Unlike last Saturday, today was a good-feeling long run day. I thought I'd write down what I did in case I start to notice a pattern in my good-feeling long runs. Although, I know some days are good-run days, and some days aren't regardless of what you do.
I've lived in Texas a year now, so I guess it's about time I saw Texas' state animal in it's natural habitat. I was pretty excited when I saw an armadillo just hanging out on the running path this morning. We didn't have these funny little creatures where I grew up. I whipped out my phone to take a picture, but I wasn't fast enough, so this google image will have to do. It looked exactly like this anyway. I've seen plenty of deer, rabbits, squirrels, and giant cockroaches, but it was fun to see some new Texas wildlife this morning!
Pre-run fuel was two rice cakes with almond butter and honey.
During my run I had 2 shot bloks at mile 5.5, and 1 at about mile 8.5. My run ended up being 11 miles around an 8:40 pace.
One thing I think makes a huge difference in how I feel on my runs is starting out slower and gradually increasing the speed as I go. If I start out too fast, I'm pretty much guaranteed to feel like crap half way through my run, and be dragging in by the end. I need to remember this when I race! Don't start too fast!
Post-run fuel was a giant glass of crystal light, oatmeal with almond milk, chopped pecans, and some pumpkin pie spice seasoning. This was really good! I recommend it. (Sorry, I should have taken a picture so you could see how good it looked, but I was too excited to eat it. I don't know how some bloggers can take pictures of all their meals everyday!)
The weather was nice because it was overcast and not too hot considering it's the middle of July in Texas. That didn't stop me from looking like I had jumped in a pool with my clothes on by the end of my run though. I was pretty nasty. The sun may not have been blazing down on me this morning, but the humidity was still there like a nice thick blanket. I've yet to remember to bring a towel with me for after my runs. I'll remember one of these times.
I love the long runs that leave me with extra energy for the rest of the day, which is what today's long run did. I came home ready to do some cleaning, and spend some time at the pool with these two.
In contrast, last Saturday's long run left me wiped out and wanting to lay on the couch all day, even though my pace last Saturday was slower than this Saturday. The main differences I can think of between the two Saturdays were 1.) I fueled with shot bloks during my run today, and fueled with just water last Saturday, and 2.) I started out slower today and gradually increased my speed as the run went on, whereas last Saturday I started out faster and had to slow way down half way through my run.
What's the coolest thing you've ever seen on a run?
Do you tend to start your runs faster or slower than you end them?
Glad you felt great! I ran early this morning and had the same experience! It's crazy. I had a super great long run as well. I felt incredible. I completely agree with starting out slow. It makes all the difference. I wish I had my camera because there were at least 50 bulls in my path! There was some water between them and me but it was amazing. I was lucky because it was cloudy this morning. It was a nice, cool, run.
ReplyDeleteHow cool to see an armadillo on your run! I have seen giant Water Buffalo on a trail run in Hong Kong--that was pretty incredible!
ReplyDeleteYour rice cakes make me jealous-I sent hubs to do the shopping yesterday and he couldn't find them, so I'll have to do without them this week (or more likely, head back to the store!!)
:)
Starting slower works for me too. The slower I start, the better I feel, and the faster I end. There's something to be said for a true warm up. Cool to see an armadillo! You're amazing to run in the heat too, wow. Makes me feel tired and sluggish just thinking about it. Guess you get used to it tho.
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