Total Miles: 24

Total Time: 3:58:48

Total Calories Burned: 3000

Workout: 16 Miles

Time: 2:40:28 (9:49, 9:39, 9:38, 9:39, 9:42, 9:50, 10:21, 9:57, 10:15, 10:14, 9:58, 10:11, 10:01, 10:45, 10:09, 10:10)

So the night before Saturday’s run, I laid out my clothes for the morning’s run.  As soon as I woke up and looked at the temperature, I changed what I had in mind.  The temperature read 28 degrees…yes, 28 degrees.  That’s purple on my weather forecaster.  Insane.  So I layered up with running tights pans, fleece, and gloves, and headed out the door.  I ran with Team in Training at the Towpath so that I wouldn’t have to carry any water with me.  When we started it was probably around 30 degrees…luckily, it was sunny and not windy at all.  I quickly fell into a very comfortable rhythm, which, unfortunately, left the other runners behind so I ended up running on my own.  As my plan is, I ran the first 5 miles before I took a break…although because of the water stops its was more like 5.5.  The powergel I took gave me a nice boost…I decided to experiment with one that had caffeine in it.  Think I’m going to make a permanent switch.  The next water stop was at 8 miles…which was fine for me but miscalculated by .4 miles for those who were supposed to run 15.2.  In any case, I was pretty much fine until after the next water stop.  I got very hungry, which in turn made me very cranky.  Miles 12-14 were very unhappy ones…I learned then that I really need to find a way to occupy my mind on these really long runs…especially as they get longer.  Luckily, after a water stop near 14, my mood changed as I knew I was close to being done, and I finished comfortably.  Nothing really bothered me the whole run, which was nice.  After the run I came home, took an ice bath, and headed to PA for the day.

Sunday

Workout: 8 Miles

Time: 1:18:20 (9:34, 9:52, 9:34, 9:37, 9:34, 10:11, 10:04, 9:50)

So, you know how yesterday’s run started out at 28 degrees?  Well, today’s run started out at around 68 degrees.  Yes, 40 degrees warmer.  What a difference a day makes.  Instead of multiple layers, I was able to wear shorts and a t-shirt.

Last night I stopped at the running store and picked up new running shoes, a reflective vest for my night runs, and a belt to carry a water bottle on my back.  So, I decided to try out the belt today.

The first half mile I was very tired and sluggish, but then I found myself in the sunshine and my whole mood and energy level changed.  I actually found my Garmin yelling at my multiple times (well, really whispering since the speaker doesn’t work so well anymore) that I was going too fast.  The nice weather really made that happen.  The belt and water bottle really didn’t bother me at all.  Sometimes I even forgot it was on.  Definitely a keeper.  Around mile 2 my stomach gave me a scare…I made the mistake of having Wendy’s last night…but surprisingly after walking about 30 seconds the feeling passed completely and never came back.  I was able to stay on course again…5 miles running before the walk breaks.  With the water bottle I was able to take my gel and water while on the move, which definitely will save some time so that’s good.  In the end, save for some chafing (forgot my body glide) and a few blisters, I felt great.  I even wondered at one point during the run if I had really ran 16 miles the day before.  All and all a good weekend.

Lessons Learned This Weekend

• I need to find a way to occupy my mind during these longer runs.
• My mood and energy is going to roller coaster, so I just have to ride it out.
• Caffeine doesn’t bother my stomach like I thought it might.
• I need to start taping my feet before I run to avoid the bad blisters I get on my arches.
• On race day, my crew needs multiple drink options for me at my stops.
• You never know what kind of weather you’re going to get.

Well, that’s its for this weekend’s run.  Next run on Tuesday.  Until then, run on friends!!

P.S. – On a personal note, our wedding party is set…check it out!