eandesmom
I'm with Beast
- Joined
- Jan 5, 2009
- Messages
- 14,172
In 30 days, I will be getting on a plane!
In 32 days, I will run through a castle!
32 days. Talk about seeming real!
Let's see how this last week of training went.
Last week, I was here:
Monday we went for a 4 mile walk. I actually had to wear my keen flip flops to not irritate my feet after the 12 mile run the day before. And one of my feet “tore” while we were out. Ow.
Tuesday we went for a 3 mile walk. Same thing on the Keen flip flops.
Wednesday we went to the gym as it was POURING. Got my tennis shoes on but the feet were less than thrilled about it.
Thursday we ran. Best training run I've had in a LONG time. 4.7 miles at a 9:06 pace. It was cooler, just under 60 degrees, though quite humid (97%). Felt great the entire run, just easy and strong. I tried something new to try and help protect my feet which were still recovering from the 12 mile run the previous Sunday. I have had these lying around for years, tried them at some point for something as the package was open but have not used them in, I have no idea when!
I’ll show you the less scary foot (actually it doesn't look that bad but it was ridiculously tender, this is the one that tore.
That one survived the run pretty well (Melvin thought so too)
The other one, Melvin liked even better!
Squish!
Even with the squish (which covers up the ugly part) it protected the foot quite well.
But you know, I think they may well be a viable option for me. I have 2 left. Trying to decide if I just wear them on every run, or save for the long one.
Friday, I did nothing. Normally this would be a run day but I don’t like to run 2 days in a row and with the swap due to rain = running on Thursday, I left it alone.
Saturday, I did nothing. Normally this would be a gym day, and was for Jeff. However I was busy wedding dress shopping with my sister during gym time. We had talked about possibly doing an 8K race that night but something far more important was on Jeff’s agenda, an airshow! Including White Knight and a Sherman tank, firing! Lots of very rare planes in the air.
We followed that up by going to see Planes, Fire and Rescue.
Which we LOVED! Jeff and I liked it better than the first one, the boys haven't decided. We plan to watch the first one again soon while it is fresh for a comparison. LOL.
Sunday we went for a hike. This was scheduled to be a run day. The plans called for 4 miles or 15 miles. My plan was for 6. The hike was supposed to be an 8 mile hike and I was not sure if I should go run afterwards to make up the miles, run the next day instead to make up the miles or just call it good between the walks and the hike.
It was a gorgeous day for a little hike!
I seriously wonder if Eric will ever outgrow the horrible picture stage.
Unfortunately the nice man who took the picture of all of us...had his finger in the top of all the shots so not much lake and no mountains in this one!
The hike ended up being only 6.5 miles total. But given that it was 80+ degrees out, when we got back, we elected to head here instead and jump in.
Which felt amazing!
And I elected not to run. Not ideal but I was not exactly on the couch all week either. My feet took a small beating on the hike but not horrible.
In other news I am rethinking my outfit for the race. I wore this on the 12 mile run.
Front
Back
And the pants in action at a previous race
Here is the thing.
I was SO comfortable for all 12 of those miles. Did not think about a thing. Although I did not have fuel with me, I could have easily carried it. Between the top and the bottom there are a ton of pockets. In the yellow skirt I only have one pocket total and it will be full with my phone an room key, not really room for anything else. This is only the 2nd time I have worn that top. The first one, I felt it didn’t breathe well. However it was a bit cooler out for that 12 mile run, low 60’s but with 80% humidity. This time, no issues, at all. It is also incredibly easy to carry my phone in this outfit as there is a side pocket in the knickers. If I want to take pictures at the DL half, getting my phone out to do so will be about a bazillion times easier than in the skirt.
The skirt works. It is super cute. The leg grippers kind of bug me, just a little. The pocket situation concerns me. The yellow tank, it works too. Does not breathe quite as well as some others I have but is not horrible. I wore it Sunday on the hike to test it, it was ok. Ideally I will wear one outfit for the long run this Sunday and one for the long one in 2 weeks so I have a good comparison. However, I want to try carrying some fuel so have to figure out how to do that in the skirt. It is supposed to be warm on Sunday, I am scheduled to run 13 miles so will likely try the green outfit out first. It does mean, a non themed outfit. Of course it also means if I want, the yellow could be used at Princess.
Then again, themed our matching outfits of some sort may well be in order for Princess!
On the subject of fuel though, I picked some up for the long run on Sunday.
I have used the margarita shot blocks before and like them. Kind of like a giant gummy candy. In the warmer weather I do think it’s smart for me to have one or two.
Here are the recommendations
Generally, performance athletes need to consume 200-400 calories per hour from all sources, such as gels, chews, bars and drinks. Half a packet of CLIF SHOT BLOKS can be eaten 15 minutes prior to activity to increase blood sugar levels, followed by 1-2 packets per hour during activity. For flavors with added caffeine, we recommend half a packet 15 minutes before activity, and one packet during activity.
Honestly, I cannot imagine eating that much before, or during a run! The most I have ever had on a run is 2 I think, and usually only 1. 1 block. Not 1 packet (packets have 6).
I have never tried them before running and frankly, a margarita block does not sound like the best thing before a race (though it's amazingly good during, electrolyte and salt/citrus heaven for me). Typically I have coffee first. However, that’s caused issues in 2 races and because of that I bought the energy gels to try (the double espresso and mocha) for before the run as a possible alternative. I had thought there was an espresso flavor in a block but it is just in the gels. I have never tried a gel before so that should be interesting, I plan to have one on Sunday before my run.
I also picked up some waffles. These are YUMMY! I have tried the vanilla one, gingersnap will be new. But uber messy. I have tried them on a run and while delicious (like a breakfast cookie) it was too messy, fingers too sticky and they made me quite thirsty. I do think it might be a good breakfast option for me before a run so got a couple to try. Likely I will only have half a waffle with my energy gel to test out.
I've also done some interesting reading on water. Very interesting article (in Runners World I think) on planned dehydration. It is an article about teaching yourself, a week or so before a race, how to run without taking water in during a race, or less water. I found it interesting as I generally don't take water in. I have been doing it recently as it is kind of beat into your head that you should. But I wonder. It was not an issue when I was not doing it. In the heat, yes it can make sense and in a race, I think it can as well. But I wonder. If I have to stop on a training run for water, I have to really stop, possibly wait in line and drink from a fountain. Not only does that take time but I take in too much water and the whole thing slows me down. Not necessarily in a bad way but it does slow me down. I refuse to carry water (or anything) but I may relook at this on Sunday’s long run and shoot for only one stop, or none, instead of maybe 2. I never get water during anything 9 miles or less anyway so really stopping twice seems overkill.
Last but most certainly not least we did find out our Corral Assignments!
I was way off. Ann was far more correct. Neither of us had it just right in our guessing, at least in how the redistributed it. They SLASHED the sizes of the first 6 corrals by more than half. The last 4 are quite large. It breaks down like this.
Corral/Total/>Time Required
Elite 28
A 898 >1:50
B 899 >1:55
C 898 >2:00
D 898 >2:05
E 998 >2:10
F 998 >2:15
G 2898 >2:30
H 3548 >3:13
I 2898 >3:25
J 3695
We are in C! I am VERY VERY VERY happy about this. I do not expect to finish under 2 hours. However, I do know I am capable of it if all the stars align and conditions are just right. It is the right corral. Even better is the fact that there are only 1800 people in front of us and only about 900 in our corral. For me, this should not feel much different than the 2 large races I have done, except it is better segregated and in theory my whole group is starting out running the same pace versus a huge spread.
I will say though, the whole process is interesting. It appears that RD went with peoples estimated finish times, versus necessarily what their proof of time submission translated to. I read that they only validated for people under 2:30 and I suspect, they didn't validate all, but just ones if the proof of time seemed very off from the estimated finish time. I know for me, I made sure mine matched so it didn't matter either way. But, if I did not have that one race, all my other races would have put me in D. If I was honest about the estimated finish time based on the proof of time submission. All those races would estimate me out at 2:03-2:06. D would have been fine as well and may well be where I "belong" but at least in C I don't feel totally outclassed and out of place. It is on the edge, but a comfortable one I think and hopefully, helps me keep closer to that pace.
That said, I think Corral H is a train wreck. That is something like an 11:30-14:30 mm pace group! Which is a crazy spread, far too big, that one is going to have an ugly first few miles.
In 32 days, I will run through a castle!
32 days. Talk about seeming real!
Let's see how this last week of training went.
Last week, I was here:
- JG Finish Upright. Total time: 11.5 hours + long run miles 69 (+ 6 magic miles)
- JG Time Improvement. Total time: 17.25 hours + long run miles: 72
- My plan. 14.81 hours + long run miles: 88.45
- Total actual time to date: 14.11 hours + long run miles: 87.12
- JG Finish Upright. Total time: 12.5 hours + long run miles 73 (+ 6 magic miles)
- JG Time Improvement. Total time: 18.75 hours + long run miles: 86.88
- My plan. 16.23 hours + long run miles: 94.45
- Total actual time to date: 14.82 hours + long run miles: 87.12
Monday we went for a 4 mile walk. I actually had to wear my keen flip flops to not irritate my feet after the 12 mile run the day before. And one of my feet “tore” while we were out. Ow.
Tuesday we went for a 3 mile walk. Same thing on the Keen flip flops.
Wednesday we went to the gym as it was POURING. Got my tennis shoes on but the feet were less than thrilled about it.
Thursday we ran. Best training run I've had in a LONG time. 4.7 miles at a 9:06 pace. It was cooler, just under 60 degrees, though quite humid (97%). Felt great the entire run, just easy and strong. I tried something new to try and help protect my feet which were still recovering from the 12 mile run the previous Sunday. I have had these lying around for years, tried them at some point for something as the package was open but have not used them in, I have no idea when!
I’ll show you the less scary foot (actually it doesn't look that bad but it was ridiculously tender, this is the one that tore.
That one survived the run pretty well (Melvin thought so too)
The other one, Melvin liked even better!
Squish!
Even with the squish (which covers up the ugly part) it protected the foot quite well.
But you know, I think they may well be a viable option for me. I have 2 left. Trying to decide if I just wear them on every run, or save for the long one.
Friday, I did nothing. Normally this would be a run day but I don’t like to run 2 days in a row and with the swap due to rain = running on Thursday, I left it alone.
Saturday, I did nothing. Normally this would be a gym day, and was for Jeff. However I was busy wedding dress shopping with my sister during gym time. We had talked about possibly doing an 8K race that night but something far more important was on Jeff’s agenda, an airshow! Including White Knight and a Sherman tank, firing! Lots of very rare planes in the air.
We followed that up by going to see Planes, Fire and Rescue.
Which we LOVED! Jeff and I liked it better than the first one, the boys haven't decided. We plan to watch the first one again soon while it is fresh for a comparison. LOL.
Sunday we went for a hike. This was scheduled to be a run day. The plans called for 4 miles or 15 miles. My plan was for 6. The hike was supposed to be an 8 mile hike and I was not sure if I should go run afterwards to make up the miles, run the next day instead to make up the miles or just call it good between the walks and the hike.
It was a gorgeous day for a little hike!
I seriously wonder if Eric will ever outgrow the horrible picture stage.
Unfortunately the nice man who took the picture of all of us...had his finger in the top of all the shots so not much lake and no mountains in this one!
The hike ended up being only 6.5 miles total. But given that it was 80+ degrees out, when we got back, we elected to head here instead and jump in.
Which felt amazing!
And I elected not to run. Not ideal but I was not exactly on the couch all week either. My feet took a small beating on the hike but not horrible.
In other news I am rethinking my outfit for the race. I wore this on the 12 mile run.
Front
Back
And the pants in action at a previous race
Here is the thing.
I was SO comfortable for all 12 of those miles. Did not think about a thing. Although I did not have fuel with me, I could have easily carried it. Between the top and the bottom there are a ton of pockets. In the yellow skirt I only have one pocket total and it will be full with my phone an room key, not really room for anything else. This is only the 2nd time I have worn that top. The first one, I felt it didn’t breathe well. However it was a bit cooler out for that 12 mile run, low 60’s but with 80% humidity. This time, no issues, at all. It is also incredibly easy to carry my phone in this outfit as there is a side pocket in the knickers. If I want to take pictures at the DL half, getting my phone out to do so will be about a bazillion times easier than in the skirt.
The skirt works. It is super cute. The leg grippers kind of bug me, just a little. The pocket situation concerns me. The yellow tank, it works too. Does not breathe quite as well as some others I have but is not horrible. I wore it Sunday on the hike to test it, it was ok. Ideally I will wear one outfit for the long run this Sunday and one for the long one in 2 weeks so I have a good comparison. However, I want to try carrying some fuel so have to figure out how to do that in the skirt. It is supposed to be warm on Sunday, I am scheduled to run 13 miles so will likely try the green outfit out first. It does mean, a non themed outfit. Of course it also means if I want, the yellow could be used at Princess.
Then again, themed our matching outfits of some sort may well be in order for Princess!
On the subject of fuel though, I picked some up for the long run on Sunday.
I have used the margarita shot blocks before and like them. Kind of like a giant gummy candy. In the warmer weather I do think it’s smart for me to have one or two.
Here are the recommendations
Generally, performance athletes need to consume 200-400 calories per hour from all sources, such as gels, chews, bars and drinks. Half a packet of CLIF SHOT BLOKS can be eaten 15 minutes prior to activity to increase blood sugar levels, followed by 1-2 packets per hour during activity. For flavors with added caffeine, we recommend half a packet 15 minutes before activity, and one packet during activity.
Honestly, I cannot imagine eating that much before, or during a run! The most I have ever had on a run is 2 I think, and usually only 1. 1 block. Not 1 packet (packets have 6).
I have never tried them before running and frankly, a margarita block does not sound like the best thing before a race (though it's amazingly good during, electrolyte and salt/citrus heaven for me). Typically I have coffee first. However, that’s caused issues in 2 races and because of that I bought the energy gels to try (the double espresso and mocha) for before the run as a possible alternative. I had thought there was an espresso flavor in a block but it is just in the gels. I have never tried a gel before so that should be interesting, I plan to have one on Sunday before my run.
I also picked up some waffles. These are YUMMY! I have tried the vanilla one, gingersnap will be new. But uber messy. I have tried them on a run and while delicious (like a breakfast cookie) it was too messy, fingers too sticky and they made me quite thirsty. I do think it might be a good breakfast option for me before a run so got a couple to try. Likely I will only have half a waffle with my energy gel to test out.
I've also done some interesting reading on water. Very interesting article (in Runners World I think) on planned dehydration. It is an article about teaching yourself, a week or so before a race, how to run without taking water in during a race, or less water. I found it interesting as I generally don't take water in. I have been doing it recently as it is kind of beat into your head that you should. But I wonder. It was not an issue when I was not doing it. In the heat, yes it can make sense and in a race, I think it can as well. But I wonder. If I have to stop on a training run for water, I have to really stop, possibly wait in line and drink from a fountain. Not only does that take time but I take in too much water and the whole thing slows me down. Not necessarily in a bad way but it does slow me down. I refuse to carry water (or anything) but I may relook at this on Sunday’s long run and shoot for only one stop, or none, instead of maybe 2. I never get water during anything 9 miles or less anyway so really stopping twice seems overkill.
Last but most certainly not least we did find out our Corral Assignments!
I was way off. Ann was far more correct. Neither of us had it just right in our guessing, at least in how the redistributed it. They SLASHED the sizes of the first 6 corrals by more than half. The last 4 are quite large. It breaks down like this.
Corral/Total/>Time Required
Elite 28
A 898 >1:50
B 899 >1:55
C 898 >2:00
D 898 >2:05
E 998 >2:10
F 998 >2:15
G 2898 >2:30
H 3548 >3:13
I 2898 >3:25
J 3695
We are in C! I am VERY VERY VERY happy about this. I do not expect to finish under 2 hours. However, I do know I am capable of it if all the stars align and conditions are just right. It is the right corral. Even better is the fact that there are only 1800 people in front of us and only about 900 in our corral. For me, this should not feel much different than the 2 large races I have done, except it is better segregated and in theory my whole group is starting out running the same pace versus a huge spread.
I will say though, the whole process is interesting. It appears that RD went with peoples estimated finish times, versus necessarily what their proof of time submission translated to. I read that they only validated for people under 2:30 and I suspect, they didn't validate all, but just ones if the proof of time seemed very off from the estimated finish time. I know for me, I made sure mine matched so it didn't matter either way. But, if I did not have that one race, all my other races would have put me in D. If I was honest about the estimated finish time based on the proof of time submission. All those races would estimate me out at 2:03-2:06. D would have been fine as well and may well be where I "belong" but at least in C I don't feel totally outclassed and out of place. It is on the edge, but a comfortable one I think and hopefully, helps me keep closer to that pace.
That said, I think Corral H is a train wreck. That is something like an 11:30-14:30 mm pace group! Which is a crazy spread, far too big, that one is going to have an ugly first few miles.
Glad you are pleased. 
Some great pictures from the hike. What beautiful scenery. 
I am not convinced any of it made a difference, however with the heat it does seem prudent to do something. The gel did not help me avoid the bio break. But maybe it did and thats a mental thing too. I have no idea. 
