Final Long Run - Part 1

This was it - the final long run! All 18 miles.  I had prepared for this run as best I could. The night before, I made a healthy pasta dish consisting of whole wheat pasta and mushroom, garlic marinara sauce along with a side of whole grain french bread topped with grated Parmesan cheese and garlic salt. Aside from a small glass of wine, I made sure to drink plenty of water. That morning, I did 50 minutes of Pilates for strength training, then ate a bowl of Total cereal for breakfast. At lunch, I had a blueberry flavored Chobani yogurt along with a side of fruit. Throughout the day, I consumed two 36 oz. Nalgene bottles of water with a Propel additive, containing extra vitamins A & C.

The work day went by quickly and before I knew it, it was time to go! I started out on my 19 mile journey around 2:45pm from the Southwest Commuter bike trail at Hammersley and the beltline.  The temperature was around 33 degrees under mostly gray skies with occasional glimpses of sunshine.  I was so nervous for this run that my hands were literally shaking over my lunch hour. But, here I was - every step closer to being done.  The legs felt good, so I was off to a good start.

To pass the time, I started planning out this years vegetable garden in my head and looks at various yards for landscaping ideas.  Just as I began to admire the spring perennials emerging from the brown grass and lingering snow piles, a few snowflakes started to fall and I was once again reminded that winter wasn't quite over.  After about a mile, I entered the UW Arboretum. It was quiet and peaceful at first. Then, about a half mile in, I saw two wild turkeys come out of the woods and onto the road. These weren't just ordinary turkeys – they were turkeyzillas, standing roughly three feet all and ugly as sin.  I briefly considered retreating as the one reared his head back and showed off his impressive wingspan. But, I figured I was already running, so I could just run faster if they decided to attack. Fortunately, I made it through with no physical or emotional damage from what could have been a Janie massacre by wild turkey.  I saw a few other turkeys along the side of the road and escaped another close encounter with Arboretum wildlife when two hawks swooped just a inches overhead.


The next leg of my run took me around the Monona Bay to John Nolen Drive. As I ran along Lake Monona, I enjoyed the beautiful view of Madison's skyline, one of my favorites view of the city. From there I continued along the bike trail towards the East Side. I passed the R.P. Pasta Company, Monty's Diner, and a cute little cafe. For some reason, I seemed to notice all of the yummy food places. My turnaround point would be the bridge behind Olbrich Gardens and it couldn't come soon enough. By the time I got there, I was feeling a little fatigued, but more so I really, really had to go to the bathroom. Luckily, the Goodman Community Center was open, so I popped in for a quick pit stop.  And that's where Part 1 of my final long run concludes as my Garmin lost satellite reception indoors.

Link to Part 1 of my 18 mile journey: