Today called for 12 miles. I planned to hit the road by 6:30am because the forecast was for a hot, humid day with poor air quality. I loaded up with an 8 oz bottle of water, an 8 oz bottle of “ade”, and two gu’s. I set my goal for a 10-10:15 pace.
As I headed out the door, I quickly realized it was going to be a nasty run. It was already 70 degrees out and humid with a beautiful sunny sky and no breeze whatsoever. Within the first mile, I had sweat dripping down my face (which is pretty unusual for me. It usually takes me at least a couple of miles before I get really warmed up). Unfortunately, I didn’t change my run plan at that point and paid later. I did the first three miles at a 9:50 pace and was feeling pretty good, but then hit a big hill and never really recovered. At the 7 mile point, I seriously thought that there was no way I was going to finish the run. I headed back to my own neighborhood and ran the last 5 miles with my only goals to avoid hills and stay in the shade (thank goodness for 100+ year old oak trees). I ended up having to do a significant amount of walking in the last two miles and ended up finishing in 2:09:52, which averages out to a 10:50 mile. I finished both gu’s and every drop of my water and ade. I even took the lids off the bottles to make sure I got every bit.
When I got home, the temperature was already up to 78. I’m already thinking about what I can do different in two weeks when I have to do 14. I think I’m going to try to start earlier (I would have today, but a certain Mr. Shoo didn’t sleep worth a darn last night). I also think I’m going to make sure that my long midweek run is outside for the next two weeks. My body needs to adapt to this nasty weather. Part of my thinks my body isn’t going to be able to make it 26 miles, but the stubborn part of me is convinced I’m going to. At least the marathon is in October, so it’ll be cooler then.
Why didn’t I sign up for a spring marathon?
thats kinda why I asked if you trained mostly indoors? and I understand your answer, however, as you experienced, the inclimate weather is horrible, and if you can get somewhat acclimated, it will help.
take it from me…ugh…
I set my house’s A/C to 78. And I would love, love, love to run in air that cool!
Excellent job on the long run!