It was an odd day for my long run, because even though it was Friday, my kids were actually home due to Spring Break. I don’t know why, but I hate to go out on long runs when my kids are around. When it happens I try to stay close to the house, which is silly because my husband is home, so there is no need to rush home! Anyhow, I managed to make it out the door by 8am. I was surprised because it was still pretty darn cold around here, and dreary looking. Where’s the sun and spring weather??
Just minutes prior to my long run I fueled up with 2 bowls of Frosted Mini Wheats. You would think my “fueling fail” story revolves around the fact that I had high fiber cereal 3 minutes before I stepped out on my long run, but no, that was not an issue at all. In fact, I went until around 8.5 miles until I took my first GU. FMW is my go-to for keeping my stomach full!
My run was going to be 18 miles. I had a selection of 3 GUs that I thought sounded pretty good: Salted Caramel, Sea Salt Chocolate, and Just Plain. The 3rd one was only just in case I needed it. But for some reason, when I started to feel a little hungry/less perky around 14 miles, I started doing my “I’m so stupid I can’t do math when I run” and thought I just had a GU 4 miles ago, so I convinced myself that I only had “4 more miles” to go, and I could surely last without another GU. It was too soon I thought. I mean, those things cost at least $1.50, right??
Ugh. Not sure what was up with that. So by the time I rolled into my neighborhood just a half mile from my house, I had to stop and pinch my side because it was growling so loudly from hunger that it hurt and I thought it was GI issues! I opted to just stop my run at 17 miles which was actually the distance on my plan for the day. It sucked that I had to stop due to stupidity, but on a good note, I was just running however I felt, and my overall pace was 9:11 (goal marathon pace = 8:45). And I actually sought out the hills in the area to get some training in on those. So that’s a plus!
So there you have it. Lesson learned? I need to force myself to fuel on a regular basis BEFORE I get hungry because that’s what keeps my body moving successfully! Of course this is not a new discovery for me, but it’s one that I struggle with for some reason. And one that has been my downfall in previous marathons.
Remember those cool t-shirts we got from the Shamrockin’ Shuffle?? You might be seeing a lot of that shirt on me. It’s the best! So super soft and comfy.
Well, it’s time for me to get some breakfast and start my day. I’m meeting my friend for a long walk today. We used to run together, but lately we’ve just been taking walks. Maybe running is in her near future again?? (is it Jennifer???) Fingers crossed!
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Q: Do you have any locks in your area?
The area we live in had one a canal system that connected from the Great Lakes to the Ohio River. It was over 460 miles long, the longest in the country!
Q: What is your fueling strategy for long runs/races?
Q: Got any favorite race shirts?
Sometimes I’m a cheapskate when it comes to runs as well. On a 20 miler I should take 2-3 GU, but a lot of times I’ll take 1 or none. Figure hey, I’m saving a few bucks that way! But many times I regret cheapening out.
I love that shirt. Okay well, I’m not the greatest example of nutrition and fuel <— huge understatement. I don't take gels during training runs, and if I'm doing a 20 miler (or anything between say, 17-23 miles) I'll loop around so that I can stop at my house or the van to grab a drink. I never drink water, only electrolyte drinks because I'm a salty sweater.
As crappy as you felt for that long run, it's actually good training to train hungry sometimes! I used to do that when I trained for my 50 miler. It's a yucky feeling though, for sure.
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I’m not great with fueling either. I’ve had the salted Caramel GU on a long run once and I really liked it except it made me need to find a restroom ASAP. Because of that I’ve bee afraid to try it again…lol
I love FMW to fuel long runs!! 🙂 I am totally a cereal gal. Today I only had an 8 miler on the sked so I opted for 1.5 bowls of Life.
Megan @ Meg Go Run recently posted…Weekly Workout Recap!
The Illinois Sanitary & Ship Canal connects the Chicago River to the Desplaines River. It was built in 1900 to reverse the flow of the Chicago River so that raw sewage being dumped in the river would not pollute Lake Michigan where the city and suburbs get their water.
My favorite running shirt is from the 2012 NYC Marathon. Instead of being that kind of loose weave you find in most tech shorts, this one is smooth and very soft. It is also a collector’s item since that marathon was cancelled due to Hurricane Sandy.