Well, no one said that this training was going to be easy,
and now that I am getting into the longer stages of running in my preparation,
I am seeing this to be a reality more that not. I know that I have been having
a good training experience so far, but I think a lot of it has to do with my
determination and drive to succeed at this!
So, on Saturday, I was scheduled to run 15 miles. I am going
to admit that I was only able to complete 14.35 miles. While I did not complete
the scheduled length, I am really proud of myself. There were several factors
that I believe contributed to me not finishing: new route, elevation, and lack
of hydration.
For my long runs, I have been doing laps around the 3.6-mile
trail near where I live. I didn’t really feel like running in giant circles, so
I decided to try running around Park Forest and “discover new territory”
although the route I used, I used because I knew where I was going. I drove
around before hand so I could map out the course and make sure my mileage was
accurate to what I was actually running. This run not only included residential
scenery, but also some “highway” (Governors Highway), lots of inclines, SUN!
and both gravel and sidewalk areas.
I have come to realize that for me, the first 3-6 miles are
the toughest. They are the hardest to stay motivated and not want to just stop
and walk. I’m thinking that maybe I need to intake some sort of energy right
before I start my runs so that it is smooth sailing from the start. After that
6th mile, I am usually feeling good and have little problems.
One of the main things I was trying to concentrate on while
running was not to worry about timing. I know that I usually like to stay
within an 8 min/mile pace, but because it was so long and I knew that it was a
new route that I just needed to focus on keeping a comfortable pace and
completing the run.
Anywho, for the most part the run went well. Toward the 13
mile mark, I was in need, major need, for some Gatorade or water or something
to hydrate my body. I ran and munched on my energy bars while I was running,
but those contributed to my dry mouth. I really think that if I had some liquids
(and I have taken enough nutrition classes in college to know the importance of
liquids and hydration while long exercises) that I would have been able to
finish the race.
My knees also at the end of the run were really feeling the
run. I think I have some serious knee issues, but am afraid to got to the
doctor for the thought of them telling me that I really should not be running
like I am on my knees just really doesn’t not sit well with me. I am going to
schedule a doctor’s appointment this week though to make sure that I am healthy
enough to complete this marathon.
So there you have it. I did my 14 miles and am trying to
maintain my optimism for my future runs. Here are the stats from this weekends
run:
Miles:14.35
Time:2:19:29
Pace: 9:43 min/mile
Calories Burnt: 2106
As always, thanks for reading!
Until the next run,
Cody!
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