So, today was a shorter long run…before they start getting progressively longer. I have a million things to do, so no deep contemplation. Just a few things I learned.
- Apparently, there’s a reason that ALL training schedules have you do midweek runs. They make a difference. My week was a little crazy, and if you were paying attention to my mileage on the sidebar (which you probably weren’t because, well, I’m sure…why would you?), then you would know that I did NO running midweek. There are lots of reasons why not, but I’ll spare you my excuses. The bottom line? There is no way I can get away with that again.
- I think about the most random things ever when I run. Seriously. But, I have no time and next week’s SPT challenge will be a perfect opportunity for me to share those thoughts.
- I love the new fuel belt: first, it sits well and doesn’t move around. Second, it holds 40 oz of fluid and the “holsters” make getting the bottles in and out super easy. Third, there’s a zipper pouch in the front for my car key. And last, there’s a good sized fanny pack in the back with plenty of room for my energy chews (and maybe a small camera on race day…too bad I don’t own one).
- Speaking of energy chews…Pina Colada is not my favorite flavor. I mean, I got them down, but yuck!
- After speaking with a couple of SGM veteran’s, I was informed that not only should I be training downhill, but I need to make sure that I do some good, hard uphill training. My intention was to do that this week on my short runs and throw in a mile of uphill today. Well, as you know, the midweek runs didn’t happen…but I still threw in that mile today. Bad idea. Very bad idea.
- Another bad idea, staying up until 1:30 am and then attempting to get up four hours later. I ended up finally dragging my butt out of bed at 7:30…on the trail at 8:00.
- While it was still relatively cool up the canyon at 8 am, there were way more people on the trail than what I am accustomed to. I didn’t like it…at all. This does not bode well for race day, when there will be thousands of other people out there with me. Time to get over myself I guess.
- There’s no new playlist today. I used the one from last week. Which, incidentally, was another bad idea on a run that involved harder terrain than what I’ve been doing (read – I needed more walking breaks).
Okay…that’s all I have to say about that. Time to clean my cluttery little hole over the garage and take another practice GMAT. Good times.
*Sad that this post is my attempt at keeping it short. Oh well. There are worse things than being long-winded, I suppose.
existential dilemmas 
I’m impressed by your mileage (I went and looked at your sidebar)! I just started trying to build back up to running. It is much harder than it was in my 20s and 30s, but I’m getting there. I’m up to about 8 minutes before I have to slow down and walk for awhile.
I won’t lie, the humidity and heat aren’t pretty, but you’ll make it. If I have to drag you the whole in order to do it, i will!! Only kidding. You will be fine! Hopefully the beautiful surroundings will be enough to keep your mind off the fact that it is blazing hot outside.
oh yeah- i checked out the R&R 1/2 marathon today. i totally think i’m going to do it! looks awesome
i’m jealous of your fuel belt!
Melynda – Why don’t you come with me sometime? Janssen – Thanks for that. Sometimes I get a little self-conscious about how verbose I am. Although, I always love your long posts…so I don’t know why I worry. Besides, it’s not like I’m pointing a gun at anyone’s head to read my blog.Anne – I’m glad to know I’m not the only one. I’m afraid I am going to die on those 15 miles out there. Heat and humidity…we’re not one big happy family. I love how you said, “At least it’s only 4 miles”…like that’s no big deal. You’re crazy!
I read your posts on bloglines and I have about 10-15 that I have intended to come back to and comment on, but I’m lazy and that task now seems a bit daunting so I’m starting from scratch! Moving on…I slacked on my mid-week runs this week as well, although I was able to get some mileage in. While I didn’t feel any reprecussions on my run today I felt mucho guilty for not following the schedule exactly. I love my fuel belt, but I wish it has more pockets like yours. I have just enough room for energy chews, my cell phone and my car key. I’m hoping I can buy extra pouches for race day (and those scarily long runs before then).I’m with you on the Pina Colada flavor. I was thisclose to throwing up, but I got them down with lots and lots of water. Never again! Have you tried Black Cherry? I tried them today and liked them a lot. Next on my list is Cran-Razz. I’ve been doing a bit of hill training and you’re right, it’s really really hard! Most definitely my least favorite thing to do. I’m glad there are only 4 miles (at least that’s what it looks like from the map) of uphill on the race route.I actually love the crowds of people. Maybe because it reminds me of my favorite old computer game frogger, but I like that it keeps me on my toes. I just love the race environment!Good luck with your practice GMAT!
I much prefer long posts to short posts. . .
I think it so great that you are running. Everytime I get on your blog- I think I need to start running/ or something. You are amazing!