Seven Miles Saturday

Last night’s date was pretty romantic. And I slept like a rock! It felt good to sleep so well. I forgot to mention in my last post that the hydration belt I planned on using for Hood to Coast didn’t work. Last weekend I ordered another one online and a few days ago I got an email saying it would arrive on August 27th! NO!!!!!! That’s too late!!! I was so upset. I decided to give it a few days and if it didn’t arrive, I’d have to go to a running store in Portland and buy one. Well last night when we got home from our date, I found this in the mail:

YEAH!!!!! I was sooo happy that it came early. I filled one water bottle with water and the other with Gatorade. I packed 2 GUs in the pack. I drank 3/4 of my Atkins shake as my pre-run breakfast.

So this morning, I excitedly put it on for my long run. It fit great and while the water bottles were a tad on the heavy side, I am happy to report that my run went great with them. They didn’t slosh around, or jump around when I ran. They weren’t too heavy to be annoying either.

I ran half a mile down to the track and saw that there was a kid’s football practice or try-outs going on. The place was packed.

They weren’t using the track though, so I figured it was okay. No one seemed to mind either.

The first 3 miles were not memorable because my legs seemed fine and I didn’t feel tired at all. I just ran and ran and felt awesome.

At about Mile 3, I had some GU and water. I didn’t feel like I needed either honestly, but I didn’t want to regret not hydrating before it was too late. I kept going.The temperature was cool and pleasant. Since they banned earphones for Hood to Coast this year, I didn’t bring my headphones with me while I ran today. I turned on Pandora and clipped my iPhone to the fuel belt. I could sometimes hear the music but when the stadium of parents cheered for their kids, I couldn’t hear my music. I don’t usually run with my ipod arm band because it doesn’t fit right and if I tighten it so it does fit–I lose circulation in my arm. But I think for Hood to Coast I have to suck it up and wear the arm band so I can hear my music!

About half way through Mile 4, my ankles started to both me a little bit. I decided to walk for a bit to see what was going on. I had no pain when walking, so that was good. I probably walked for 30-45 seconds and then started running again. Just walking for a moment, I had renewed energy and ran another mile with no problems.

Toward the end of Mile 5, my legs were starting to tighten up. I’ve never really had to deal with that before–that I remember anyway. I’m sure being excited and nervous about Hood to Coast has me overly sensitive to every little ache and pain in my body. I walked another 30-45 seconds and then continued to run. I pondered the idea that maybe I’ve been over-training lately…Still not sure about that.

Half way through Mile 6 I decided to call it a day and run home. I ran/walked the half mile home and stretched forever. I used my foam roller and my new calf stretcher! It felt pretty awesome to stretch for so long. Fat Kitty supervised the stretching:

Today’s Stats:

Time: 1:25

Calories Burned: 900

Distance: 7 Miles

What a great run though! I’m happy with today’s run (despite the walking and the ankle pains). I ate my banana after my shower and Michael and I made lunch. On the menu: black bean burritos.

After running 7 miles, I was FAMISHED. As in, Hungry Monster That Eats Everything In Sight! Nom Nom Nom…After one bean burrito, Michael made half a quesadilla for us to split. 🙂

The anticipation of Hood to Coast is killing me!

This time next week….I will be sitting in a cramped van with 5 other sweaty, smelly runners! I can’t wait! 🙂