The Road to Ultra

Today's Run: 15.05m (24.2km)
Run Time: 3:11:56 (12:46/mile or 7:55/km)
Total Miles to Date: 759.7 miles (1,222.6 km)

Thoughts on the Run:

I didn't post an entry yesterday. I woke up in the morning and ran a fast run. This was one of my fastest training runs (8:30 minutes/mile) and it went well. Last time I ran this pace, I felt like I was near my limit but this time I felt I can increase. I'm going up to 9.7mph, my goal is to top out at 10mph and then I'll change my strategy for tempo runs.

I managed to wake up early for my long run today. I wanted to get out before it was hot and the sun would be in my face, and also to get it done with so I could relax the rest of the day with family.

The first thing I did when I woke up was toast a slice of whole grain bread and spread some Nutella on it. I had this with 2 shots of espresso and then drank 8 oz of Gatorade to hydrate before the run. I filled my hydration pack with 64 oz of Gatorade and set out.

It was nice and cool. The run started out at a nice, even pace. I even tackled the hills without too much effort. When I'd start to get winded, I was at the top and able to recover on the down hill. I made it out about 7.3 miles when I ran out of side walk on a fairly busy road, so I turned around and headed back. At the end of the first hill I felt like I did last week - dizzy and winded. I realized this time it couldn't be the heat (I was in the shade) or hydration (I had plenty) so now I wonder if it's an issue with my breathing and not getting enough oxygen? My arms also felt a little like when they fall asleep. I could still clench my fists but it felt weak and light tingling.

Anyway, I decided instead of aborting the run that I'd focus on breathing and get to feeling normal and continue. This meant walking up a long hill but my pace thus far had been good and I knew even if I slowed a bit, I could still hit my goal of a 13-minute mile pace.

After cresting a hill, I felt good enough to start jogging downhill. This was pretty much the pattern for the rest of the run - I was fine on downhills and slight grades, but I would walk the steep uphills.

Fortunately I no longer felt dizzy, was well-hydrated, and besides my legs feeling a little tired I was able to press on.

When I reached my start point I was at around 14.4 miles, so I continued walking up a hill for another 0.3 mile then turned around and jogged to finish right at 15.

I was excited to finish, came home, drank a lot of fluids and soaked in a cool tub. I found that slightly less than lukewarm helps me cool off and recover better. I'm not brave enough to go into completely cold water, although I know that's recommended.

This season I'm definitely in better shape. Last year, I started running the Silver Comet Trail for longer distances. While it is a nice run, it is also completely flat. By running in my neighborhood, I'm reaching the higher distances on hills. This should make my half marathon easier (it's on the Silver Comet) while preparing me for the hills in the Thanksgiving Day marathon.

Here is the elevation chart for my run today - as you can see, it was no easy downhill ride:



Anyway I wish I could write more but I'm tired and ready to relax. My daughter is also summoning me to a photo shoot!

Warmly,