So, on Saturday, I did nine miles by myself. I am proud of this for several reasons.
First off, I finished the run in under 2 hours. 1 hour, 58 minutes to be exact! So that means my pace was about 13:11! Not shabby. I would have liked to be a little faster, however I think I know the reasons for this.
I have a feeling the main reason why I was just over 13 was because of my fuel. I used a new fuel source, and it didn't quite work out as planned. Which made me sad, but oh well. I have to try new things to find what works for me right?
I should note here that I am NOT paid by any companies, or any product, and the following is strictly my own opinion, and my own experience with the respective products that will be discussed. Also, go talk to someone much smarter that actually knows things (like a doctor before starting any running/exercise regimen, as well as someone like a nutritionist before using any sort of product for weight loss/exercise enhancement)
On Friday after work, I stopped by a place that I thought would sell Gu, however, they didn't, which sort of bummed me out. I've had a really good experience from the previous week with Gu, and I thought it would help me out on my longest run thus far into my training. However, they had something else (Powerbar gel) that the sales dude told me was "similar" to Gu. It was on sale and right there, and it meant that I wouldn't have to drive up to another store somewhere else to go get exactly what I wanted on a Friday. We all know traffic is awful on a Friday afternoon, which meant that I could avoid that as well. So I decided sure why not-it couldn't hurt to try it. Besides, this girl can never really pass up a sale..they were pretty cheap.
I decided that I would fuel on mile(s) 3, 6, and then 9. Good plan right? That way, I would be able to finish without issue. Well, day of all locked loaded, and puffed up via asthma meds, I powered out of my door. And let me tell you people, it was a gorgeous morning for a run. It was about 45 degrees (add on 20 degrees for runners, so about 65) out, and not a drop of rain in sight. Living in Oregon, well it rains a ton here-so that was a good positive not to have to worry about being drenched and freezing on my run.
And off I went! Feeling good mile one, mile two, oh, here's mile three. Better start fueling. At this point, I had reached a place on the trek that had high hills. For the life of me, as of right now, I can NOT run up hills. Which is frustrating. But okay up and over I go, good so far..and hey this Powerbar gel stuff doesn't taste too bad.
Once I hit mile four, I got a smidgen turned around. I quickly realized where I should be going and went that way. At this point, the path took me through these snazy homes that made me turn green with envy, and then down this gorgeous slope for about a mile that took me through a oak tree park. And this particular park is stunning! It's brand spankin new, so the pavement is perfect for running on. Its a gentle slope down, and a windy path. Not the scary kind of windy, but the good gentle kind. Feeling absolutely glorious and fabulous. At the end of it, I hit mile five, and started to feel funky.
When I hit mile six, I started to not feel as great. I slowed down, took some water, and figured I could easily slow my pace down a bit without it affecting my overall time that much. Fortunately, I didn't have any hills at that point in the run, but anytime I hit a slope, I immediately slowed down. I kept thinking what the heck? I gotta keep going, and I know I can rock out these gentle slopes. I do easy three without issues during a long work week-what is going on?
I figured I should probably take another hit of my Powerbar gel, and as I was opening it up, something on the back label caught my eye. Zero caffeine! What the heck, zero caffeine in my Powerbar gel? No wonder I was starting to feel funky, I needed a kick of caffeine in my system to keep me going. And then I realized that's why I'm feeling off. No caffeine in my system at all! Gah. Just when I need it the most....and its not there! Bah.
Needless to say, mile seven was a struggle-not only did I feel like I was starting to hit a wall, I had three big ole hills in a row to walk up. Last time I tried running up a hill towards the end of my planned trek, I felt like I was going to collapse, so I knew between the way I was feeling and my own physical limitations, I knew it would be a bad idea to try and run up those blasted hills. Of course, that put me in a foul mood since I wasn't running.
Next thing I knew, I looked down at my watch and bam I was at 8.5. I took a quick inventory of what I had left on my route (no big huge hills) and how I felt (better) and off I went. Finished running, but really I wished I could have done more running towards the end of my route.
Stupid no caffeine. The particular store that I bought the Powerbar gels from, I don't really like to begin with, so it's not a huge loss, but overall, just irritating. I really wish I had better fuel on this run, but it just goes to show you how important fuel during long runs really is. I also think, if I had a running partner, I would have done better. The conversation for me pushes me, and keeps me going. So maybe that was a part of it too, and why I started to be all sluggish.
On the bright side of this run, I finally got to run through that gorgeous park. I can guarantee, (now that I know where I'm going) it will happen more often. :)
Another positive of this particular run was that despite everything I did finish in under two hours. And that is a good enough accomplishment for me- totally made my day!
Its looking like its going to be pretty rainy for the rest of this week-thunderstorms and all. But I'll be out there in my pink little hat and shirt probably will get soaked to the bone. But I'll do it!
Catch ya on the flip side,
Allison
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