So the high today will only be 98 degrees. When I checked yesterday it said 102. 22 in 102 has a much better ring to it than 22 in 98. So my title is inaccurate but sounds good.
This morning I ran 22 miles. I prefer running in hot weather but today was a bit extreme even for me. I finished in 3:51 (10:30 average pace).
If I were training for a marathon, I would have considered this run an absolute train wreck with all the walking I did. But 50K training changes all that. I was on my feet for 3 hours and 51 minutes. Other than hot-as-hell Boston, I haven’t run that long in awhile which made today’s run the perfect 50K training run.
I gathered all my gear last night since I got up at the crack of dawn today.
Some things to note…a beach towel was 100% necessary. The little baggie next to my Shot Bloks is table salt. Today I experimented with potato chips and PB crackers as fuel.
Here’s how fueling went since I’m still trying to figure it all out.
Mile 4 –> 3 Shot Bloks
Mile 8 –> 3 Shot Bloks
Mile 10 –> potato chips. I wasn’t even hungry but forced these down. How can something so light and airy feel like complete lead in your stomach? I’m officially crossing potato chips off my list.
Mile 15 –> 3 Shot Bloks (thankfully, the potato chips were beginning to digest).
Miles 17-18.5 –> PB crackers. I think we have a winner here. They didn’t bother my stomach at all.
Add to this a massive amount of Nuun-infused water and salt every couple of miles. Add in the chocolate milk I drank immediately after my run and I consumed around 1000 calories. But I burned close to 2200…so I have some eating to do today!
I began the run/walk approach around Mile 10 (yes, it didn’t take long). I was able to run on a shady trail for miles 17 to 20 and when I reemerged into the sun I felt like a vampire.
It’s entirely possible that I could have weather like this the day of my 50K. I’m glad I toughed it out and I’m so glad it’s over.
Now it’s time to eat (again)…
Has the heat changed anyone’s running plans this weekend? Did anyone race?
Nice job! I imagine the walk/run was welcome in that heat. I’m starting my “practicing” of run/walk during tomorrow’s run. So stay tuned… 🙂
Way to get it done! That had to have been tough. I did 16 today and it was pretty brutal–would have been happy to pack it in a couple of miles earlier, but I got it done.
You have the right attitude–it’s great to train in this stuff b/c as we both know, race day can bring anything!
Yikes, I did 10 this morning with a friend and we both agreed that that was plenty for the hottest day of the year. It wasn’t miserable, but we were both pretty drained by the time we finished. Nice work on 22 – glad the PB crackers seemed to work!
Wow–great run, I barely made it through 7 today!!
I can’t believe you’re just taking table salt instead of salt pills. That’s either hardcore or stupid haha. At the very least, it’s cheaper!
Great job getting the run done!
I am totally going to start doing this. I love salt.
Great job in the heat!!!
I can’t believe you did 22 in that heat! I did 16 and almost died. You need to try boiled potatoes to prepare for your trail run. It’s the number one reason I even participate in trail running.
Oh PS I tried the Trader Joes speculos chocolate bar! AMAZING. I got three, one for me, two to send to my sister, and the only reason she is getting those two is because I put them in an envelope with a card and wrote that I was sending her two candy bars in the card. Otherwise I would have busted that shit open and eaten all three. This is unrelated to your post but I wanted to tell you and it’s a really long story that I couldn’t share on twitter.
These kinds of runs are making you tough. As are those kinds of foods….wow….I wonder if my stomach could handle that at all. Maybe someday I’ll get to try 50K training….You are doing great!
WHOA – nice work, lady! I did 12 miles in the heat and thought “there is no way I could do a step more than this…” It was tough. I definitely hydrated more and drank lots of Nuun to make sure I got some electrolytes in. I’m dreaming of less hot/humid days that will make any run seem like a breeze now!
WHOA – 22 in anything above 90 is no joke! What time did you run?
It seems I left the East Coast at the right time – I am COLD here at night.
Nice job! Way to get out there and get it done 🙂 The heat definitely has an impact on me….I just try to get out there early and make sure I bring water – regardless of the distance!
Very impressive job getting 22 miles done in that heat! I switched my LR from Saturday to Sunday to avoid the worst of the heat. That extra time on your feet, walking or not, will definitely help prepare you for your 50k.
Great job, girl! How do you take the salt?
I also read or heard on a podcast that a common option are softened baked sweet potatoes mixed with salt and chia seeds.
OMG, Kristy! You are Wonderwoman! I am so amazed by you! Now, eat away! 😉
I read this yesterday and my mouth just dropped. You really are amazing. I don’t know about you but after this marathon, I don’t think I’ll ever train for another fall marathon. It’s too hot. I think I’ll stick with Spring marathons. LOL
You are doing great though and this ultra has nothing on you. Oh, I’ll have to check out how many miles I’m scheduled to run that weekend so I can join you for a few miles. ;o)