Today’s run was a 14-miler on the gorgeous nearby bike trail. I was both excited – because I enjoy long runs – and nervous – because this route is HILLY, and I haven’t run 14 miles since early spring. I have done any very much hill work recently, so I had a feeling today was going to be a real challenge.
So, what to do in the face of a challenge? Put on a cute outfit, of course! Today’s hills definitely called for piggy-tails, my bright yellow tank top, a running skirt and compression socks with Newtons. Once I was lookin’ good, I was ready to run. 🙂
I started at the bottom of the hill and worked my way up. Here’s the elevation readout from my Garmin:
Where I live, the closest thing I have to “hills” are the highway overpasses, so even this modest elevation gain was a real booty-kicker!
Since the mileage only goes up on the training plan from here, I figured this week was a good time to start working on my fueling strategy. Today was my maiden voyage with the Nathan Proton hydration backpack and I think I’m in love. I have a Nathan handheld and a Nathan waistpack, but the backpack is – by far – my favorite of the three. It was very light and didn’t get in my way at all. It didn’t bounce. There was no chafing and it was very easy to drink from (um, once I figured out the bite valve, which I’ve never used before). Yes, it sloshed and yes, my back got sweaty. But my back was going to get sweaty anyways on a 14-miler and the sloshing seemed like a small price to pay for the comfort and convenience.
I went with the same Gatorade/Perpetuem mix I’ve used a few times now and I really think it’s going to work for me over the whole 26.2. The miles really flew by today and I had plenty of energy. I did have to walk a little on some of the longer hills, but that was terrain-related, not fatigue-related.
Also getting two thumbs-up today was my RunningSkirts compression socks. This was my third long run in them and they rock! They have the exact right amount of padding on the foot (almost none – I don’t like padded socks), and a perfect amount of compressy-ness (that’s a scientific term, look it up) in the legs. I was still a little tired and sore after my run, of course, but my legs felt really fresh while I was running.
Today was just a really great run overall. It was cool and cloudy when I got started and even when the sun came out it was never too hot. There was plenty of people-watching to be done on the trail (my favorite game is “name that race t-shirt”) and I got lots of smiles and “Good morning”s today (maybe I should wear a skirt more often!) Final stats: 14.07 miles @ 8:41 pace.
I hope you’re having a wonderful weekend, too – happy training, racing and spectating! I can’t wait to read all the race reports!!
ajh says
Good pace for 14 miles. Sounds like a huge success!
Heather says
Sounds like you had a great run! It’s always makes it better when the weather’s on your side…and you’re wearing a cute outfit!
Julie says
Holy cow! You had an awesome 14 miler…impressive pace too:) I live in an area that has lots of hills and I am learning not to hate them so much. Nice job!
The Green Girl says
I love that you picked out a cute outfit to help you tackle those hills – sounds like it worked, too! Congratulations, girl.
Patrick Mahoney says
You had me at the Newton’s. Is there a better running shoe? I say not…
misszippy says
Looking good is 1/2 the battle! ; )
Glad it went so well.
Aimee (I Tri To Be Me) says
Yays all around! Yay for a great run, a good hydration pack, and a successful nutrition strategy! 🙂
Johann says
Always nice to have a good run, well done and good pace! I love my hydration pack as well. I’m so used to it I never feel it during any run. It has helped me a lot with long training runs.
Jon says
Nice run!!! You are going to rock your marathon!
Michelle says
That is such a good pace for a long run 🙂