I’m training for the Napa Valley Marathon on March 3 and knocked out a 16 mile run this weekend. This is my third marathon, but it’s been more than a year since I ran my last one (Chicago 2011). I haven’t had to take on mileage this long since running the streets of Chi-town.

It’s easy to discover many things when you’re taking on that kind of distance. There’s lots of time to think. Ahem.

Here are 3 things I learned logging 16 miles on Saturday …

Long miles with a group are more fun. There are times when I like to run alone. Running double digit miles are NOT one of those times. Shorter distances by myself help me clear my head and often help me plan my life days. Getting those long runs done are simply more fun for me when I’m knocking them out with a group. On Saturday I ran with Get Fit Atlanta, the group that saw me through my first two marathons, and it was great to finish 16 with Olga and have people waiting for us, cheering us on at the end. Running is physical and mental; having that company and support around you can be powerful.

Olga and I after taking out 16 hilly miles.

Too much leg work too close to a long run is not a good idea. Duh. Yes, I know better but I thought doing my leg strength training on Tuesday and Thursday would be fine. I didn’t realize that I would feel it as much as I did until mile 10. I quickly got the message and will plan on getting all leg work done before Wednesdays until after the big race.

Just because you don’t chafe for 13 miles doesn’t mean you won’t for 16. Some people don’t have issues with chafing. I thought I was one of them. Well, I am until I get into marathon miles. I forgot about the issues that come when you go that far. I got a awful friendly reminder to take some precautions. Oh, and that chafing sucks. I learned that, too.

This week I’m scheduled for 18 but I’ll be in Amelia Island to run the Zooma Florida Half Marathon. I’ll do the 13 on Saturday then do a shorter 3-5 mile run on Sunday to make up some of the difference.

Winks & Smiles,