I’m officially three weeks into my 1/2 marathon training. I have done 3 long runs 6-6-and 8 miles (well kinda sorta).
According to Nike I ran those distances, according to Map My run I almost ran those distances. Its really really discouraging when you run, think your on pace then go home and find out …no, not so much.
Yesterday’s 8 mile run was really hard, mentally and physically. I made a few mistakes in my planning.
MISTAKE #1- I got out around 9:15 AM. I know better, the window of coolness is Chicago in the summer is from 6 am to 10 am. My run was over 1 hour so that had me doing the hardest last miles in the BRIGHT SUN and heat. I fizzled at mile 5, mentally gave in and walked for a bit.
MISTAKE #2- I ate the entire SHOCK BLOCK at one time. I thought it was Gatorade in gummy candy form well I felt like I downed a pot of coffee. I normally bite a small piece and suck on it like hard candy. I hate GU and Gatorade GEL Packs (they all taste gross) so I have been using these. I guess I need to go back to beans and quench gum for calories.
MISTAKE #3- I had my fancy new hydration belt with me. 
I switched to the fancy dancy thing from a waist camel back for two reasons 1. The waist camel back rubbed me (the wrong way) and 2. it was not comfortable..it is great for a hike, but not great for running. I brought with me 2 of the 8 oz bottles of water. One with water and the other with G2. I put a few cubes of ice in the water. By mile 2 (first hydration point) the water was piss warm and so was the G2. It was not refreshing.
MISTAKE #4- Not trusting Charlie to meet me on my route. So after the death stretch of mile 5 I stopped at the gas station to get a cup of ice and some extra water. I just could not drink the water I had it was just too warm. I really did not need the water but I felt bad just getting a cup of ice. So I bought a small bottle of COLD h2O. After filling my bottles with ice and cooling down my piss warm g2 and water I continued on my run. I was trying so hard to get back to my running *zone*. I just wanted to sit down and and take nap. Or jump in a pool..anything but run. Finally, I was totally spaced out, finding my happy running place when I heard, Charlie shout something at me like “pick up the pace” or something. I flipped him off! Seriously dude, you run 6 miles, in the blazing sun with piss hot water, juiced on ONE 25 calorie Shock block and see what you would say to me if I told you to pick up the pace. LOL. It was great to see him though, he had more water for me. He also followed me for a mile or so on his bike. I have a love hate relationship running with him. He’s much faster than me. He stops then catches up with me b/c if he sets the pace I cannot keep up most of the time. But on the other hand, its nice to have someone with you. I’m not sure which I like better, seeing him on my runs or running with him. I need to ponder this more.
MISTAKE #5- I wore too long of short. I don’t know what to call them, they are not capris and they are not shorts. They go to right above my knees. Anyhow, they were making my knees sweat and making me hotter than I need to be. So I had to fold them up which caused a bit of chub rub.
MISTAKE #6 – Believing my Nike+. I got home and mapped my run..it was not 8 miles it 7 miles. GRRRRRR!
There are some good thing that came out of my run this weekend. I have a sense of confidence that I can run the 1/2 in October. I know that if I stick to my plan I will be able to do it, stopping only at the water stations. I have another 8 miles planned for this weekend. Then the next week is a recovery week for me. I CANNOT WAIT. Of course the 10 miles the weekend after is kinda scaring me but then again I thought I would die on this weekend long run.
Okay,
Now that you have commented on my blog I feel the need to “check up” on you. Maybe some of my experience can help and/or inspire.
Your mistakes are not mistakes. You are just not used to all of it. Running in heat is good for certain periods of time.
You really don’t need to eat if you are going for less than 2 hours of running. I would stay off the bloks for now and just get used to running.
Don’t worry about hydaration for runs less than 1 hr. Most can do fine with nothing unless it is EXTREME heat and humidity.
You must relax and forget about speed and distance. You have already made the commitment to lose weight and get out there. Have pride in that.
Your best bet on losing weight and getting more comfortable running work in tandem.
Believe it or not, a fast walk can be just as beneficial as a slow run. Maybe even better. You can also train for a half marathon by speed walking. You will probably loose weight faster that way as well (lower heart rate burns fat easier).
Relax, and get comfortable with running. It gets easier.
Yeah…HATE running w/a water belt. They’re all uncomfortable to me…but what to do?
It is better to learn about what you need (and don’t need) in training runs and not in a race.
BTW…I’m not sure MapMyRun is always 100% accurate either.
I think you’re doing great!
Ooohhh girl CONGRATS on the long run! ITA with Matthew, your mistakes are not mistakes, just learning experiences 😉 You’ll do FAB for this HM!! ;D ;D
Hey, you got out there and did it! Better to learn from your “mistakes” now than to make them on race day…
You got out there, so you’ve already won half the battle.
Good Luck with the rest of your training! You’re gonna Rock in October!
Nice job on the run. I have had issues with the fuel belt as well. I make my hubby meet along the way because like you….I can’t stand piss warm water.
You will do great for your half!
Hey, we have the same hydration belt!
Here’s what I do. Fill the flasks half-full with water or G2 (I have one of each usually), then snap them into place in the belt, and stick them in the freezer, upright.
You HAVE to snap them in first, or they’ll expand as they freeze and you won’t be able to snap them in after they’re frozen. I learned that the hard way.
In the morning, fill up the flasks the rest of the way, and go!
You could even freeze it mostly full – I don’t even take a sip until I’ve been running for 45 minutes, and they’re usually thawed by then.
oh, that’s a good tip, Jen. I have that same belt, Duckie!
I don’t necessarily agree with matt, but here’s why, I’m a big sweater. I sweat so much and lose so much salt that I could replace the salt in my shaker at home. I come home covered in what I think of as grit, only to realize the real reason my dogs are happy I’m home. SALT.
So I carry hydration on anything longer than 45 min OR if the temp is over 85 degrees. It’s a dry heat here and seems to just beat down.
Have you tried clif shots? I like the apple pie flavor lots.
Lastly, for these sprint triathlons I’m trying to get my nutrition on the bike in liquid form. Maybe ditch the G2 for something like cytomax or Hammer products? That way you can get your calories and your hydration?
I use Nuun for electrolyte replacement only as it has pretty much no calories.
Email me if you want more of my ramblings. I tried so many products that I think they came out of my ears and I’m trying more with this tri crap I’m doing.
I do agree with everyone saying they aren’t mistakes. They’re learning experiences. Now you know not to wear these shorts on your race.
Man, I am not putting advice here cause who the hell am I?!
You got the long run in and you are well on your way to 1/2 maratathon. All I am saying is great job I know you are really focused.