I realized as I stepped out of my car at the trail that I have been pretty lucky with the weather in all of my long runs leading up to this one. With the exception of the cold, the weather has pretty much been ideal. But not today. Today, the first thing I experienced when I got out of my car was a blast of air, and dang, did it sting.
When I started running, I wasn’t entirely feeling it. I’ve had better starts to runs. But around mile 4, I hit my stride. It helped that by that point I was past the worst of the wind as I moved away from the water and into the cover of the trees and the surrounding houses. Then I was able to distract myself with the new part of the trail that I got to discover with my extra mileage. The trail snaked and cut through a gorgeous neighborhood for a stretch and then turned back into a trail again. And before I knew it, it was time to turn around.
I don’t know about you, but the turnaround point is always a big confidence boost for me. My mind goes to this place where it’s like, “You’re almost done.” Even if I have five miles to go, like I did today, that halfway mark may as well have been at my car the way my mind just relaxed.
But then, I got into the last two miles and my legs started to feel stiff and my feet started to hurt and the wind started to bite again and I had to battle my way to the finish. But then I was there. It was over. I did it!
I have to give a big THANK YOU to Maria V. Snyder. I started her book, Touch of Power, on this run and so far it’s really, really good. My mind was so busy with Avry, Kerrick and his band of merry men that the near two hours just flew by. I can hardly believe that I’m back at home already.
Congrats on double digits! Can’t wait to get back there
Thanks! You’ll be back at it before you know it. And one of these days, we will have to meet up to do a race together!!!
Congrats! I did my first 10 mile run today too. I felt great through mile 8, but then my knees and ankles started to hurt and I got a killer side stitch, so the last 2 miles were not fun, but I made it through. Oh and you have bragging rights. My 10 miles took me 1:51:39. So you were about 3 minutes faster. Well done!
Did you use any gels or chews before the run? I used the Gatorade Prime Chews and they seemed to energize me pretty well.
Congrats on your 10 miler! It feels good to finish, doesn’t it??? I didn’t do any gels or chews before the run, but I took some during. I’ve been trying to take them about an hour into the run. I had some leftover Clif Shot blocks so I took those again. I think I’m going to try out a gel next weekend. I don’t take a gel before the run, but I have been doing some extra fueling at breakfast though. I usually just have an energy drink and a meal replacement shake (the Advocare one that I like) before a long run. But once I got past 8 miles, I started adding an egg sandwich and some OJ with the meal replacement shake and the energy drink.
Part of the training plan Im doing for the half, is experimenting with nutrition and hydration. I was generally pleased with the Gatorade Prime chews. It kept my energy level up, and I didn’t have any sort of stomach discomfort. Next long run, I’m going to try to eat a Clif bar and a banana before I go out, and maybe try a few chews again about an hour into the run to make sure I have enough left in the tank to finish strong. I started to fade after 8 miles on Sunday, so I need to figure out the best time to take more chews or gu.
Sounds like you and I are doing the same thing. I read somewhere that you should eat at least 100 calories after your first hour of running and another 100 every 30-45 minutes after that. I haven’t been doing the second part because it’s right around the time when I would be finishing up anyway and so far I haven’t felt like I’ve needed to, but I think by the time I get up to half marathon distance I’ll need/want to take in some additional fuel.
Way to go! I did 9.5 yesterday and it was lovely… listened to a few podcasts, but the book idea is great.
Most people think I’m crazy but I love it. Congrats on your 9.5!!!