That is what 38 miles looks like.
Yep, you read that right.
1 run.
38 miles.
8 hours.
And 1 birthday celebrated properly.
When a really good friend wanted to run her birthday age, I was all for it. It required a really early start time and some good coordination.
Here was the plan:
- Start at 3 a.m., run 25 miles.
- Meet other runners (at the reasonable hour of 8 a.m.) and run the final 13 miles.
Having fresh legs in the group can really energize and carry the pace for long runs.
As you can see, we would be taking it really easy for this run. With most of us being able to run close to (or under) a 4-hour marathon, allowing 5 hours for 25 miles meant we were going to take it smart and conservatively.
We started a half hour late (my fault). But when we started, the miles went by pretty easily. When you are running at 4 a.m. through the streets of San Francisco, it is pretty quiet outside of a couple “walk of shames.”
The goal was to make it to 38 miles. We walked when we needed to. Made bathroom stops when we needed to. And arranged a couple spots to refuel with some snacks and water. Running that long requires being prepared.
The first 20 miles went fairly well. When I looked at my watch and saw we were at mile 19, I couldn’t help but laugh and think “half way.” I’ve never attempted to run this far and knowing I still had almost 20 miles to go was somewhat “demoralizing,” but I tried not to think about it and just kept moving. This was a good way to mentally train for the 50.
When I reached 32 miles, it was a distance high for me. I’ve never done anything over that, so this was uncharted territory. I kinda stopped looking at my watch and just went with the flow. I’ll have to admit that I sort of “checked out” of the group conversation and just put it on auto-mode. I was definitely thankful that we had friends with us willing to carry the momentum and conversation.
Since we started late, when our friends were done with their 13 miles, it left me and the birthday girl to finish the final 5 miles. It was the perfect way to end the adventure. We were determined to hit 38 whether it was running, walking, or crawling. I had some coke (the soda) and it picked me up as we headed into the final leg of our birthday adventure.
My conversation voice came back and we talked about everything and nothing as we made our way to the final mile. Once we hit that magic number it was lots of smiles and a super-duper high five. It was done with and for someone very important to me. Someone that showed me how to love running. How it can make you a better and stronger person. That has been there for me when I have been healthy and smashing races and someone who has been there for me and with me when they come tumbling down. Running for nine hours with her is easy. It’s fun… and oh ya, it’s a little crazy.
After 38 miles, I still keep it classy.
38 freaking miles.
Still can’t believe we did it and am so happy that we didn’t stop. It wasn’t fast, but it was the perfect way to celebrate a great friends birthday and something I’ll never forget.
What is the farthest you have run?
Have you ever attempted to run your age on a birthday?
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That is freaking amazing!! What an awesome way to celebrate a birthday. The furthest I have ran is 32 miles.
Dang! You are quite the friend!!
Holy crap! The farthest I have ever run is 26.2, and it will probably stay that way! Way to go!
Holy crap! You are awesome, my friend. I’ve only run a half-marathon. Sounds pathetic compared to 38 miles!! haha
Holy mileage, PR! Way to go there buddy…especially in SF..hilly…this Florida girl would have just paid down and napped :)
Wow! What a gift to give your friend… to join her! Amazing! That’s so awesome. I remember the feeling after running 32; can’t imagine going further. Congratulations!!
Um, wow. Really??? I’ve barely run 38 miles in a week let alone a day! You’re my hero!!
I am in awe! What an experience… it’s always amazing to break past old training miles or paces and see what our bodies are really capable of. Way to go!
Nothing like a few “walks of shame” to add to the excitement! The farthest I’ve run is 26.2…I haven’t tried to run my age since I was 26!! Amazing job!!!
Great job. “Having fresh legs in the group can really energize and carry the pace for long runs.” – so true! This is one of the reasons I like pacing people for the last segments of 50 and 100 milers.
Wow! Impressive accomplishment and you are a great friend. Great job!!
OMG does this mean I have to run 46 miles on Feb. 22?
I am very impressed by your 38. And the fact that you can still keep it looking so classy with your teeny espresso cup!! Congrats. Maybe YOU could run 46 miles for me on Feb 22?
WOWZA! AMAZING!! All those miles and a 3am wake up call?! BRAVO!
You are an inspiration! OMG the fact that you passed your highest distance yet and kept going for 6 more miles. You crazy man. Were you dreaming of the food in my posts during those last few hours? I’m guessing you were. I have never run a mileage for my bday. I didn’t start running ever until about age 20 and by then I was too “old” for that kind of business :P
You are a good friend! What a great idea… I am 38 now, maybe for my 40th?? Hmm… I don’t have any friends CRAZY enough to run with me though… Can you come? :)
Damn!!!!!!!!!!!!! I don’t think any of my friends would do that for me!! Awesome. :)
Furthest I’ve ever run is a marathon. And I’m pretty sure that’s far enough for me. Lol.
That is an amazing run! That is super inspiration, what a great birthday.
I love the idea of starting early and catching up with a group for the last part of the run. Way to shake it up a little, especially at a time when you are really going to start feeling those miles. Great run – what an awesome friend you are.
Omg you’re my idol. The farthest I’ve run (so far) is 37 miles but the farthest I’ve travelled (so far) is 140.6! Happy birthday!
WOW. Impressive my friend, good job!
I love this idea! Congratulations on the distance, that is awesome. That does mean though I have to run 29 miles next year. But I plan on running the NYCM (which is after my birthday), so maybe I’ll just tack the extra 3 before or after, ha!
holy moly you’re amazing!!! I could never do it! I hope you ate a whole pizza and cake later :)
Damn!!! Great idea! Why didn’t I think of that 10 years ago? It would have been much easier…
You are a great friend. Oh, and way to keep it classy! ;)
So awesome! And great idea (to run your age)~
FUrthest I’ve ran is 21.1k :)
Wow!!! What a great idea! Congrats on the distance! One word….AWESOME!
That is a HUGE achievement! Congratulations, and I love that you too it relatively easily, and just enjoyed the ride. I feel like that’s how I’d like to tackle any distance like that – just run, and enjoy.
The longest I’ve run is 26.2 miles. I’m going to rest for a little while before I think about more!
Aside from the complete awesomeness of this story, I love how you clarify that your Coke was a beverage :)
haha that made me literally LOL!! like, almost snort beer out of my nose giggle!
Haha! I did a birthday run last yr when I turned 30 =) Had plans to do it every yr as a tradition but figured that with a 4 week old, running 31 miles 2 days ago was not too smart =)
The furthest I have run is a 60k!! So just under your distance!!
YOU are amazing, my friend!!!
you’re inane! in a good way, of course!! ;)
furthest I’ve run… haha…. 13.1 miles!! but in 3 weeks my training schedule calls for 15 so that’s changing realllll soon *gulp*
Seriously awesome!! you are going to do awesome at the 50!!
Holy crap. That is definitely one way to celebrate a birthday!! lol. You are amazing and an incredible friend. Furthest I’ve run is a marathon.
I don’t think my mind can grasp running that long. WAY TO GO! And that *is* a pretty cool way to celebrate a birthday. Maybe I’ll do that for my kids. They’re young. Haha!
Ooh! I love this idea! I just may have to run 27 miles on my next birthday. Congrats on 38! That is madness. The good kind of madness, of course. :)
I just ran my first marathon in November and I am planning on doing 32 miles later this month to celebrate my birtyday. I am nervous but excited at the prospect of running that far.