Today on the training schedule was 9 miles...again, my longest yet. I had used RunKeeper to map out a route that totaled 9.43, a little longer than scheduled, but nice scenery through the Metropark in Harrison Twp.
Little did I realize when I mapped the route through the Metropark, I was considering the road...not the trail. It added almost 3 miles more - HAHA! All said and done, I logged 11.5 miles today in 2:24!! It was pretty amazing. I had to stop 3 times for the restroom (perfectly placed along the trail!), and had to stop to walk at mile 8.6 for about 3 minutes. My average pace was 12:15. Normally I'd be bugged about this, feeling it was too slow. But it helped me complete this long distance, all in one piece, and in way better spirits than last week's long run - I'll take it!
I had two Hammer Gels (Mountain Berry and Espresso) during my run. Since I ended up going longer, I think I could have benefitted from another one (suggested consumption is one-two packets every hour). I had strategically stashed water along the trail, and feel I was sufficiently hydrated this time (probably accounted for the 3 restroom breaks - atypical for me!). Again, I have to say, so far I am a fan of the Hammer Gels. The taste was pleasant, not overly sweet, and even the necessary gooey consistency of the gel didn't seem too intense. Goes down easy, and feels easy on the system. I even enjoyed the Espresso flavor, which included 50mg of caffeine!
5 weeks from today is my Half Marathon. Today afforded me some confidence that I might actually get through that! :)
My journey to self discovery, spiritual growth, and everlasting quest for health, fitness...and guilt-free ways to eat my sweets
Sunday, August 18, 2013
Saturday, August 17, 2013
Run for the Hills!
Run for the Hills was a fun, extremely well organized (5K, 10K, and 1K Fun Run) race, with over 100 volunteers, perfect weather, and awesome energy in Farmington Hills this morning.
A list minute decision with some girl friends to run this race through some "rolling hills," a good training opportunity for me since I basically refuse hills and inclines on the 'mill. Our race strategy was to stay together and get through it the 5K. I have been running more consistently than my two friends. We all made it in less than 38 minutes, which was GREAT! It was one of my friend's first 5K, and to be under 38 is strong IMHO!
I felt really strong this morning, too...WAY better than last week's long run (8-miles). I'm certain I could've gone faster, but it turns out it's a good thing I had a slow, steady pace, since I have my 9-10 mile long-run tomorrow. (35 more days til my Half Marathon!) As I said before, I've paid much attention to my diet this week, adding an increase of carbs 48-72 hours prior to my long-run, while hydrating appropriately. The longer I stay "doing this running thing," the more I am exposed to our community and just how big it is. Resources and 'lore around every Google-search corner...and thank goodness! I think my adjustment in nutrition is was definitely helped me feel good this morning.
This morning's race was a welcomed attitude adjustment, and just in time. Doubt was breeding in every thought this week after that horrible run last week. Today gave me the confidence, psychologically, I'm going to need to get this longest-ever run on the books tomorrow. Dare I say it; I'm looking forward to it??
Also, in the name of research today, I tried a Hammer Gel, as that is what will be served at the Half. I tried the "Orange" flavor today...it was good! And while I still struggle some with the consistency, some how this one went down easier. It was easy on the digestive system, too. So far, so good, and I'm looking forward to trying more flavors and potentially more of their products. They really have so many, to address all the different aspects of training.
Have any favorite energy products?
A list minute decision with some girl friends to run this race through some "rolling hills," a good training opportunity for me since I basically refuse hills and inclines on the 'mill. Our race strategy was to stay together and get through it the 5K. I have been running more consistently than my two friends. We all made it in less than 38 minutes, which was GREAT! It was one of my friend's first 5K, and to be under 38 is strong IMHO!
I felt really strong this morning, too...WAY better than last week's long run (8-miles). I'm certain I could've gone faster, but it turns out it's a good thing I had a slow, steady pace, since I have my 9-10 mile long-run tomorrow. (35 more days til my Half Marathon!) As I said before, I've paid much attention to my diet this week, adding an increase of carbs 48-72 hours prior to my long-run, while hydrating appropriately. The longer I stay "doing this running thing," the more I am exposed to our community and just how big it is. Resources and 'lore around every Google-search corner...and thank goodness! I think my adjustment in nutrition is was definitely helped me feel good this morning.
This morning's race was a welcomed attitude adjustment, and just in time. Doubt was breeding in every thought this week after that horrible run last week. Today gave me the confidence, psychologically, I'm going to need to get this longest-ever run on the books tomorrow. Dare I say it; I'm looking forward to it??
Also, in the name of research today, I tried a Hammer Gel, as that is what will be served at the Half. I tried the "Orange" flavor today...it was good! And while I still struggle some with the consistency, some how this one went down easier. It was easy on the digestive system, too. So far, so good, and I'm looking forward to trying more flavors and potentially more of their products. They really have so many, to address all the different aspects of training.
Have any favorite energy products?
Friday, August 16, 2013
Training = TIRED!
I'm embarrassed at the time that's gone by without checking in here! ...or maybe more embarrassed that it's just because I'm so tired!
So, you'll be happy to know it's because I actually did commit myself to training for the Half Marathon that I'm so tired. On top of it being summer and having family camping weekends planned... The cool thing about being away, is that I've learned I love getting up early and running through our campground! "Out and back" is a good way to get in some running and see some amazing views!
This was along Lake Michigan in Ludington, MI. Again, I came to see views like these as my reward for getting up and out!
Ok, so I'm learning a lot about training AND nutrition lately. Last week, on my scheduled 8-mile run, I probably came close to dangerously dehydrated...and I'm not sure I was properly fueled to begin with. I started later in the morning, so it was hotter. This Michigan weather has not been too consistently hot this summer, so perhaps I wasn't appropriately conditioned to it that morning. Anyway, before mile 3, I had to stop and walk. I haven't had to stop and walk in months. I had done the previous weeks 7-mile run without walking, so I was shocked at my need to do this. I'll also admit that that moment seriously got into my head...my attitude started plummeting. That may have been what made the rest of the run so hard, too. I only had 20 oz of water with me, and it took me 01:44. That = not enough fluid! I had hydrated prior, but....apparently not enough. I also used one serving of GU and 45 mins later a serving of Honey Stinger gels...and apparently not enough water with each. Let me tell you: I learned my lesson. I will not be caught in that situation again.
My plan:
So, you'll be happy to know it's because I actually did commit myself to training for the Half Marathon that I'm so tired. On top of it being summer and having family camping weekends planned... The cool thing about being away, is that I've learned I love getting up early and running through our campground! "Out and back" is a good way to get in some running and see some amazing views!
This was along Lake Michigan in Ludington, MI. Again, I came to see views like these as my reward for getting up and out!
Ok, so I'm learning a lot about training AND nutrition lately. Last week, on my scheduled 8-mile run, I probably came close to dangerously dehydrated...and I'm not sure I was properly fueled to begin with. I started later in the morning, so it was hotter. This Michigan weather has not been too consistently hot this summer, so perhaps I wasn't appropriately conditioned to it that morning. Anyway, before mile 3, I had to stop and walk. I haven't had to stop and walk in months. I had done the previous weeks 7-mile run without walking, so I was shocked at my need to do this. I'll also admit that that moment seriously got into my head...my attitude started plummeting. That may have been what made the rest of the run so hard, too. I only had 20 oz of water with me, and it took me 01:44. That = not enough fluid! I had hydrated prior, but....apparently not enough. I also used one serving of GU and 45 mins later a serving of Honey Stinger gels...and apparently not enough water with each. Let me tell you: I learned my lesson. I will not be caught in that situation again.
My plan:
- Long runs will be done first thing in the morning, as early as it takes to be cooler.
- Much more attention paid to my hydrating and fuel.
- Start appropriately carb-loading or long runs!
I swear lack of sufficient stored glycogen was my problem (from what I've researched). For my diet, I had been really focused on lean proteins and fiber...less carbs.
My friend over at Pounds to Miles posted a great article about nutrition that really helped me understand my body's needs as a runner. I absolutely recommend this for your training and racing needs!
I very often "blog" in my head on my runs. I will be making more of an effort to make sure I actually get those thoughts, ideas, and experiences to my actual blog!
Happy running!
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