Respect the Long Run

How was everyone’s Easter weekend? Mine was good, although a little cray cray… Hanging out at the airport for 5 hours, flying for almost 2 hours, then driving 5 hours is not my idea of fun, but it is always great once I finally arrive home to spend time with family and friends. I have a big decision to announce sometime soon but not everything is finalized yet… so apologies for a lack of anything else to think/talk about. I will share soon. In the meantimeeeee….

Let’s talk about my epic fail good try at an 8 mile long run on Saturday.

Brandino went golfing with his dad, brother and grandpa on Saturday morning, so I had planned to get my long run out of the way while they were out and about. Plus, I had fallen asleep on the couch about two hours before everyone else was done partying on Friday night, so I thought I would be nice and well rested to head out for my longest run yet the next morning. Wrong!

I felt thirsty after just two miles, I had to stop and use a restroom mid-run, had intermittent side splits that forced me to walk about 1 mile of the run, and was squinting into the sun the entire time. Not fun, not cute, not empowering, and DEFINITELY not motivating for the next few weeks of training. It was a bad run.

I have been heading out for my weekly runs with the same attitude each week – “Ah! This is just a little further than last time. No big deal.” when obviously, I cannot be so nonchalant as my distance creeps towards double digits on my training plan (AHHH!).

I need to respect the long run:

• HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE: I am planning on drinking a LOT more water the day before my long runs, and completely avoiding alcohol. I had two or three drinks on Friday night, but thought I would be okay since I spaced them out and also drank plenty of water. I think  a zero drink policy the night before my longer runs will help keep me chugging water and feeling more hydrated while running.
• Wear the right gear: On Saturday, I wore a long sleeved shirt that was too warm, didn’t have any source of water, and was squinting into the sun the entire time. I had already ordered a water bottle I can carry when I run, so I am planning to start using that, and I want to find a pair of cheap-ish sporty-looking sunglasses to wear on sunny runs. Any tips? I kinda like these:

• I need to pee right before I leave the house to run. That’s as far into TMI zone as we’ll go on that one.
• Eat a smart breakfast: On Saturday, I ate granola, LOTS of berries, and a healthy serving of yogurt before heading out. I think the berries added too much fiber before so much activity, resulting in side cramps. I’ll stick to toast with nut butter and bananas from now on, which I have had success with before.
• Refuel promptly – and properly – after the run. Uhh… my 8 miles may have ended at the bar where my family was grabbing weekend bloody mary’s. Beer and deep fried cauliflower is probably not the best recovery food! I feel a lot better when I follow up with a small glass of chocolate milk or a protein smoothie.

Do you have any tips on respecting the long run? Good ideas for hydrating or fueling for a race/longer run? I need all the help I can get!!!

I’m traveling for work this week so I’m not sure if I’ll be around til the weekend… but I hope you are all having a great week Are you taking on any scary fitness challenges? I’m running a 10 mile race this weekend so I’ll be freaking out ’til then! Wish me luck!!