Archive for February, 2008
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Clif Shot Blocks
While I’m at it, I’d also add that I tried Clif Shot Blocks on my last run. I didn’t think I really needed them fuel-wise (I didn’t feel dehydrated or hungry), but I thought it would be good for my running morale. I had one block at mile 6, and one at 9, just to kind of put the carrot in front of the horse. They taste really good when they are slightly cold – extra chewy! I had tried them before but not during a run. They are pretty much like candy, which is great, in my opinion.
Here’s a picture since I’m google image happy:
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gloves
I got these:
They convert from a glove to a mitten. I just hope they are here before the weekend… Or I’ll have to dig out my skiing gloves – which I’m afraid will get way too hot.
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Last week I did 4 runs with a total of about 30 miles. I had a cut-back to 12 miles for the long run this week. My legs felt really fresh on Saturday so I did almost 9 miles. The 12 miler was NOT fun. It was so cold out. Twenty degrees with a 17 mph wind. I definitely did not dress well enough, and let me tell you, it did not feel like 20 degrees. I didn’t notice the wind too often, but I did notice my hands start to go numb, and on the back leg of my run, my arms started to go numb. They felt like they were going to snap when I moved them a little differently. My lower half was numb as well. I really thought that with running, the colder, the better, but I’ve been proven otherwise! The night before, I checked what to wear with the runnersworld tool (“dress the runner”), and although I did wear short sleeves under my jacket, I followed it pretty well (it did say to wear SHORTS, which I did not follow – I wore pants. So, either it was colder than it was supposed to be, or I entered something wrong because that thing is normally right. For some reason, I don’t trust myself when it comes to choosing what to wear for a run. I should have worn a fleece jacket, and I need a good pair of gloves.
Terrible storms out today- sleet, ice, and a teeeeeny bit of snow – so there won’t be much outdoor running, at least during the beginning of the week. Not that I really mind after yesterday’s run. Ha.
Off to find some good gloves online! (If anyone’s reading, let me know ASAP! I suppose I will see if RW-online has any recs…) I have zero time this week to hunt them down in the shops. I just finished some work I took home, and I think the rest of the week will be long nights too. Maybe even v-day. Boo
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phew.
14 miles are done! Farthest I’ve ever gone before. I slowed down my pace, even more than normal for a long run. But that led to boredom, so on mile 6, 9, and 12, I picked up the pace for a mile, just to break up the run. That really helped me mentally get through it. My legs are a bit achey.
Next week I’m going to switch my long run to Saturday. I need a day out of the week to sleep in!
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nerves.
Confession: I’ve spent the last 45 minutes or so scouting completerunning.com for an inspirational journey to a successful first marathon… and instead have depressed myself. Lots of stories of injured, sick runners that either did not complete the marathon at all or had to switch to a half. I did find successful stories, but the other stories hit a nerve.
The reason I was looking for stories is that I have a 14 mile run scheduled tomorrow, and I’m so nervous. I was glad to see that my FIRST marathon plan has next weekend as a 12 miler, instead of 15. I’m not confident with my running lately. My legs feel heavy and runs are labored, even on the “easy” runs. I think I need more speedwork. My achilles has been bothering me lately too. So I’ve been stretching it out and I iced it yesterday and the icing really helped.
And yes, I am writing this on a Saturday evening… I went out to Mardis Gras this morning/afternoon and I am wiped out! (Don’t worry, I didn’t drink much … maybe 1.5 beers – which I am proud of considering all the peer pressure.)
And, ironically, yesterday I signed up for the Chicago marathon. Although, all the doubt about the 14 miles didn’t really set in until today.
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My name is Michelle and I like to write about running, food, and fitness in general. Check out my About Michelle section for more!
