No, I wouldn't say I am back. Yet, this is a posting. However, I would not say I am ready to start pumping out 3-4 a week like I was. I actually have several down hours right now. I home while my family is at Church services. I home recovering from a late night of running and staying home with post-op recovery boy.
Our youngest had surgery on Friday. It went well. It was corrective type procedure to make life happier for a little boy who is constantly happy to begin with. He was born with not everything flowing quite as it should. Now? - all better. At least once fully healed. He is one brave little guy!
I did something different yesterday with my long run for the week. It was a life adjustment change responding to being up all the previous night with post-op boy. I was not able to get out for an early AM beat the heat run. So, I waited till the evening when temps cooled at least to below 100. Ended up leaving close to 10:PM.
Anyway, due to the heat still being around 97-98 when I left, and all the hydration concerns that poses - I broke the run up into two parts. Well, at least that was the attempt anyway. The first part was 8 miles looping back to the house. The second part was for at least 6 more and possible a full 8 more miles. With a quick pit stop at the house in between for hydration needs and cooling.
Okay, in theory a great idea. In application - not so much. Yet, I will keep this going till I get it right, because it has great potential while the temps are still 105 plus here in the desert. Where it went wrong:
1) I carried a bottle of Ensure with me. Something I drink post runs a lot for recovery. I tried it during the run at 6 miles for kicks - for the extra something. Not good. At least after being hand held in 97 degree temps. Yeah, a nasty effect on the GI system.
2) Camelbak - all 32 ounces plus consumed in the first 8 miles. It was hot. Once in the house, ran straight to the fridge. Inhaled 20 ounces of Gatorade - cold - Gatorade in seconds beating my personal record. Topped that off with about 6-8 ounces of tasty Simply Raspberry Lemonade. Then I preceded to jet out the door to run. Have you ever tried running after inhaling nearly 30 ounces of fluid!
3) I am not in my 20's and 30's anymore. It has got too cool down soon or I have to get my regular early AM runs consistent again. All nighters - running - in 95 plus degree temps - not in my mid 40's. At least not in my current condition.
Anyway, I didn't reach my mileage target. The main issue in not reaching the 14-16 mile goal was #3, yet the water filled balloon belly feeling from #2 did not help. Plus, some lingering problems from #1 played out badly.
Yet, the day after my experiment I can say this - I will try it again. A little earlier in the evening, and consuming less at my hydration pit stop. I ended up with an 8 miler, with a 5K chaser. Considering the entire time my legs felt FANTASTIC and strong. Plus, I am waking up today feeling like I can easily do another 8 mile/5K chaser tonight - the gains from it all are real. No post run icing and my ankles, calves, knees, hams, hips - everything feels surprising resilient and fresh today. I did take things really slow, yet there are a number of hills and lots of uneven pavement and dreaded concrete. So, yeah I feel good about it all, even though it kinda was a failure in the overall goal.
I am more than ready at this point for Disneyland HM in two weeks. First race since the first of June. Am I ready for the Long Beach Full - NO. Hoping to feel better about that in the next month. What I do have going for me though in my training? Long Beach will not be as hot as my long training runs of 95 temps plus. At least I hope!
Take care and keeping running! Not sure when I post again, but till then - well - keep running! Cheers!
9 comments:
Hugs to your little guy and I think running at 10 p.m. sounds kind of fun...at least the first time, I guess!
I'm sorry to hear your little one had to have corrective surgery but I'm glad he is doing well.
I can't believe it's that hot for you that late at night. I think I'd just write off running all together. Kudos to you for giving it an honest try.
yeah! Meg! miss ya! hope all is well?
If only we didn't need sleep...there would be so much more time to fit in those runs! Still, nice run! You sound ready! Me...I'm a little worried how my first HM will go on Oct 3. Still lots of time. I guess we'll see.
Hugs and quick recovery to your little guy!
Good experimentation efforts on the heat training Slomo. Have you seen/read about those cooling vests that you fill with ice to keep your core temp down? Might be something to look into with your climate. Or, come run with us....
I hope your boy is feeling better soon! Sounds like he has inherited your super cool attitude. I know about the heat, it really is dragging on. Gosh I am so tired of it. We have been under a heat advisory and all this week it is predicted to get worse. I finally have a strategy, kinda the same as yours, with pit stops to cool down and drink. Keep up with it! Cheers!
I stopped at home today during my run and actually sat down - what a relief!
I've had trouble w/Ensure. Will never buy it again!
Glad to hear everything with your son is well. That's the most important thing in life really.
Now - onto other important things. Ensure? In 97 degree heat? I think I just barfed in my mouth :-)
I'm thinking you need a 80oz Camelbak where you live- just sayin'!! I hope the wee-one is doing better now and ready to be a boy again!! Hang in there, Slomo...your running's going well and you're going to do great at Disney!!!
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