Today we were supposed to meet at 4:45 to run as a group for TNT. And like so many mornings, we started about 15-20 minutes late. The kicker? I was there about 10 minutes early! Just think of all the extra sleep I could have been getting!
On the agenda today was 10 miles. Before the run we got a good lecture from Coach Chuck about SLOOOOOWING DOWN… He said, “There were several of you who were running way too fast last week,” and he pauses to look toward the group I run with, “and you need to spend these long runs going 1:30 to 2:00 minutes slower than your goal pace. Push the pace during the week, but these runs are to help you get used to being on the course. Slow down!” So we tried really hard to keep our pace pulled back, we average about an 11-minute mile for the run.
Shortly after we got started, I think we passed a couple of hookers walking down the street. We were far from The Strip, but these gals were dressed in pretty skimpy clothes and were looking pretty haggard as they stumbled down the sidewalk back toward the park at 5:00 AM. Whatever they were, I have to admit we all copped a laugh at their expense.
I was pretty frustrated with my HR monitor at the end of the run, because it stopped taking readings a couple times. That’s frustrating on it’s own, but when it states such a low number of calories burned that’s just annoying. I know I’m small and don’t burn a lot of calories, as well as I don’t need to be concerned with that number… but it’s still fun to see. I just like numbers…
The biggest problem with today’s run was that I was very depleted by the end. I ate a packet of Sport Beans about 45 minutes into the run, but I needed more fuel. I have to remind myself to consume something about every 45 minutes during a run as evidenced by how irritable I was by the end. It’s kind of hard for me because I really don’t like to eat that much sugar. It just makes my stomach feel weird, so I might need to figure out something else to consume in addition to simple sugars: pretzels, dried fruit or something easy to grab while moving. Fortunately I was able to come home and pour a bowl of cereal while my husband cooked an egg for me. Rapid food intake!
Overall, I was pleased with the run today. It was the first time for double-digits in training with TNT. It’s fun to cross that threshold, it makes me feel tough and accomplished. There were things I could have done better today, but that’s part of the training process… Learning how to push the long distance so when it comes time for the marathon, you know all the quirks of what works for you individually.
Jill Will Run 
Yeah for you! Double digits! Sounds like we have the same weather patterns. I cannot wait for October. Keep trying the sugary stuff, it will take some time but I think you can get used to it. Although, pretzels may not be bad if you can get them in quickly. By the way, did you try your chill towel? I was wondering how you liked it. Was thinking about ordering some. Looked like a neat idea.
Oh man, an extra 10 – 15 minutes matters A LOT at that time of the morning! Good job on he double digits!
Alissa: I’ll keep trying the sugars, thanks for the advice. I do notice they give me an extra “pep” once consumed, but then they also give me an extra cramping in my stomach sometimes too! Such a balancing act! (Oh… like you’re blog’s name!) I plan on posting a review about the Chill Towel, but I definitely think they have a valid place in hot weather training!
Jenn: I know, at that time of day every SECOND counts! đŸ™‚
I’m having trouble getting used to the sugary stuff as well. When I was roasting during my run yesterday, those beans almost gagged me. Even the gatorade tasted like cough syrup. I’ve got to find some alternatives, too. By the way, I gave the wrong name for the Pay Day….it’s PayDay Pro. It’s pretty decent, not as sweet as some of the other stuff, but it doesn’t have any potassium.
Karen: Thanks for the correction on the name of the bar. I’m always game to try something new. I really don’t care for sports drinks that much, but I’m finding that I do need them, as much as I don’t like them I force myself to consume them!
I’m so inspired by your training! I’m training for a half marathon, myself, but I’m blessed to live in San Francisco where it’s (almost) never too hot to run. Getting up that early takes major commitment. Way to go.