Wednesday, September 30, 2015

WWU - 9 Miles!

Whew, it's been a long time since I ran 9 miles - we're talking last January!  Lucky me, I have a lot of 9 milers (and 10, and 11, and 12...) still to come over the next few months.

I was so happy to see that Loretta was feeling better and was able to run again.  She'd been out for a non running-related issue; while it's never fun to be sick, at least it wasn't caused by running.  Anyway, because there was no way she should attempt 9 miles after several weeks off, we did a different route so that she could turn back toward the park and finish with 5 miles for the day.  Overachiever that she is, she ended up running 6 miles!  CC and I left her at the 4.5 mile mark and continued on our way, and I have to say, it wasn't bad, this 9 miles, especially considering that it was warmer than predicted; we were supposed to be in the high 60s, but I was disappointed to see the car temperature reading 72 degrees as we drove to the park, and naturally, it was still super humid, too.  I can't help but think how much nicer those 9 miles will feel when we get a crisp, cool morning...probably not for another month, but hey, I can dream, right?!

I started using my Orange Mud HydraQuiver again a couple of weeks ago - until then, I'd been OK with using my Nathan handheld bottle, but all of a sudden, I was just plain OVER having to hold something in my hand.  I think having the bigger water bottle with the HydraQuiver has been a big help with my fueling for the longer runs, as it holds 24 ounces (compared to 8 ounces in my handheld) - I'm drinking more water, which not only is helping with staying hydrated, but it's also helping dilute the intensity of the GU gels that I use for fuel.
Recipe for a successful run, right here!

Speaking of fuel, I don't eat anything before I run, so I need to stay on top of that during my long runs - I don't like to wait until I feel like I'm getting tired; I'd rather stay ahead of fatigue instead of chasing it.  I took a GU at miles 3 and 5, and then at mile 7 I had a few Honey Stinger energy chews, just to get me through the last couple of miles.  This worked out great, and I had enough energy left to push the last mile, which ended up being our fastest by nearly a minute and a half!  Now that is a nice way to finish up a long run.

After everyone came in and we relaxed at the park for a bit, we headed to Blue Baker, where I tried doing something different for breakfast.  My stomach has been bothering me for a month or so now, every Saturday.  Much as I didn't want to think this, I figured it was from the breakfast food - my gallbladderless body sometimes doesn't like certain things.  Well, I finally remembered that my stomach used to always hurt after a long run...it's not the food, it's just how my body reacts to all the miles.  So this time, I brought some protein powder that I mixed up at the restaurant, and over the course of about 2.5 hours had that, coffee, some bacon, and half a cinnamon twist.  I left feeling good, and I didn't end up with a stomach ache at all!  Kinda wish I'd realized this earlier, but hey - we still have several months of long runs ahead, so I'll continue to do this and hopefully won't spend the rest of my Saturdays in misery.

P.S.  I just checked, and the discount code still works if you click the link for Orange Mud and want to order any of their products - "MYJOURNEY" will get you 10% off. 

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I'm happy to report that Jeff, Loretta, and I were able to run in our neighborhood on Monday with no sign of that aggressive dog.  I will admit to feeling a little trepidation as we approached the corner where he came at us, and between that plus worrying that I might accidentally flip the switch on the canister and mace myself, it wasn't the most mentally relaxing of runs but we made it.  Yesterday just Jeff and I ran, and it went something like this:  "!@#$% my legs feel dead!  !@#$% this humidity!  !@#$% running!"  So there you have it...nine miles?  No problem.  A 30-minute run?  Bah humbug.  They can't all be winners, but I guess if I'm going to have a bad run, I'd rather it be the short one.

16 comments:

  1. I never eat before a run or other workout. But back when I was training for a half I did eat for every run about 6 miles.

    Glad to hear that you found a solution for your bothering stomach.

    And last but not least: I never carry something in my hand during a run, I hate it. I also use a backpack for long hikes with Bella so I don't have to carry something in my hand.

    Well well done on the 9 miles!

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  2. Great job on the 9 miles. You've got a great system figured out.

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  3. Congrats on the 9 miles! Glad you figured out your stomach issue, or hopefully that was the answer and works again :)

    I eat before workouts unless we are biking to breakfast. I can do a max of 8 miles prebreakfast before I will bonk, so we don't ever ride farther than that before eating. Long ride days I eat carby meals before I go.

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  4. Nothing in my hands! Everything must be attached/strapped on and then I run fine lol. 9 miles is getting close to the max where I can run without eating something beforehand.

    I wonder if protein has something to do with helping runner's stomach? You know I can't use GU or drink Gatorade at all but when I was running distance I found Accelerade and my stomach tolerated that. It has protein in it, unlike the other drinks and gels which are electrolytes and sugars. Hmmmm now I want to research that lol!

    You're a good example to new runners of how to figure out what works for YOU. Very, very important to practice this during the training!

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    1. I think I forget that I still need to work on this stuff - running is so automatic to me that all of a sudden we were in these higher miles and I was all "wait a minute, I need to pull out my bag o' tricks to make this work" - which is good, I guess. Less mental angst beforehand?

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    2. Higher miles are completely different animals. You forgetting is like me forgetting how much/little clothing I need for an outside run with each season change lol!

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  5. 9 miles is just awesome! Way to go!! I can't eat before or just after the gym. I get nauseous most times. I just drink lots of water :)

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  6. I am always impressed with your long runs! You go girl.

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  7. Fantastic report on your nine miles! My stomach was a little tender when I left my long gym workout Saturday, and I remembered you saying that sometimes happened to you after a long run. Unlike others, I am always holding something in my hands on my walks--the end of Noah's leash :)

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    1. Yep, I think when you are doing a hard workout, most of your blood goes to the muscles you're using, which means the stomach just gets funky.

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  8. I tried the GU and the texture was gross - but those shot blocks were amazing! I was bummed that I didn't finish my running club because of my bronchitis the last three weeks. I am attempting to walk at lunch with no coughing today - wish me luck!

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    1. As long as I use the more "desserty" GU flavors, I don't mind the texture...I can convince myself I'm eating frosting, or melted caramel. But don't try that with a fruit-flavored one...ick. I like the Shot Bloks, but after 8 or 9 miles, I tend to have a hard time making my jaw chew anything, so the GUs come in handy. Good luck with your walk today!

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  9. Yay to your nine miles. I'm also happy to hear from someone else that doesn't eat before running....to know that it is possible if you figure out the right balance. :-) I'll be checking out the hydraquiver too because while the handheld works it annoys me! :-)

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  10. I will never get over being impressed by your runs. Good trouble-shooting on the stomach problem too, hope that works out for you going forward.

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  11. My sister has that same water bottle and sling thing. She's taken it with us on a few runs but not sure if we'll take it during the marathon! Doesn't getting in some higher mileage feel great! I just did a 10 miler last Saturday! It was my first long training run since last year!

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  12. wow 9 miles is a lot lot lot. I wonder if I should start focusing more on my walks?

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