Post by DaphneStrauss on Aug 20, 2014 13:30:59 GMT -5
My half marathon is in 2.5 weeks and yesterday I attempted to run 10 miles and it was AWFUL! I felt like I had zero endurance and that I haven't been training all summer, which I have been!
I think the problem was that it has been such a cool summer and I haven't had to run much in the heat and humidity but on my run yesterday it was 85 degrees out and very humid. I was well hydrated and ate well all day but I was dizzy by mile 3. I stopped to walk a lot and it took me a zillion years to finish the 10 miles. It was so deflating.
So tell me I can do this half marathon! My training has gone really well and I've had no issues with the long runs until yesterday. I know that some runs are just bad and maybe it was that plus the humidity. I'm nervous that it will be hot and humid on race day and I won't be able to do it.
I also think I need to start buying and using those energy gel packs. Anyone have a brand or flavor they can recommend?
Post by creamsiclechica on Aug 20, 2014 13:37:44 GMT -5
You can. You one hundred percent can. Heat and humidity, especially at 80 and above is a KILLER. It is in way an indication of your overall ability. Being able to regulate breathing and body temperature is very important, and when it's stifling like that, even the best and most conditioned runners will struggle.
Post by breezy8407 on Aug 20, 2014 13:39:12 GMT -5
If it helps, your experience sounds a lot like my last few long runs before my spring 1/2. I felt like I didn't get any good long runs in! In fact, my last long run was 2 weeks before and I was planning on doing 11 miles. It was warmer than it had been, but I didn't realize how much it would affect me. I walked a lot and felt awful physically. I planned to do 12 the next week, the week before the race, but couldn't get outside because of the weather, so I did 6 on the treadmill. I went into that race thinking it would be my worst time, and I ended up getting a 2 minute PR.
So my anecdotal advice is that one long run won't make or break it. Sounds like you've put in the training. What does the rest of your training leading up to the race look like?
So I am REALLY bad about long run hydration and fuel. I hate carrying water with me. Anything over 10 is when I bring some Gu chomps. I don't really like the gels. They get so messy. I have also used Clif Bloks.
I have a hand held water bottle, and will force myself to take it with for anything over 8. I try to just run on routes where there are water fountains instead.
Post by creamsiclechica on Aug 20, 2014 13:39:49 GMT -5
Also, most runs are scheduled in the morning, and that will significantly cut down on heat and humidity you might have.
I used GU gel packs but they weren't my favorite. Or sport beans by jelly belly. I also am a fan of hydration belts in which I made my own lemonade to keep my carbs up a little with sugar when I needed a boost.
You can. You one hundred percent can. Heat and humidity, especially at 80 and above is a KILLER. It is in way an indication of your overall ability. Being able to regulate breathing and body temperature is very important, and when it's stifling like that, even the best and most conditioned runners will struggle.
This!! It seems like trite advice, but trust your training. Nothing kills my runs like humidity does.
As far as gels go GU is popular, I also liked sports beans. More important to me was making sure I had caffeine. Right now I don't use either and prefer to fuel with pretzels and Gatorade.
If it helps, your experience sounds a lot like my last few long runs before my spring 1/2. I felt like I didn't get any good long runs in! In fact, my last long run was 2 weeks before and I was planning on doing 11 miles. It was warmer than it had been, but I didn't realize how much it would affect me. I walked a lot and felt awful physically. I planned to do 12 the next week, the week before the race, but couldn't get outside because of the weather, so I did 6 on the treadmill. I went into that race thinking it would be my worst time, and I ended up getting a 2 minute PR.
So my anecdotal advice is that one long run won't make or break it. Sounds like you've put in the training. What does the rest of your training leading up to the race look like?
So I am REALLY bad about long run hydration and fuel. I hate carrying water with me. Anything over 10 is when I bring some Gu chomps. I don't really like the gels. They get so messy. I have also used Clif Bloks.
I have a hand held water bottle, and will force myself to take it with for anything over 8. I try to just run on routes where there are water fountains instead.
I appreciate your anecdotal advice! It helps to read, thank you! I was running on the lake shore trail which has drinking fountains every mile or so I was stopping a lot to hydrate, that was a lifesaver.
I have a 5 mile run to do at some point this week, an 11 mile run this weekend and then an easy week before the race. The half is 9/7.
Also, most runs are scheduled in the morning, and that will significantly cut down on heat and humidity you might have.
I used GU gel packs but they weren't my favorite. Or sport beans by jelly belly. I also am a fan of hydration belts in which I made my own lemonade to keep my carbs up a little with sugar when I needed a boost.
I'll look for the beans--thanks! There's a running store by me so I'll check it out. I'm hoping that since the race is in the morning it will be okay in terms of heat and humidity. This summer has been so up and down.
I ran at 6pm last night (which was my only option) and there were so many runners out and everyone looked awful! The water fountains were quite popular. I did pass one guy, which always makes me happy. But he was old and running so slow he was practically walking. But hey, I'll take it!
If it helps, your experience sounds a lot like my last few long runs before my spring 1/2. I felt like I didn't get any good long runs in! In fact, my last long run was 2 weeks before and I was planning on doing 11 miles. It was warmer than it had been, but I didn't realize how much it would affect me. I walked a lot and felt awful physically. I planned to do 12 the next week, the week before the race, but couldn't get outside because of the weather, so I did 6 on the treadmill. I went into that race thinking it would be my worst time, and I ended up getting a 2 minute PR.
So my anecdotal advice is that one long run won't make or break it. Sounds like you've put in the training. What does the rest of your training leading up to the race look like?
So I am REALLY bad about long run hydration and fuel. I hate carrying water with me. Anything over 10 is when I bring some Gu chomps. I don't really like the gels. They get so messy. I have also used Clif Bloks.
I have a hand held water bottle, and will force myself to take it with for anything over 8. I try to just run on routes where there are water fountains instead.
I appreciate your anecdotal advice! It helps to read, thank you! I was running on the lake shore trail which has drinking fountains every mile or so I was stopping a lot to hydrate, that was a lifesaver.
I have a 5 mile run to do at some point this week, an 11 mile run this weekend and then an easy week before the race. The half is 9/7.
I think you will do great! Even if your 10 miler sucked yesterday, you still put in the training and it still helps towards your overall endurance.
Sometimes I wonder if backing down to 6 miles as my last "long run" helped the PR because I was really rested. Who knows
Its one run! Everyone has a bad training run, it means nothing
The race is in the morning right? The heat and humidity won't be as bad. Those are killer when it comes to distance.
I don't like gu. I eat Haribu gummy bears or shot blocks. I can't do super sweet stuff.
The next few runs that you do, try to drink something every 15 minutes and eat something every 30-45 depending on how you feel. Don't wait to get thirsty or start feeling drained. The key is to learn what drinking/energy source works for you to prevent that from happening.
I did several triathlons before moving and getting pregnant. A couple things I learned:
1. Train with your race food. At least a few times. You don't want to find out at mile 6 for the first time that your stomach rejects your chosen nutrition.
2. You want a combo of sugar, salt, and water, and possibly caffeine. Water plus beans, gummies, and GU all have the first 3, as does Gatorade. Personally I tolerate water, Gatorade, and gummies best. I bought gummy bears, carried water, then got Gatorade at aid stations. I never liked GU but DH swears by it.
What everyone else said about trusting your training is so true. Humidity is a killer, but I doubt your race is at 6pm so hopefully the weather will be nicer. Good luck! We'll be rooting for you!
Post by PatBenatar on Aug 20, 2014 14:42:41 GMT -5
Just here to offer encouragement since I'm in the same boat but a few additional weeks away from my half. Humidity is the worst! Good luck and you can do this!
You will be just fine. This is how my last long run always goes when training. I like the vanilla bean gu with caffeine. Definitely tryout whatever you buy on a run before race day. Good luck.
Post by laurensmomma on Aug 20, 2014 18:37:55 GMT -5
So I am not a runner, and have no experience to share, but wanted to offer my support. You CAN do it!!! Having one off day is not the be all, end all of it. It's just that - an off day. Sure, the heat probably had a lot to do with it, but just keep going, and with a few more runs in heat and you'll finish the marathon, I'm sure!
So I am not a runner, and have no experience to share, but wanted to offer my support. You CAN do it!!! Having one off day is not the be all, end all of it. It's just that - an off day. Sure, the heat probably had a lot to do with it, but just keep going, and with a few more runs in heat and you'll finish the marathon, I'm sure!
Thank you!! I appreciate your encouragement. I got a lot of ladies rooting for me, which helps a ton!
It was one rough run and you got through it. You can do this! I like sports beans. They are small, so you can do a little bit at a time and never get the big tummy bomb of a huge serving. Try them out before race day. I agree with not trying something new on the big day. You will be great!
The last run before a race is always terrible. I remember when tapering down for my marathon and out for a ten miler and I felt tired and achy all over. I was like nooooo it's over I won't finish
You can still do it! We all have bad and off training days, and it sounds like your bad run was your longer run. It's okay. It sounds like you might just need more calories, electrolytes and water.
if it is hot and humid on race day, drop all expectations and goals out of the window except one: finish.
you can do it.
my favorite energy supplements when I ran was e-gel (I found them online and the taste was good. I liked mountain rush, which tasted like Mountain Dew, and cherry bomb, which was a tart cherry flavor. I also really liked energy beans from jelly belly.