Monday, December 6, 2010

18.5 Baby!

WOOOHOOO Another mileage PR.  This has got to be the number 1 best part about joining my friend on her training plan - regular distance PRs.

Fitting in these long runs is often difficult with my schedule.  This weekend it meant we had to leave the house just before sunrise (7AM).  I was certain we would turn into instant popsicles.  But, was surprised (and happy) to realize that while it was cold out, it wasn't so bad.  In fact, 3 miles in I happened to be running by a friend's house so I took off my jacket and gloves and left them at their door.  They're currently being held ransom until I come for a visit - haha.

While our last long run was difficult and I was frequently sore ... this one felt great for me.  It was a gorgeous sunny day, the route was enjoyable and constantly changing.  We ran through rural farm country and downtown city.  Loved it! 

Also, there wasn't a single ache or pain along the way.  Some stiffness afterwards, but normal, not excessive.

Tried a new running fuel:
 Sun Rype Fruit Source Mini Bites

The things I loved about them:
  • Cheap!  A package of them is $2.97 and I'm guessing you get about 5 servings out of that.  So ... 60 cents per serving.  I like that!!!
  • Taste fantastic.  No chemical, crap, choke-it-back-and-hope-for-the-best taste OR aftertaste.  YUMMY!
  • Ingredients:  All fruit + citrus pectin.  This is what's in the Strawberry flavour- Apple and/or pear and strawberry puree concentrates, apple and/or grape and/or pear and elderberry and lemon juice concentrates, citrus pectin, natural flavour, apple powder.
  • Convenient.  You pick the serving size.  Take however much you want, stick 'em in a baggie and you're good to go.
  • Not too hard or sticky.  You know how some products stick in your teeth and stay forever?  These didn't (as approved by my friend with braces).  And while it wasn't below freezing, it was close, and the bites didn't get too hard to chew.
  • Size - they are perfect bite size.  Not too big, not too small.
  • Potassium- each serving (14 pieces) has 200mg of potassium. 
The only down side I could see is that there isn't much sodium in them, which you'd typically want on a long run.  But I drink Gatorade and that's enough sodium for me.  The other down side (OK maybe not) is that my kids love them too ... so it's one bag for Mommy, one bag for kiddos.  Guess I can't complain about that one.


I got home with enough time to re-fuel, warm-up and have a good shower before heading out to watch my son's soccer game.  He scored a goal too!!!  WOOHOOO.  He plays defense so in 11 years that hasn't happened very often.  Unfortunately I missed it.  GRRRR!  I almost never leave a game but I think all the fluids I consumed during & after my run caught up with me and I had to walk away for 5 minutes.  He scored 1 minute after I left.  Apparently it was a good one too.  Figures!
 
 
NOTES

 
Consumed prior to run: just a little water, too early to eat
Consumed during run: 3 water bottles filled with Gatorade, Sun Rype Fruit Source Mini Bites
Immediately after run:  2 mini spritz cookies, 3/4 c. pasta, banana, chai tea
Approx 2 hours later:  No time to eat.  At soccer.   Not super hungry anyway. 

Stomach issues: No emergencies, but two stops.  Is it possible I'm getting over the tummy troubles?

 
Energy level during run:  High!   Could have kept going.  In fact, the run was only supposed to be 18 miles, but we decided to run the last 1/2 mile home instead of walking it.  If you'd told me I had a couple more miles I would have been fine with it.

Muscles: Good!  Normal stiffness a couple hours later, but feeling good today. 

 
Aftermath:  Very slight headache after which I took a Tylenol to ward off in case it got bad.  Maybe could have had a little morewater after, or perhaps have eaten before the run.  I had a HORRIBLE nights sleep though and had no interest in getting up any earlier than I needed to to eat.

Things to try on next long run:  I may have found my formula!  I'm going to try the same on my next long run, but try to have enough time for a pre-run mini meal.
 
Keep Active!
   
Heidi
♥♥♥♥♥

18 comments:

Katie said...

Such a positive post, it's reading posts like this that make me want to schedule my first marathon! And the fruit bites sound awesome, where did you find them?

misszippy said...

Sounds like an awesome run--can tell that you are on a high! Great work.

99ToGo said...

Wow! If/when I can start running, I'll have all sorts of questions for you ;) along the 'tummy trouble' line of thought.

That distance really blows my mind.

Yay for your son's goal!! So sad you missed it...did anyone catch it on video? I played defense too, and scored ONE goal in all four years of high school. It was a sweet, sweet moment.

Nej said...

I'll have to check those things out. They sound yummy!!! :-)

Congrats on the distance PR!!!!!!!!!!!

Anonymous said...

heidi, u r a rock star!!

Syl said...

wow Heidi, just WOW! So proud of you!
I love those fruit snacks, they are yummy! Cherry is my favorite!

Syl said...

oh and I set a really HIGH goal of running 2011 k in 2011, I'm gonna need you to nag me ;-)

Fran said...

Go Heidi, Go Heidi, Go Heidi! Awesome girlfriend, congrats on another milestone! I'm so proud of you and inspired by you.

Syl said...

I just called to say I love you....
seriously Heidi, you are joining me? My heart melted a little and then some butterflies flew....
2011 BRING IT!
xoxo

Marlene said...

Congrats on another distance PR! Sounds like a fantastic run. MMM, I love those fruit bites! I have often had them before or after a run, but never during. Will have to try it. But I don't know how you run for 3 hours without eating breakfast first! I would bonk big time.

Terri said...

Sounds like you had a great run!!

Lucy K said...

Awesome ...18.5! I can't even imagine!

Susan @ All Things In Moderation said...

I can only dream about doing that many miles at one time! I can't even imagine! As usual, your a huge source of inspiration to me!

Anonymous said...

Wow! I am so so so proud of you and your long distance PRs! Heidi, you rock! And I love that you still had energy to go more! Those are the best runs!

Fran said...

If I could I would sent all the snow your way :lol: Going to stand outside next time and blow it very hard your way.

Fran said...

Just read that you're taking the challenge with Syl and set your mileage goal at 2011 too! Love it!

Can I be the little sister that's always a step behind? Due to her post I've set my goal for next year on 1011 yesterday because there's no way I'm going to reach 2011 but 1011 must be doable for me.

RunToTheFinish said...

i love it when the day just comes together!!! be careful of not fueling after to those really long runs though. You might feel ok that day, but hinder your recovery for the rest of the week

Missy said...

WOW!! Sounds like you had a fabulous run. When are you signing up for a marathon!?!?