Isn't it funny how distance is all relative? For a measurement that's set in stone, it sure can fluctuate. Sometimes four miles is the longest run ever, and sometimes 10 fly by.
On that same note, my 10-miler Saturday reminded me that I'm not training for a half right now. If I were, this would be one of the last long runs before taper. Instead, it's just the last long run before a step-down week and then it's back up to 12. Ten miles seems long when your end goal is 13.1, but it feels a lot shorter when you stop to reflect that it's not even halfway to 26.2.
After my terrible run Thursday, I was sure to plan ahead for this one. I purposely forgot to check what pace my plan suggested. I chose to walk for 30 seconds at the end of each mile...I've never done a consistent run/walk like that for a long run and I'm honestly not sure if it helped, but I was able to run more and finish stronger than during last week's 9-miler so maybe it did.
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| Breakfast: half a Lara Bar and a small glass of cold coffee. |
I froze half my water bottle the night before and added water and caffeinated Nuun (OMG the cherry limeade flavor is amazing!) so it would melt along the way and be colder longer. I packed a second Nuun (non-caffeinated Tropical flavor) along with my Buddy Fruits and a piece of gum. I was hoping that if I had gum to keep my mouth hydrated, I wouldn't chug so much water this time.
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| Seriously the smartest move I made Saturday. |
The run started off in almost-cool temperatures. It was 75 and the humidity didn't seem too bad. That didn't last long, but starting with good weather was much appreciated.
At mile 7 I stopped at the park to use the bathroom and douse myself with water. By this time it was blazing out, but I only had three miles to go and I knew I'd be finishing...no need for a rescue!
I listened to two Savage Love podcasts and finished with a little alternative rock.
The run was pretty uneventful...in a good way. I have a long way to go to conquer this distance with ease and at the pace I was running it last year, but I know I'll get there.
I was actually really hungry by the end so I know I need to rethink what I have for dinner before a long run. I had a little foot tenderness afterward, but I had started/parked at a 7-11, so I bought a bag of ice and made myself an ice bath as soon as I got home.
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| As I was finishing up, the Saturday bridge runners were just getting started. I was able to snap a quick picture at mile 9. |
It feels good to be done with my first 3-week building cycle. Next week is full of easy runs, and then the building continues!
(Oh, and a note on Monday's 3-miler...There's something wonderful and terrible about finishing a run before the sun is even up, as seen below.)
(Oh, and a note on Monday's 3-miler...There's something wonderful and terrible about finishing a run before the sun is even up, as seen below.)
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| My view from the pool Monday morning. |
Did you run long this weekend?
I need sock recommendations! I like a little cushion but nothing too warm. What do you swear by?
Also, if you carry a water pack (not a belt or handheld), what kind do you use and how do you like it?
ABK
I love my new pro compression trainers as they seem to hug my foot in all the right places.
ReplyDeleteHow is the new house? The pool? The neighbourhood??
I've looked at PC trainers but they seem REALLY thin and I like some padding for longer runs. Are they padded at all? (I can't run in their marathon compression socks...too thin.)
DeleteThe new house is coming along! We're very happy with it!
Big fan of the Ultimate Direction AK race vest myself, though I did have to buy the bladder separately. For anything less than three hours I put water bottles in the front pockets instead.
ReplyDeleteAlso needing new socks so I'll be checking back for those same recommendations.
I do my long runs on Thursday on the way in to work, so last week was 14 - felt pretty good! And then this week I'll do my tempo run but no long run. But yes, I've had to get a lot more serious about my fueling the day before, the hours before, during, and after. It's been worth it!
I'm glad you're back to getting in some real distance. So inspiring! I'll need to check out UD vests. I'm not sure about the bottles in front...they seem like they'd annoy me, but maybe not!
Deleteits winter here so the weather is icy and cold. I did my training run at the gym instead - 10km split between running on a track and running on a treadmill. Its not the same as running outside tho! you look a lot more prepare than I do, which worries me for my first 21km happening in Sept - what advice can you give me??
ReplyDeleteYou have plenty of time to prep for a half by September! If you're able to work in some outdoor runs, that may really help your confidence. Other than that, my advice is to trust your training, get your miles in, avoid injury, and have fun!! Remember, don't do anything new on race day! I'd love to hear how the race goes!
DeleteBalega womens enduro 4 no show socks. Bought several pairs on amazon. Did 7 miles on Saturday, planning on 14 miles next weekend.
ReplyDeleteLove Nuun, so tasty. Good for you! It's such an accomplishment building up your mileage. I count in kilometers (being Canadian) so my double digits are amazingly less impressive but there is still something so awesome about hitting those bigger numbers. I did a big race this weekend and the last 4 km were the hardest of my life. They felt harder than anything I've ever done and I was reminded how it's all relative. Sometimes 12 km is easier than 4km.
ReplyDeleteThere really is something so empowering as mileage builds up...it's slow and steady and suddenly you realize WOAH, I'm running LONG runs here! I can do this!
DeleteWhat marathon are you training for? I always freeze my drinks too, I love my hydration ice cold!
ReplyDeleteI'm training for the Space Coast Marathon on Nov. 30. It'll be my first!
DeleteI love my Ultimate Direction Wink hydration pack (I wrote a review about it last week :) ) I also used socks from my running store (Roadrunner Sports) but I've heard a lot of Jinji socks and am curious about them.
ReplyDeleteWay to get those 10 miles down! I totally get the beginngin part of your post.
I'll need to go back and check your review...the pictures online make it look bulky. Thanks for the tip!
DeleteYay for double digits!!!! :)
ReplyDeleteI have never tried NUUN but a lot of runners talk about it, maybe I should try it out :)
I use a hydration pack. I think the company is Koppen. I bought it from Dick's Sporting Goods. I really like it and it has worked for me over a year. I did have to get use to the sloshing of the water at first but then I barely hear it with my music :)
I was a late-comer to nuun but it has changed my runs. Seriously, I run SO much better when I have nuun on hand.
DeleteI wish I could try these things on but I can't find them in stores. I'll need to order a bunch and just keep the winner haha! There are a few Camelbaks I'm interested in! I like the idea of the lumbar bladder.
ReplyDeleteSo happy that your run went better this week! Your first marathon...can't wait to hear all about your training! Congrats on the 10 miles. As for socks I have some Thorlos that are thicker that I like, and some Newton socks that I got at a running clinic. I need to find good hydration too!
ReplyDeleteI really love Thorlos but they're a little warm for summer. But right now they're my go-to socks!
DeleteOmg I'm addicted to cherry limeade Nuun, it is by far my favorite flavor!! Have you tried the Thorlo Experia socks? They have padding on the balls of your foot and heels! Super comfy and I don't think they're too hot. They have an offer on their website to get a free pair to try them out!
ReplyDeleteI love my Thorlos but they're a little warm in the summer...right now that's what I wear but I'm looking for something just a touch thinner and more compressive!
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