Week 14 - Big D Half Marathon

Today I ran for the second time the Big D Half Marathon.  I did better by about four or five minutes better compared to last year's run, despite last year having better weather conditions.  I didn't mind the cool temps as I love running in temps between 50 and 65 degrees but it either threatened to rain throughout the race or it was a light drizzle.  The last 5 minutes of running were perhaps the worst in that it poured rain and made for a very cold finish.

It's a fairly hilly course (in my opinion) but it can be a very pretty run through a couple nice neighborhoods.  I think it lead to part of my running struggles later in the race as it caused me to expend more energy than I wanted.  I also didn't eat or drink anything before the race and so I bonked right around the 9 or 10 mile marker.  This just further reinforces that I must eat or drink something before each training run or race if I want to perform my best.

I really don't mind this race and would run it again.  They offer a full marathon course and if I ever decide to run a full marathon I would consider it.

Course

Elevation Chart

Up next - and 18 mile training run on Saturday!

Week 11 - 10 Miles

Today I feel like I had a really good run.  Ran with an average 9:44/mile pace and felt strong throughout the run.  It was humid but the temps were in the 50s.  The first three miles were pretty hilly as we were running in the Plano Arbor Hills Nature Preserve.  After that we went out and ran a pretty normal route for the remaining seven miles.

During the run I talked with my trainer how I keep flipping back and fourth mentally on the upcoming marathon where I wonder about what I've gotten myself into and then knowing I can do it.  Of course having a good run this morning only helps me build more confidence in my ability.

I have been eating a granola bar before each of my long runs and it seems to really help with giving me the energy I need for a solid run.  My trainer suggested a product called UCAN, which is an energy solution that you can take before or after a strenuous workout or run.  I am going to see about picking up some of the powder from her before our next run next weekend.  If it works I'll need to drink about 8 to 12 ounces before leaving my house for a run.

Anxious to see what distance we'll be running next week.  Perhaps 15 miles?

Week 2 - 8.5 Miles

Today's training run went much better than last week.  I ran an average pace of 9:35/mile which is pretty awesome for me (better than my last race which I PR'd at 10:35/mi!).  I ran slightly behind the group as I was pushing my upper limit.  The real question will be whether I can run that kind of pace in a race or not for the full 13.1 miles.  Guess I'll find out on Feb. 2nd!

I still had trouble with dry heaves after drinking water.  I tried just drinking a couple sips but it still gave me problems.  What did seem to help was not starting with such a fast pace as it allowed my body to process the water a little before going back into full throttle.

One thing that was suggested to me was to eat something small before running.  I like Clif bars and so maybe I'll try eat half a bar before leaving the house to run with the group.  It was also suggested that I follow the mean plan that was sent out to all the people that participate in Boot Camp, so maybe that will help me with fueling as well?  My biggest problem is that I am a fairly lazy cook and so it might be more energy I might be willing to put in.

My legs feel pretty good.  I promised myself I would get better at rolling my legs after my long runs and so once I fix myself some breakfast I'll bust out the foam roller and then get cleaned up.