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Home » Fitness » Running » Marathon Training

February 10, 2014 (Updated April 28, 2021)

A 16 Mile Running Adventure

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

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Good morning!

How were your weekends? Get in any great training runs or fun adventures?

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On Saturday, my first task of business was a 16 mile LA marathon training run! I’m just under a month out from the race now and feeling pretty good. I can’t believe it’s so soon! It will be nice that hopefully when the race is over, the weather will be getting nicer so I can enjoy going for long hikes and bike rides with Matt on weekends and not worrying about getting in super long runs.

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It was a bit of a gloomy and cold day on Saturday – snow was forecast, though thankfully it held off – but the fun company I had on my run brightened things up with no problem. 🙂

I did an adventure run of sorts, picking up people as I went. Part 1 of the adventure was running solo to my college friend Sarah’s apartment in Dupont Circle. I ran over Key Bridge, through Georgetown…

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Up Wisconsin and made a right on P street until I reached the circle, and shortly after, her apartment.

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Once at Sarah’s, I had run about 3.6 miles already, and then we set off together for 4ish more miles. We decided to run 2 miles north (uphill – arg – good training!), through Woodley Park and the zoo and past Cleveland Park, then turn around.

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When we got back to Dupont, we picked up two more people – me and Sarah’s mutual friend Gabby and Gabby’s friend Erin. They were interested in doing 6 miles, so we forged on together, deciding to do most of the run along the C&O Canal/Capital Crescent Trail, which we accessed via Georgetown.

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The four of us had a great time – it was awesome to meet Erin and to catch up a little with Gabby, who I hadn’t seen in awhile. This run felt like such an adventure, adding people on every few miles. I loved it!

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When we turned back, we stopped for a photo. 🙂 Such a fun group!

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A bit too chilly for boating, I think… 😉

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For fuel on this run, I decided to try something new as I haven’t really been feeling the gels lately, and the gummies I liked in summer/fall training for the Richmond Marathon get really cold and hard to chew now that it’s so freezing out.

Introducing my new favorite fuel: medjool dates pitted, filled with a small amount of peanut butter, and sprinkled with a little sea salt. SO GOOD. Totally doing this again. I’ve also still been loving chewy granola bars on long runs.

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While I noshed on my fuel, the girls and I ran back towards Georgetown, where we parted ways and I set off for my final 2 miles of the run back home.

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My last mile was, of course, the dreaded mile long hill of death. Ohhh how I hate that hill. But I know I’ll be glad that most of my runs have included it when I arrive in LA in a month! I was feeling pretty tired but did my best to power up it, slow and steady. No walking = success.

16 miles – another long run in the books!

Splits:

    • Mile 1: 8:29 (downhill)
    • Mile 2: 8:42
    • Mile 3: 8:36
    • Mile 4: 8:56
    • Mile 5: 9:27 (uphill)
    • Mile 6: 9:24 (uphill)
    • Mile 7: 9:02
    • Mile 8: 9:14
    • Mile 9: 9:15
    • Mile 10: 9:35
    • Mile 11: 9:28
    • Mile 12: 9:49
    • Mile 13: 9:28
    • Mile 14: 9:44
    • Mile 15: 9:15
    • Mile 16: 9:48 (hill of death)

Thanks for keeping me company out there, ladies! 🙂

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I felt pretty wiped out the rest of the day after this run, in comparison to last week when I felt great all day after running 18 miles. Weird how that happens, isn’t it? Either way – got it done. One long run closer to the race!

Now it’s your turn – how was your run this weekend? And how are you all enjoying the Winter Shape Up? Gina shared the week 3 workout plan this morning and this week’s workout looks like another awesome one! On the nutrition front, week 3’s meal plan is up and I hope you’re all getting ready to enjoy today’s lunch, which is an old favorite of mine: Healthier Chicken Salad!

Hope you all have a wonderful day, my friends!

- anne
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50 comments
  • Sean M
    February 10, 2014 · 11:27AM:
    I've been using dates for sometime now (the gels just contain too many chemicals for me) but I never thought of stuffing them with PB and a little sea salt. I'm definitely going to try that! I've also started using a vegan Chia seed protein bar that seems to work well. The strange thing is it takes my mind off of running because I spend another 30 minutes trying to get the chia seeds out of my teeth! (I know, gross! But it helps keep my mind off any discomfort and keep running!)
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2014 · 11:39AM:
      Lol! Which brand bar is it? Great idea!
      Reply
  • Logan @ Mountains and Miles
    February 10, 2014 · 11:27AM:
    Looks like it was a great run and so awesome that so many friends could join you!! I had two solo 13 mile trail runs this weekend and they reminded me how much more trail-specific training I need to do before my ultra in June. I feel you on the death hills! I live in DC right next to the National Cathedral and every direction is down, down down, making the end of my runs always up, up, up. I grumble about it regularly, but I truly believe it makes me a stronger runner!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2014 · 11:39AM:
      I know those hills well - they are rough! But you're right - we'll be stronger for it!
      Reply
      • Katryn
        February 10, 2014 · 2:10PM:
        Just have to chime in here...I live on 14th st. in DC a couple miles south of Columbia Heights. OMG the hills...you face them in any direction! I guess they make us stronger runners but...they aren't fun!
        Reply
  • Elizabeth @ Positive Change
    February 10, 2014 · 11:34AM:
    Great job on the 16! I can't believe that the marathon is coming up in a month! I feel like you just ran Richmond! This weekend I had a really great long run, just ready for some of this snow and cold to clear out!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2014 · 11:37AM:
      I know I can't believe it either! Glad to hear you had a great run too!
      Reply
  • Laura@SneakersandSpatulas
    February 10, 2014 · 11:46AM:
    Sounds like a fun run with all those people joining! I wish we lived closer and then I could join some of those runs! :) I ran the Krispy Kreme Challenge this weekend in Raleigh and it is a crazy fun race! http://www.sneakersandspatulas.com/2014/02/09/krispy-kreme-challenge-recap/
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2014 · 12:00PM:
      Fun!! I wanted to do that when I was in Chapel Hill but sadly never did!
      Reply
  • mary @ minutes per mile
    February 10, 2014 · 11:59AM:
    love dates/raisins on a long run! never thought of sea salt, though... that takes it to a gourmet level. nice run -- you got this!!
    Reply
  • Abi@AbsofSteel
    February 10, 2014 · 12:10PM:
    Your marathon training keeps me inspired to work at my half-marathon training. I can't even imagine doing multiple runs over 12 miles within the same month. But I'm starting to think I need to find myself some running buddies to keep me company.
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2014 · 12:35PM:
      Running buddies make all the difference!
      Reply
  • Erin | The Emerging Foodie
    February 10, 2014 · 12:22PM:
    What a fun run! That would definitely keep you entertained! I'm loving that idea for the dates! I'm currently training with some friends for our first marathon in June (the Rock n Roll in Seattle) and been wondering about what type of fuel I'll want with me--definitely trying the date idea. So compact and yummy! Brilliant. :)
    Reply
  • Melissa
    February 10, 2014 · 12:26PM:
    I absolutely hate running so I must applause you for your dedication. I will say that I do enjoy all the pictures you post along the way though. I haven't had the chance to travel to Washington, but you sure make me want to come check it out! It looks beautiful, even in the winter!
    Reply
  • Kristen February 10, 2014 · 12:26PM:
    I had a great 10 mile run this weekend. Of course I'm wimping out and sticking to the treadmill in this cold weather, but its better than nothing right? One of my favorite country artists has a cd coming out this week but had a free streaming of the cd for the past week which has been fueling my runs. Having a fresh playlist is amazing! This run made me feel like I'm closer to my half-marathon shape than I think which was my goal to not totally lose it over winter.
    Reply
  • Annie @ Annie Get Your Run
    February 10, 2014 · 12:43PM:
    I need to incorporate more hills into my runs. Unfortunately there aren't many in Philly! I'm doing the Baltimore Marathon in October and I'm already freaking out a little!
    Reply
    • Sara @ Zero to Sixty
      February 10, 2014 · 1:22PM:
      Hi Annie! I am not sure where in Philly you live but have you tried looking at a routes in Manayunk? There are a lot of hills there!
      Reply
      • Annie @ Annie Get Your Run
        February 10, 2014 · 1:26PM:
        Hey Sara! I've done the hills in Manayunk a few times, but mostly on my long runs. I think I'm going to do hill repeats by the Art Museum and in West Philly on my shorter ones. Thanks for the suggestion!!
        Reply
  • Sara @ Zero to Sixty
    February 10, 2014 · 1:20PM:
    great run as usual! :) My long run felt like crap on Sunday. They haven't done a good job clearing snow on the bike path that I run on on Sundays... oh my god running on snow feels like running on the beach! Also that snack looks so good! When do you feel like you should start refueling during runs? I am training to do a half... so I was just wondering when you started too! :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2014 · 1:26PM:
      I start fueling for 10+ miles!
      Reply
  • RunEatRepeat
    February 10, 2014 · 1:26PM:
    Fun run!!! Can't wait to see ya in LA :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2014 · 2:04PM:
      Yay, so excited! :)
      Reply
  • Amelia @i_heart_kale February 10, 2014 · 1:34PM:
    What a fun run! I bet it seemed a lot more doable, especially if you break it up with pit stops of picking up new people rather than thinking that you have to run 16 miles solo. Plus, more conversation makes the miles fly by. I love stuffed dates. I usually stuff mine with coconut butter, sprinkle of sea salt, and freeze. They don't ooze and they end up giving me a surge of energy. Gotta love coconut! :)
    Reply
  • Shannon February 10, 2014 · 1:56PM:
    I bought those medjool dates once and they sat around, I think it weirded me out that they are like huge raisins?? However, I found from that same company date rolls covered in pistachios! I keep them at work for an afternoon snack.
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2014 · 2:04PM:
      Sounds delicious!
      Reply
  • Roadrunner February 10, 2014 · 2:00PM:
    Love how you had different friends join you for different portions of the run. Very clever. And those dates look super!
    Reply
  • Katryn
    February 10, 2014 · 2:06PM:
    Honestly, I feel like all those gels and gus are a racket! The companies make you feel like you need this special fuel. When I was marathon training I found that my tummy was happiest with real foods like dates, nuts, granola, etc. The fuels can get expensive too!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2014 · 2:14PM:
      I know, I'm starting to think the same thing!
      Reply
      • Courtney @ Eat Pray Run, DC
        February 10, 2014 · 2:37PM:
        Hmmm...I may try a granola bar for this weekend's run - it is getting expensive constantly buying shot bloks!
        Reply
  • Brittney @ Sweets 'N' Greens
    February 10, 2014 · 2:08PM:
    Awesome that you have so many running buddies! Congrats on a great run!
    Reply
  • Ryanne
    February 10, 2014 · 2:36PM:
    I did 10 miles on the Mt. Vernon trail Saturday.....I love seeing so many people out running! I'm doing the Cherry Blossom 10-miler and signed up for my 5th half in May....your posts are really making me want to do a full marathon!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2014 · 3:01PM:
      Fun - love cherry blossom!
      Reply
  • laura February 10, 2014 · 2:58PM:
    Hello! I actually just completed my longest run yet, a 10km run that included a hill of death and 2 hills of torture. Nothing like the feeling of success after a new personal record run distance! But just thinking about 16miles make me want to cry LOL! good luck on the rest of your training! Laura
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2014 · 3:00PM:
      Congrats on your run and on dominating those hills! :)
      Reply
  • Shel@PeachyPalate
    February 10, 2014 · 3:15PM:
    So many variables I guess but at least you had good company and made it through!!! LOVE nut butter stuffed dates!!! Homemade maple almond cinnamon butter with a pinch of coarse sea salt is my fave!
    Reply
  • Jenn@Mark My Miles
    February 10, 2014 · 3:47PM:
    Looks like such a great run. I managed to only complete 9 of my planned 14 on Saturday. I definitely think having company is great. I am loving the meal plans for WSU and love your long run fuel idea!!! I'm working on finding what works for me and so far, trader joes' dried bananas do the job.
    Reply
  • Aishah @ Coffee, Love, Health
    February 10, 2014 · 4:06PM:
    I got a walk/run in on the treadmill this weekend (2 miles). It was my first attempt in a LONG time and it was super tough. But I'm determined to keep at it until I enjoy it again. Blog posts about runs always encourage me :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2014 · 4:10PM:
      Nice! Keep it up! :)
      Reply
  • Jelena February 10, 2014 · 4:07PM:
    I just had the longest (16km) and the worst run in my life. I started getting gut cramps at 12 km (treadmill), but kept running to finish the challenge. Fast forward 3 hours, and I am laying in bed, still with cramps, not able to take up any food. I guess I learned my lession.
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2014 · 4:09PM:
      Oh no! Hope you feel better soon!
      Reply
  • Kelly @ Cupcake Kelly's
    February 10, 2014 · 4:38PM:
    I've taken the winter off of running but I am definitely looking to try real food when I pick it up again. Gels and gummies give me crummy tummy ha
    Reply
  • Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run
    February 10, 2014 · 5:17PM:
    i LOVE dates 'n' nut butter!! how is your body holding up with all of your mileage? :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2014 · 5:30PM:
      So far so good, but will be happy to dial it back soon. :) I haven't been doing a ton of mileage overall per week though compared to most marathoners - works for me to do less running and more cross training!
      Reply
  • Anel February 10, 2014 · 6:28PM:
    Great job on that 16 miler! I'm impressed! No races for me this weekend but my husband, our dog, and I went for a fun run this weekend. No pace or distance goal, just pure fun. On our last mile back home he would call out sprint at random times just to keep me on my toes. It was a fun challenge. I love running with him.
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 10, 2014 · 6:39PM:
      That sounds so fun :)
      Reply
  • Jenni @ Fitzala
    February 10, 2014 · 6:36PM:
    The dates and peanut butter look so good! Thanks for the idea- I might copy it... That's so nice you have so many running buddies! My husband and I are moving soon and I hope to find some new ones in our new town. Great job on the 16 miles, so impressive!
    Reply
  • joelle (on a pink typewriter)
    February 11, 2014 · 2:40PM:
    Woooo! Way to go lady... That hill in Rosslyn is still in my memory as being oh so painful when I'd be trying to get back home from a run. Great idea about those dates and chewy granola bars.. I've been using Clif shot bloks, but they don't always give me as much oomph as I'd like.
    Reply
  • Laura @losingrace
    February 12, 2014 · 12:18PM:
    Awesome long run, glad you had some good company out there getting it done! I can't believe LA marathon is coming up so soon, while I am not competing in it I know many people who are. Time sure flies during training!
    Reply
    • Anne
      February 12, 2014 · 12:34PM:
      I know - I can't believe it, either!
      Reply
  • Aqiyl Aniys
    February 17, 2014 · 1:18AM:
    These long runs like your 16 mile run amaze me. I used to hate running but I am fighting through it and getting better but right now my runs are limited to 1 hour. this is real good for me. I am working to hit my runs at 1 hour for now will increasing my speed. I am at 7mph and once I get to 8-9mph I will think about increasing my time. Keep up your excellent work.
    Reply
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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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