I have been trying to get started on my new half-marathon training program. I should not have taken three weeks off after the marathon, but there’s been quite a bit going on in terms of holidays, travel, new job, new schedule and the HEAT! The heat and humidity has been absolutely brutal. I always run before the sun comes up but I am forced to wait until the evening. Since I get up at 0230 to get ready for work, I am still having to run when it’s warm.
This morning I was finally in a situation where I could get my morning long run in. I made it exactly three miles and finally caved to the humidity. I was grouchy, hot, lazy and it got worse with each step. I finally tuned around and walked home.
I was ready to chalk it up to a bad run and start over next week but then I saw a girl running down the street about three hours later and immediately felt like a great big baby. What a waste of a perfectly good opportunity this morning. I have considered the things that most affected my run this morning and the steps I can take to have a successful long run next week:
- Eat more calories the day before- I have cut out grains, legumes, and most the sugar that I would typically eat on a Friday. No more pasta for this girl! I will focus on more carbs via vegetables the day before. I ate a banana this morning so carbs the day of shouldn’t be an issue
- Take more ice with me in my water bottle. The little bit I had with me this morning melted in no time at all.
- Hydrate better the day before. My new job keeps me really busy and it’s difficult to go get more water once I finish it because I am pulled in a hundred different directions.
- I ran two miles yesterday. Not only that, but I did a full body workout to include RDLs and barbell squats. I should have rested. Really.
- I slept in. I should have gotten up at least two hours earlier and hit the pavement before sun even came up.
- When I run on the street, I don’t wear earphones. If I change my route, I will be able to run with earphones to avoid focusing on the heat and humidity and how miserable I am. I even downloaded some new tunes! woot!
This week. I will have to do my runs on a treadmill because my hours are nuts and it’s the best way for me to get my runs in. Next week I can hit it in the am because I will be yet on another schedule. I feel success in my future.
