Lately I've harped on how frustrated I've been regarding the new diet (2k calories a day) but Saturday's long run has made me a believer in my nutritionist.
It started like any other long run; breakfast was a piece of whole wheat bread with peanut butter and a small cup of coffee. During the run, every 20 minutes of so, I hydrated with water or Gatorade depending on how much I had been sweating. Upon each hour, I refuel with sports beans or shot blocks. There were snacks at the Shelley Lake water stop about 12 or so miles in....yummy orange slices..I partook of a few, sticky fingers aside. Overall nutrition....CHECK!
As the miles piled up, I felt really good. I left my Garmin on interval so as not to track mileage or analyze pace...I wanted to concentrate on how I felt without distraction. Now and again Anne would ask what mile we were at, this being my only indication of how far we had been. Once we reached mile 10 and the group split off (those running 10 miles headed back and the others plodded on) , I was stunned by how great I felt; no aches, no pains, and no heavy legs.
The original plan was to run 16, although my prescribed regimen was 18. Our pack eventually reduced from 45 to roughly 10 runners at the last peal off point (4 miles remained)....it's decision making time. Do I turn back now or push on to 18 and really test my limits? The soles of my feet started to ache between 13-14 miles, this is a normal pain during long runs so no red flags there. Shins, calves, knees, quads, hams...all good.....ok...... lets see what I'm made of.
The group decided to make the loop around Shelley lake and then head back to Crabtree mall via the greenway trails. Sweat soaked, quite with the exception of diabetic guy at the back of the pack....he makes for intriguing entertainment.....and focused, the group traverses the terrain. At 16 miles my attention shifts. This is getting hard and I start to second guess my choice. A group mentality forms when everyone is struggling to finish....you can't stop (you don't want to be the one to wuss out), and you don't complain because everyone (with the exception of diabetic guy) is hammering away as hard as you are. Heavy respiration's can be heard as the Garmin marks the next walk break. Finally we arrive at the bridge under Glenwood and the mall is in sight.
Once back at my car, I change my drenched shirt and grab a snack from my lunch box. I truly can not believe I finished 18 miles and I wasn't dead on my feet. Oh..the spandex part...I adorned a pair of knee cropped spandex Fila pants for this run. BEST PURCHASE I HAVE MADE (in clothing that is)...no thigh chafing, hallelujah!! This may not be my best look but I could care less! Should have listened to Dina much sooner!
So needless to say, I'm a firm believer in the new diet and, well, spandex pants!
................................................................................................................................................................
Forgot to mention but after the run we went to a pool party and out dancing. Granted I was not as chipper as usual but I wasn't a total zombie either. Says tons about a good diet plan I think.
Mission Creep (or ADD?)
14 years ago
Jennie. I am truly impressed! I was RUINED after our "10" mile run, which I really think was closer to 12. Thanks Ron.
ReplyDeleteYeah, glad he's not in charge of certifying race distances hahaha! Hope I didn't talk your ear off...I was a chatter box...it got really quite when you guys turned back. :)
ReplyDeleteWay to go Jennie!! 18 is SOoooo far!!!!
ReplyDelete