This Running Life

If I can get on it today, I’ll have another podcast out real soon.

Until then enjoy your tryptophan!

Did 20 today. A little better run that the 19 from two weeks ago. I had better energy and fitness through about 17, when I started to tire. Mile 20 was pretty tough. Part of it were my legs and feet telling me I was crazy for running this long. But I could get in a rhythm and get going for a while. I ran the whole 20 in 4:17:84–a 12:51 per mile pace over 20. Other than a couple of stretching and gel breaks, my average per mile stayed in the 12s until mile 19 when I hit the wall. And it was a big wall! That last mile took forever .

I only ate a bagel with peanut butter this morning before the run. I am thinking that my pre-run fueling was insufficient. I need to investigate what to eat before the long run. I think I also need to eat a Powerbar or clif bar in the middle of the run, too. I did take a small serving of M&Ms for late in the run and they helped. But the affect was short lived.

I got back to the car and found on my face that dry white salty residue from sweating out your electrolytes. I thought about Charles from Colorado! What happened was that when I started the run, it was quite cool, but the sun came out and I heated up, but was several miles from the car. I had to wait until mile 10 to ditch a jacket. After the run it got overcast again and cooled off pretty quickly. I need to remember to dress a little lighter than i think I should for the marathon. I’m going to be out there for awhile. I little discomfort before sun up will not be as bad as a lot of heat late in my race. Today I was clearly overdressed.

After the run, I went to our local dump and waddled up to the sign (it was closed today) and took a picture for inclusion in the Dump Runners Club.

An ice bath and a chocolate milk later and here I am. One more long run in the books and 20 miles closer to Disney. New podcast coming out next week.

Episode 3 now available.

Since July I haven’t missed many runs on this journey to run Disney. But today I took a personal day–I slept in. The week has been a hectic one at work, my car had problems and had to get towed to the shop, I stayed up too late on election night drinking wine and watching returns roll in, and I needed a day off.

I am beyond beating myself up for taking recovery days instead of a run And I think in the long run, it helps get me back on the road refreshed and appreciative of the run. When it feels like a job or something we HAVE to do, then we need a break. That said, I am eager to get back on the road on Friday and excited about a 19 miler on Sunday morning. I’ll let you know how it goes.

Thank you all so much or the feedback on the podcast. I am having a blast and plan to incorporate many of your great suggestions. I am grateful that you took a chance on me.

Episode 2 of the podcast is now available. Let me know what you think.
I discuss what lack of sleep does to my training. Small dogs attack me while on a run. And I report that science is proving that chocolate milk is the perfect post-run recovery drink.

2008 Monthly Mileage
October 111.8
September 81.2
August 68.3
July 60.5
June 59.7

For the first time in my running life I have run 100 miles in a month–and the month ain’t over yet. Today’s run broke 100 for October and I still have about 13 to run before the month ends.

Feeling kind of proud. Feeling strong , too. Today’s run was cold (30 degrees F at start) and I kept a solid pace even up hills. I think this whole marathon thing just might work out.