer February 22, 2014 · 2:25PM:
    Thanks for sharing your long run fuel. I'm in the middle of training for my first marathon and I crave real food not gels. By the way, the Pittsburgh Marathon is my planned race. I haven't signed up yet because I want to be sure I can get past 16 miles.
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 22, 2014 · 3:17PM:
      Nice - hope to see you out there... good luck with training!
      Reply
  • Emily
    February 23, 2014 · 9:26PM:
    Well, atleast there will be much better weather in LA ;) it's gorgeous here this time of year! Nice and cool and sunny!
    Reply
  • Ashley
    February 26, 2014 · 1:32PM:
    A 20 miler after a wedding? I am seriously impressed!
    Reply
- next post
previous post -

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!
Learn more

fannetastic reads

Top Posts
01

My Top 9 Most Popular Recipes + Posts

02

Why I Don’t Recommend Whole30

03

What Causes Sugar Cravings (+ How to Stop Them!)

04

How I Make Money As a Blogger

05

Blog Recipes We Make Again and Again

06

What to Eat Before and After a Long Run

07

What to Eat During Long Runs

08

7 Common Nutrition Myths

09

How to Love Veggies

connect with Anne

Email me
anne mauney

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!

When I’m not writing or cooking for fannetastic food, you can find me running, coaching nutrition clients, or on an adventure with my family. Feel free to reach out - I'd love to hear from you!

follow anne:

join the list

Sign up for my e-newsletter and I'll send you a meal plan packed with a week's worth of healthy meals, snacks and a shopping list. Happy eating!

back to top
  • About
  • Contact
  • Recent Posts
  • Privacy Policy
  • FAQ

© copyright fannetastic food - site by kc - exclusive member of mediavine