15K in the books :)

[Deleted]

Did my first 15K yesterday, no surprises in terms of pace and feeling tired, very glad I got through it (and I wasn't last!) Gorgeous weather, sunny and got up to 45 by mid race. Light breeze felt nice towards the end. The predicted high was only 35, and I was so torn between a t-shirt and a long sleeve shirt under my jacket; so glad I went with the t-shirt. It's also an open road course, so my first time ever running without headphones/music. Did the early start at 1:45 (instead of 2), so a lot of time for nerves to build that morning. The first half is fairly flat, then the second half is very up and down, with a killer hill at 7.7 miles. I mostly walked the uphills, and ran the flats and downhills. I started out too fast with the group for the first mile, did my normal pace for miles 2-6, then slowed down for the end; was definitely hitting a wall the last mile and walked a decent part of it. Also learned I really hate the handheld water bottle, considering a camelbak next (I sweat like crazy so definitely need to carry). My goal was to get under 2 hours, and did 2 hours, 48 seconds, lol. I was #234 out of 239, and 76/78 for my age group, wheeee!  

Right after the race, nothing was appealing, though I tried to do a Luna bar and some Gatorade in the first half-hour. About an hr afterwards, I threw up and had a massive headache, and it took another hour or so before I could stomach some soda and half a plain bagel. Clearly I need to figure out something more with nutrition/hydration; pretty sure I need to try some salt tablets since my face was very gritty/salty afterwards. Last night, I was really debating whether I need to keep pushing for more miles and actually do the HM next month, 9 miles is pretty good, right? But after a night's sleep and keeping food down today (bagel, smoothie so far), I'm just going to keep training this week and see how it goes; and the HM course is not as hilly. Was very relieved the coach set up this weekend's long run to "just" 7 miles  

[sassystace]

Great job!

Hopefully you were able to learn some things to help for your half. Did you do any kind of fuel during your run? That seems weird to throw up an hour after like that. Headaches I get if I push my pace really hard and then stop suddenly at the finish (instead of walking or jogging for a bit after a hard effort).

[hannahb]

Congrats! I'd would try some different fueling before the half. You probably got sick because you need more electrolyte vs just water. Try a few runs with something to see how you feel. I would recommend taking in something besides water for a half for sure. I usually take a Gu at mile 8-9.

[Deleted]

I did have fruit snacks at mile 4 and 7 (prefer them, easier to chew than Shotbloks). Just plain water in the water bottle though. Nuun has upset my stomach during long training runs; but I may try drinking it in the hours before the race. I've been nervous about trying Gu for some reason.

ETA: I really focused on hydrating (mainly water though) and eating well Friday and Saturday, and felt in good shape that day. My guess is adding Nunn beforehand and working on fuel during the race will help. Will check out Tailwind, thanks!

[gt7301b]

Congrats on finishing.

A couple of thoughts, what did you drink the day before the race? I do much better on my long distance races if I am hydrated the day before the race.
How many calories did you take in during the race? A handful of fruit snacks might not have been enough calories. a lot of folks like Tailwind for race fuel.
I usually drink a chocolate milk post race, it is yummy and protein + carbs = good for recovery.

[irene adler]

Yay on your race!

And ditto what others have said about paying attention to food/fuel the day before--it has a huge impact on how I feel post running.

[cinco]

Congratulations!

[jamalynn]

Congratulations!!!

[thom]

Congrats!! I won't re-hash the fueling because the previous ladies have good ideas. Hope you recover well! Also a big yes to the chocolate milk.

[itsme]

Congrats on your run!

[shelbyann]

Congrats!

[badgergirl66]

Congrats on the race! Sorry you felt so sick after. Hopefully it helps you avoid it for the half though. Sounds like you got some good advice above.

[moreace01]

Congrats on your race!!

Just wanted to add that I get really sick when I don't fuel and hydrate properly - I think I feel the effects more than my running friends (and I'm a really salty sweat-er - ugh). Headaches, nauseous - I'm pretty much out for the rest of the day. I've started taking half a Nuun tablet the night before a long run and the other half when I get up in the morning before heading out and that seems to help a lot.

[juliabug]

Congratulations on finishing your race strong! I hope you recover quickly! I bet you will eat everything in sight tomorrow.