Tuesday I had my 4th day of Tower of Terror training - to run 30 minutes. I try and do these around my neighborhood so I can let the pup out and do some housework while I wait for the temperature to cool down. I've been pretty consistent at running 2.5 miles in 30 minutes, so I need to step it up!
I knew that it would be a little difficult to get my 4 mile run in over the weekend as we headed to Knoxville to see one of Jason's cousin's get married, so I chose to skip the second 30 minute run scheduled for Thursday and do my 4 miles on Friday night after work.
I'm not one that likes to run on a full stomach - I don't mind eating a little something, but I knew if I had dinner before my run the results would not be pretty, so instead I chose to try my very first Gu Energy Gel.
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| Yum |
I got to the Greenway, as it's my favorite place to run for mileage, stretched out, and began my run. I know to seasoned runners, 4 miles is considered a "short" run, but for someone like me who has only run a maximum of a 5K at a time, 4 miles was pretty long! I took some Gatorade along with me and sipped on it during my walk intervals, and I think that helped me a bit. I want to get one of these -
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| Amphipod handheld bottle |
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| Nathan handheld bottle |
I ran with my Nuun bottle that I got at my last race, but when it's full, it tends to leak out of the top as I run, so I need something a little more suitable for running with. I also like that I can store my iPhone in one of them, and I can also put my car key, money, license, Gu, etc, in them as well. It's been on my running wish list for awhile, but since I'm getting into higher mileages I may go ahead and get it for myself.
I finished my 4 miles in about 47 minutes, which wasn't as bad as I thought it was going to be. My minutes per mile creeped up about 30 seconds with each mile I ran, but I'm not letting it discourage me. I know I will get better and they will get more consistent the more that I run.
I got home and J had dinner ready - steak, baked potatoes, and a salad...very tasty! We went upstairs to pack for Knoxville and J had me try on the dress I wanted to wear. What a sad realization I had when the dress no longer fit, and not in a good way. I've been running for about 3 months now and I haven't really lost any weight, but at least I know why. I have got to make a change in the way I eat, and I need to hit the gym a few days a week. With it being the summer and wanting to go to the pool and getting invited to go out on our friend's boat on the lake, I am less than thrilled about being in a swimsuit, and I just am not happy with the way my body looks and how I feel in it. Today I start making a change to that. I brought my gym clothes so that I can get a workout in on my way home. Adding this to my running and eating better will hopefully result in the weight loss that I want and need for myself. J has dropped 25 pounds and I'm so very proud of him...now it's my turn.
What are your favorite pre-run/race fuels? Do you have any must-have accessories while you run? What is your workout/running routine?
Until next time,
Jen
I generally do my runs in the morning, and each morning I know that I don't want to run on an empty stomach, but I don't want to eat something too heavy, so I eat these little "Breakfast on the Go" packets. They're made by Blue Diamond, and they have all different kinds, but the one I had today had almonds, granola, dried apple slices, and dried cherries. It always helps energize me, and I can feel the difference when I didn't eat one before.
ReplyDeleteI'm w/ ya on avoiding a big meal before running. When I run in the morning, I usually do it on an empty stomach, but if you're going to be out there for a while, that doesn't cut it. I got in the habit of eating raisins before my long runs. A handful or so digests easily and give you an instant energy boost.
ReplyDeleteI'm just starting to explore gels and pre-run nutrition. I found Power Bar energy chews are pretty good if you just need a little boost of energy to get you going.
ReplyDeleteI just bought a SPI belt and I love it! I used to have an arm band for my iPhone, but I felt that sometimes it would just be uncomfortable. You'd be surprised what those little belts can fit!