Friday, August 15, 2008

Week 11: lessons learned

After the low mileage last week, I wasn't quite sure how to resume training this week. Would the break from long runs help or hurt my training? Do I resume the scheduled (really long) runs? I decided to jump back on plan and do the scheduled Week 11 runs of Hal Higdon's Novice 1 Training Schedule.

I felt fatigued, more so than usual after each run, and my ankle is a bit sore but otherwise things went well.

Today I ran further than I ever have: 16 miles. I learned that I still have some long run logistics to work on. I need to figure out how much to drink pre-run to be properly fueled and hydrated but not so much that I need to stop for a bathroom break half way into my run.

I also have to practice how to drink on the run so I don't gag and spit a mouthful of water onto the gym floor (I know, I know... yuck). Aside from that, refueling went well. I tried Gleukos as a sports drink since it's going to be served on course. It was fine although I'm not fond of the lemon flavour. I hope they have other flavours available. I probably could have taken another PowerBar Gel as well.

By the way, yes, I ran for almost 3 hours on a treadmill. That's a long time, even for a devoted treadmill runner like me, especially when my iPod battery died (note to self: make sure to charge the iPod before a long run). Luckily, the Olympics were on TV.

All in all, it was a good week and I'm glad to be back on track. I'm going to have to make the decision whether to register for the Portland Marathon in the next few days.

3 comments:

  1. I tought you were running Victoria... did I imagine that?? Portland marathon sounds nice!!

    Glad to see you back on the road, 16 miles is a long way! Wait till you get to the 20 miler!!

    Good job out there today, I think it's normal to stop for a pee break on a long run, during the race I've never stopped while I stopped often for my training runs. Something about adrenaline! lol

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  2. I thought about Victoria as an option but I've always been targeting Portland. I get to run; my wife gets to shop ;-)

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  3. As you increase your mileage now, after every run you will be able to say that's the farthest I have ever run! What a neat feeling!

    I have to echo Sonia's comment on peeing! I always do on training runs but for some reason, never have the urge during races. But once I cross the finish line....watch out!

    Keep up the good work!

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