August 14, 2013 (Updated February 9, 2023)

A New Running PDR: 14 Miles!

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

65 comments

It’s official: I have a new PDR (personal distance record) for running: 14 miles! 🙂

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This is the first time during marathon training (I’m doing Richmond in November as my first full) that I’ve made it over the half marathon distance! So exciting. 🙂 It was a great run this morning, too.

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Remember last week’s total strugglefest of 13 miles? In comparison, this week’s long run was a breeze. We normally do our long runs on Thursday but had to move it to this morning and I was glad we did! A stunningly gorgeous and cool morning + a pretty route made all the difference for me and my training buddy Kathleen.

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Insane views, right?! Kathleen and I started bright and early at 5:45 a.m. and were rewarded for our early start with this.

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Totally worth the early alarm clock!

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I couldn’t believe the weather this morning, either. It was actually COOL out! And practically no humidity! Oh, what a difference that made. It felt like October, not August! And I’d forgotten how much easier (not easy, but easier) running is when it’s not 4,000 degrees outside. Anyone else get out in the cool weather this a.m.? 🙂

Kathleen and I did a simple out and back along the beautiful Mt. Vernon trail, my old favorite. As usual, we chatted away the whole time. The miles flew by!

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We stopped twice to eat our fuel – a mocha Hammer Gel was on the menu for me! (And before the run, I had my standard piece of Ezekiel cinnamon raisin bread with almond butter + jam.)

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Before we knew it we were making our way back towards Arlington.

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We conquered the mile long hill of death from Rosslyn up to Courthouse with no problem this week – another nice change from last week!

I also wanted to give some love to these new socks that I received as part of my Brooks Run Happy Ambassadorship – they are AWESOME. New favorites! I wore one of the two pairs this morning and they felt fabulous. Might need to pick up some more – it’s hard to find perfect running socks that can handle longer distances without chafing!

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Kathleen and I finished out the run in 2:08:17 for an average pace of 9:09 minute miles. Great pace for such a long run!

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Unfortunately I don’t have our splits per mile this time because I was using a friend’s watch and she didn’t have that feature activated. Why was I using a friend’s watch? Well, I have some sad news: after 5 sweaty years together, my beloved Garmin GPS Watch has officially died. Sniff, sniff. RIP, Garmin. I’ll miss you.

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Remember how the glue holding it together loosened and I had it held together with a hair tie for the last few weeks? Well, I finally tried to superglue it back together earlier this week… and now it won’t turn on. Epic fail. It’s weird, because it still works when it’s attached to the charger, but not otherwise. Strange! I’m debating what to do now. Maybe just get the same one? Or try something new? I wish it would just magically start working again! Have any of you tried the newer Garmin models? Thoughts?

I’ll leave you all with another running related question: at what distance does it make sense to start torturing myself with ice baths following a run? 🙂

- anne

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65 comments
  • Jen
    Congrats on the PDR, Anne! What a gorgeous run! Makes me sort of jealous that I'm not marathon training right now--weather is perfect! About the ice baths, when I was training last fall, I didn't do an ice bath unless I ran over like 17 miles...it was just TOO awful to consider...haha. Someone also told me that wearing wool socks might help...but I haven't tried that! Good luck!
    Reply
  • Holly @ EatGreatBEGreat
    Yay...congrats on the 14 miles run! That's SO awesome! You certainly did have the perfect day to go for a run. The scenery is beautiful!
    Reply
  • Courtney
    Great job! Today was a rest day for me but I'll be running tomorrow morning (and Friday) and am SO looking forward to getting out in NO HUMIDITY! I'll be checking on what folks say regarding the ice baths -- I've been thinking about those as well!
    Reply
  • Jackie
    Bummer about the watch. What pretty views to run with though!
    Reply
  • Emily
    Yay great job!! I remember feeling like a total b.a. when I hit 14 miles- just wait for 26.2! I never did the ice baths, although I did a lot of ice buckets for my foot/tendon that gave me lots of problems. There are tons of conflicting studies about their benefits, and what I've gotten out of them is do it if you like it and you think it helps, and if you hate it, it's probably not helping enough to justify the torture!
    Reply
    • Anne
      I can't even imagine the bada$$-ery that will come with 26.2! Good tips for the ice baths - I think I'll give one a shot and see how I feel about it!
      Reply
  • Running Hutch
    I don't really have any experience with Garmin. I'm waiting for my BIA Watch!
    Reply
  • Shel@PeachyPalate
    I'd go Epsom salts before the ice! Awesome run and truly amazing pace!!! Well done! You must be on cloud nine!
    Reply
  • Running Hutch
    Oh, and I would only do ice baths if I'd done 16+ miles. Or any double digit day when it was hot and I just feel like I want some help speeding up recovery. But I'd only do it for maybe 10 to 15 minutes.
    Reply
  • Emma Kate
    Hey Anne, good work on the personal record! I have just got back from exploring the beautiful city in which you live in. I went kayaking with a friend and checked out a few museums. The wind made the kayaking a super work out, but it was a tonne of fun! I wanna do a early morning run. I'm thinking tidal basin or the Potomac heritage trail (just looked for greenery on google maps ;) any suggestions? Em
    Reply
    • Anne
      I would suggest the gorgeous Mt. Vernon Trail that we were running on this morning!
      Reply
  • Desiree
    Congrats on the beautiful run and new distance. I have my long run on deck for tomorrow (16 miles). I bought some Hammer Gels and going to give them a try. Usually I take GU but lately they have been just blah to me. Also doing the same breakfast you did. Now if only the cool and dry temps would come to Atlanta. OK I had a Garmin 205 back when I was training for Boston. Loved it. But after 5 years it died :( So I ran without a GPS and really just ran the same route over and over since I knew the mileage. Out of the blue my husband surprised me with a Garmin 410 which I use now. I love it. As for recovery options. I prefer Epsom salt baths over ice. I usually have one when I run 15 miles or higher. I also wear compression socks the whole day after my long run. Helps me a lot. Enjoy your post long run bliss today :)
    Reply
    • Anne
      I'm all over the compression socks, too! :)
      Reply
  • Rebecca @ Strength and Sunshine
    What a beautiful run! So jealous you get to experience the DC views everyday! It was really chilly out this morning here in Jersey and while eating breakfast outside I actually had to grab a blanket to keep my legs warm. I am not excited about the fall weather!
    Reply
  • Victoria
    I LOVE my Garmin 910 XT - really easy user interface, and it even has a feature that counts/times laps in the pool. Watch for a sale, or get a refurbished unit to save money. For ice baths, I use them anytime I run over 2 hours, or if my total workout time is over 3 hours for a bike-run brick. They aren't that bad, especially in the summer.
    Reply
    • Katie
      I'm dreaming of the 910, but my current garmin isn't broken, and I can't quite justify the expense of a new watch right now (mainly because I'm in need of a bike!)
      Reply
  • Sokphal
    Ahh! Great job!!! Weather is so gorgeous today! Going for a run after work! Can't wait! If I feel any pain, I'll do an ice bath -- 18 miles is usually when. But, last training cycle I didn't do any and felt fine. (Knock on wood). :) Here's a good link that helped me make it more "fun". :) http://www.sweatonceaday.com/2011/07/how-to-take-an-ice-bath.html
    Reply
  • Ali D
    Hi Anne! I've never commented before but I have been following your blog for a couple months now. I love some of the other blogs I follow but was thrilled to come across yours because of similar interests and I too live in Arlington! I'm also training for my first marathon in November (Philadelphia). I got out around the same time you did this morning to enjoy the cool weather and loved it! I did a 6 mile loop along Wilson Blvd then Lee Hwy to work on some speedwork for me...hopefully I get as nice weather for my long run this weekend as you did today! I'm only around 10 now...14 sounds scary to me. I've also never gone above about 13.5ish....
    Reply
    • Anne
      You can do it!! Have fun! :)
      Reply
  • Alexis
    I use the Garmin Forerunner 410 with heart rate monitor. I believe Monica from Run Eat Repeat has the same one. Anyway, I LOVE it. It's the perfect size, does everything I need/want, and has made a huge difference in my runs. The heart rate monitor is actually super comfortable too. Here's the cheapest I found it: http://www.walmart.com/ip/Garmin-Forerunner-410-HRM-GPS-Fitness-Watch-w-Heart-Monitor/20525908
    Reply
    • Todd P.
      I like my Garmin 410 (and especially the online mapping features at Garmin Connect), but beware that it only records track points every four seconds. I'm told other models record them every two seconds or more frequently. What this means is if you're running trails or anything other than a straight line, you don't get "credit" for the extra distance you're bobbing and weaving. Your GPS only links those four second intervals together, and that's what you get. Thus, when making corners, you have to be as elliptical as possible, or the map will show that you cut through a building, for example. This has changed the way I run, in fact, and now I choose long, straight paths with as few turns as possible. I do like the watch, but I point this out because you (Anne) previously mentioned being bummed when your GPS mileage didn't match the stated mileage on a course.
      Reply
  • Tahleen
    Woohoo on 14 miles! Keep it up! Sorry to hear about your watch. I have never used one before, but I'm going to get a Timex one in the mail sometime this week, my first one ever.
    Reply
  • The Fussy Britches
    My husband just bought me the Garmin Forerunner 10 for my birthday. I love it! I highly recommend it. Of course this is my first GPS watch so I can't compare it to anything. Years ago when I was training for half and full marathons GPS watches had just came out and were too expensive and ugly for me to buy. The Garmin Forerunner 10 seems to be the prettiest one out there and I haven't had any problems with it yet. I hope to take it for a run after work today :) Also, it's amazing that you can get up that early for a long run during the week. Good for you!!
    Reply
  • E
    I have the same Garmin as you and mine is also about 5 years old. The problem might be with charging, I've had similar things happen to mine. I found that if I use rubber bands to attach it to the base, then it charges and will work. Otherwise if I just set it on the base it doesn't charge. Maybe that would help? Also, you can send your watch in to Garmin and they will refurbish/fix it for way less than it costs for a new one. I don't know what I would do without my Garmin!
    Reply
    • Anne
      Well, oddly it's saying "fully charged" when I attach it to the base... but then it won't turn on if it's off the base. So bizarre! I'm going to call Garmin today to troubleshoot.
      Reply
  • Jojo @ RunFastEatLots
    I enjoyed the cool weather this morning and did a 10K tempo run followed by a 2 mile cool down. It was so chilly and windy, that I wore my arm warmers! I warm up pretty slowly and I'm a wimp, so I'm glad that I wore them. They came off after 2 miles, though. It's amazing how much of a difference 10 degrees makes! I've never taken an ice bath, so... I don't know. Maybe after 100 miles in death valley.
    Reply
  • Caroline
    AMAZING views!!! I wish I had somewhere that beautiful to run :) I take ice baths starting with miles 5.5 or higher, but only because I have so many parts of my leg that I ice after runs that it's just so much faster to deal with the ice bath. If I didn't need to ice so many parts normally, I would definitely not do it for the runs I do. However, I will say that ice baths get much easier to take, and if you distract yourself with a funny TV show, it's usually only bad the first few minutes, then it's fine!
    Reply
  • Nicole
    Congrats! Looks like a beautiful morning and perfect temps for running. When I used to train for marathons, I always just made sure to stay hydrated after long runs...never did the ice bath. Side note--today I tried your trick of wrapping a sandwich wrap in foil and peeling it away while I ate. Perfect tip! My overflowing veggie wrap stayed together.
    Reply
    • Anne
      Yay - glad you utilized the tip! :)
      Reply
  • Amy @ The Little Honey Bee
    This is so awesome!!! Congrats. Doesn't it feel great? My PDR was not quite as long but I set it this weekend. Very happy for you. Once I save up some $$ I definitely want to invest in a Garmin product!
    Reply
    • Anne
      Congrats on your PDR too! :)
      Reply
  • Tara | Treble in the Kitchen
    Congrats on the new distance!! That is totally awesome :) I have never done an icebath myself...so I am not sure when you would want to start!! Also, I have the same Garmin as you so I am no help there either...but thanks for sharing the beautiful photos!! Good job and keep racking up the miles!
    Reply
  • Sophie @ life's philosophieie
    I bought myself a garmin forerunner 610 and I love it. I was bit worried about the touch screen but it works great and I love all of the extra functions it comes with. My favorite is the vibrating alert. You can have it vibrate at a specific distance or if you go above/fall below a certain pace. I highly recommend it!
    Reply
  • Megan
    Whatever you do, don't get the 405. I bought one a couple years ago and only used it for a couple months before reverting back to my older model (the 201, which I love and is still going strong after about 6 years, although it's pretty clunky). The 405 has a stupid touch bezel instead of actual buttons and the whole thing goes on the fritz when it gets sweaty. Biggest waste of money ever. Congrats on the PDR and good luck finding a new watch that you like!
    Reply
    • Anne
      That's really good to know - thanks!
      Reply
  • Lauren
    Looks like an awesome run! I use the Garmin 10 as well. The only thing I don't like is that you can only see 2 out of time/distance/calories on the screen at a time. But it picks up the GPS signal really quickly, even in the middle of all buildings. The autopause feature works really well and you can see the elevation gains once you upload the data to the Garmin website.
    Reply
  • Julia
    Congrats Anne! I'm not a distance runner but I am an exercise and nutrition science junkie. If you haven't already, I highly recommend you check out Gretchen Reynolds's book The First 20 Minutes for studies of the scientific validity (or lack thereof) of common recovery strategies like ice baths. If I remember c
    Reply
    • Anne
      Thanks for the recommendation - will check it out!
      Reply
  • Julia
    Correctly, there isn't much scientific evidence to support the need for ice baths. So don't do it unless you like it and feel like it helps you!
    Reply
  • Ashley @ Hudson on the Potomac
    The cooler temps are amazing!!! I was almost tempted to grab a long sleeve this morning! Congrats on your PDR -- awesome feeling I'm sure!!!! I have the Garmin Forerunner 10 and am happy with it for the most part. Sometimes it takes a little loner than 30 seconds to grab the satellite, which is annoying when you're ready to get moving, but I do like it and the smaller size! Plus it comes in pretty colors :).
    Reply
  • Jackie W
    Just got the Garmin 310XT for my birthday. I purchased a refurbished one online (amazon) and it looks and works like new- but for a very reduced price. Very similar to the 305!
    Reply
    • Anne
      Nice! Is it as big as the 305?
      Reply
      • Jackie W
        Hi Anne- I've never had the 305- but from what it looks like- yes. http://www.amazon.com/Garmin-Forerunner-310XT-Waterproof-Running/dp/B0025VKW5K/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1376596343&sr=8-1&keywords=31xt (I just selected the refurbished link!)
        Reply
  • Joelle (on a pink typewriter)
    That is so exciting! I was stoked with my own PDR last wkend and it was just 12. Each new mile feels like a huge accomplishment to be celebrated! PS. love your shots of the river and sunrise- I miss that!
    Reply
  • Audrey
    love my 910 :)
    Reply
  • Robyn @thereallife_RD
    It was such a GORGEOUS morning out to run in Charlottsville too! That sunrise makes any early wake up call so worth it! Way to go on getting in those miles! It's crazy how marathon training totally warps your idea of a "long run" Happy Thursday :)
    Reply
  • Sara @ Zero to Sixty
    Wow... 13 miles at a 9.09 pace... great job! That stinks about your Garmin. I have actually been thinking about buying one. I currently use the UP Band my jawbobe. It works pretty well after you calibrate it but it doesn't give you pace per mile.
    Reply
  • Logan @ Mountains and Miles
    I have the Garmin 610 and really enjoy it. It has the run/bike features and HR monitor. The 210 is also very similar. My sister has it and loves it. The 110 is great and cheap, but doesn't measure your HR. If you really wanna splurge and swim frequently, you could get the 910XT, which keeps track of swimming, too. Really...you should just head over to DC Rainmakers blog because he does incredible reviews and has this awesome comparison chart: http://www.dcrainmaker.com/product-comparison-calculator
    Reply
    • Anne
      Thanks for that link - very helpful!
      Reply
  • char eats greens
    RIP poor Garmin! I have a newer one that my hubby got me 2 years ago for our 2nd wedding anniversary and I love it. I don't think they make my model anymore, but it's a bit less bulky than that model! It's nice that your friend lent you hers to use; much better than having to carry a phone around with you (which PS- I set my garmin and phone at the same time when I was on a run one time and the phone was definitely counting quicker. It was nice for the pace, but very, very shady of it haha)
    Reply
  • Dana @ Conscious Kitchen Blog
    Congrats!! I looks like it was an absolutely beautiful morning... and you can't beat those views! Your pictures always make me want to go back and visit DC again.
    Reply
  • Betsy
    congrats on your PDR! I'm training for a half marathon too and I hope I have runs like this when I start getting up there in my mileage!
    Reply
  • Angie
    I had the same Garmin you had for 5 years of heavy use (hubby and I shared it), so we got our money's worth. I got a 910XT on super-great sale, and I absolutely love it! It's slimmer than the 205, so even though it's still big, it's lower-profile. I am a triathlete, and I love the fact that it's waterproof (no more worrying about rain) and can count my distance both in the pool and in open-water.
    Reply
  • Reba - Not So Perfect Life
    I have the new Garmin tri watch. Its pretty awesome. I love that I can use it for just about any sport. I have ran a 39.3 mile race and never ice bathed... I'm to weak to do that :)
    Reply
  • Roadrunner
    Great work on the run, Anne. There's nothing like cooler weather, nice scenery, a relatively flat course, and a good training partner. You checked every block! Well done!
    Reply
  • Katy
    Great job, Anne! I have tried the ice bath (well, just my lower legs/feet) once, after my first truly long "long run", which was 8 miles in the nasty heat/humidity and took me 1:45 to finish. I didn't plan on icing, but my legs ached so badly by the time I was done, I figured what the heck - and it did help relieve the aching! I also have tendonitis (PTT) in one ankle, and it helped relieve some of that pain too. I'm not a long distance runner or a fast runner, but with the half marathon I'm training for, I'm "enjoying" some long runs on the weekends for the next month or so... haha! My PDR was last weekend, 9 miles, and I ended up having to do 7.2 of it on the treadmill due to storms - but dang it, I still rocked it and didn't quit! :-) Oh, and I've never tried a Garmin - I use my iPhone with the Runtastic app and really like it!
    Reply
  • Chelsea @ Chelsea Eats Treats
    I was out for a nice run on Wednesday morning too along the Georgetown waterfront!! The weather was absolutely gorgeous! I swear one of these days I'm going to see you running and be like OMG IT'S ANNE!! haha
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    • Anne
      Haha I hope you say hi if you do! :)
      Reply
  • Elena Hicks
    The Garmin Fore Runner 10 is amazing! So much lighter weight than most models! Perfect!
    Reply
  • Lani (@armytbonegirl)
    Congrats on your new distance PR!! I have the Garmin 910, but unless you're going to be doing lots of swimming (triathlon anyone??), it would be too much watch for you. I agree with the other comments that the Garmin 10 would probably work for you! Keep up the great training! I love reading your blog posts.
    Reply
    • Anne
      Thanks, Lani! I actually ended up deciding to get the 910 since everyone recommended it! It will be fun to be able to track my swim workouts, and I like that it's basically the same screen/options as the 305. It bugs me that the 10 doesn't allow you to have more than 2 things on one screen!
      Reply