Lesley bailed on me today. She was napping cuz of the heat when I called her. Yesterday, we decided to go out at 8, instead of at 7 like we did yesterday. Well, while I was talking to her, I decided that I was going to run 13 miles today, instead of 5. I didn’t quite make it to 13, cuz it got dark, and well, the logistics just weren’t there. I had no extra water along the way, nor did I have enough food. I thought I’d gone a lot further, but it turns out I only did about 6 miles, which is better than yesterday’s 3 but it’s no 13.
I negative split the run. The first 30 minutes were hard. I had a hard time breathing and adjusting to the heat etc. After the 30 minutes were up, I started feeling way better. The legs started clicking right, my breathing got right and everything just fell into place. I was feeling way better at the end of the run, plus I convinced myself that I need 30 minutes to warm up, then I can start running fast for a long time. So, note to self, make sure that I give myself 30 minutes to warm up before a run.
as I was running longer distances, I started noticing that it actually took me two gels to warm up, which meant 45 to 90 minutes before I really felt well. Can you believe a 5 to 7 mile warm-up??? I found that strange and fascinating.
I’m so glad to hear you say that! It means that it’s par for the course, so I’m getting there. I just need to be patient
just start cold (no warmup) and slow and let your muscles get warmer as you run…get faster and faster towards your cruise speed