Friday, March 13, 2015

What A Difference A Week Can Make

Remember my post from last Friday's run? It's hard to forget (at least for me)...

I had 13 miles on the calendar, ended up making it 3 before I had to STOP and walk the 3 miles back home... I've gotta be fair to myself, it was less than a week after I had run the Phoenix Marathon, but still, I figured if I could run 26.2 miles at race pace the week before I should be able to run half of that at an easy pace. Apparently it was my body's way of telling me I was trying to do too much too fast, so I listened and gave it the rest it was craving.

Today I had a 17-miler. I was some what intimidated if I am being completely honest. I had done a few runs between my craptastic run and this one, but I still wasn't sure I was ready to tackle the mileage (oh the mind games we have to play as runners.... #AmIRightOrAmIRight?!).

I decided I would lay out my #FlatCarlee last night. I mean, who says you can only lay our your Flat Runner the night before a race?! And whatever gets you motivated (whether it is sparkles or shwings), you gotta make it happen.


As you can see, I laid out a long sleeve top, since I wasn't sure when I would start my run, but did NOT need it. In case you weren't aware, we seem to be having a bit of a heat wave out here in SoCal this weekend (highs in the 90s). When I woke up it was in the low 50s, so when I took Walt out for a walk I threw on a hoodie, but by the time we got back to the house I knew I wouldn't need more than a tank for today's run.

Maybe I should have started before 8:15am...

I decided I would take the run nice and EASY! Not only did I NOT want a repeat of last week, I wanted to make sure I was running SMART (especially with hubby not being in the country to come save me if I went out too fast and needed him to come get my dehydrated body from the side of the bike trail).

This was where I had to stop last week and walk home

The bike trail near our house is great for my long runs!

And running along the beach isn't too shabby either!

I ended up stopping at miles 7 and 14 to take my Clif Shot Bloks (orange flavor today) with some water. Normally I would take them while running, but with the heat, any reason for a small break I decided I would take! Thankfully I wasn't an amateur (like last week) and brought lots of water with me! My Nathan Performance Intensity Race Vest definitely came in handy (even if it did cause my back to sweat insane amounts) - it was my portable hydration station.

I normally take 3 Bloks every 6-7 miles

By the time I was done with my run I looked at my weather app and it was already 88* (and that was at 11am). Sure, I probably could have started a bit earlier, but puppy snuggles were calling my name!

I know I'm a nerd, but I like taking SHOE pictures by the
number of miles I ran. Thankfully our complex has numbered
packing spots!

Yup, I finished sweaty, salty and crazy looking!

Ended up averaging around 10:05/mile

Trying a little self-timer action... 

Um... It was warm... And it is only going to continue to get WARMER!

The run wasn't pretty - it was hot, hard, and I felt like I was running as slow as molasses, but I know it will make me a stronger runner! And wanna know what else?! I FINISHED IT WITH A SMILE ON MY FACE!

Have you ever been nervous about getting "back on the horse" after a less than perfect experience?

2 comments:

SD Mom said...

The finishing smile is worth all the miles!

Unknown said...

Great job getting back out there! Sadly I have pushed myself too far before and ended up deferring a race because I was afraid of a repeat. Finally going back out though made it all worth it.