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Training
I've averaged 3-4 runs/week since the beginning of
Hills
I enjoy running rolling hills. I just laughed out loud typing that it's so crazy for me to say. Moving to Cleveland Park in February changed my running forever. It's a far hillier neighborhood than any I've ever lived. No matter which route or direction I take, my biggest choice is whether I want to run uphill first or last. I read or heard somewhere or other recently, "Uphill takes more than downhill gives." I don't know about that? There are some downhills that give a lot.
Get out of the run and into your head, self
I like to tell myself to get out of my run and get into my head. Physically I am capable (I tell myself), but mentally it's a whole other game. My best runs are when I get so distracted I actually laugh or tear up because I'm so invested in my thoughts. I read a tip from one runner to jot down things about which to think on your run on your hand. I might try that.
New kicks
I started having pain on the outside of my right leg after 3+ mile runs bad enough that I'd limp when I stopped running. I went to PR Running in Cleveland Park, and within minutes of analyzing my feet on their high-tech machines, and looking at my shoes, the expert working with me said, "You shouldn't be running in these." He pointed at the outside of my right leg and asked, "Are you experiencing pain here?" It blew my mind. Since getting new shoes, I have not had pain again in that area, but unfortunately have been experiencing pain on the inside of my right leg above my ankle...
No pain no gain?
I did some internet sleuthing, and it sounds like I may be struggling with Posterior Shin Splints. Causes listed: flat feet. Yeppp, that's me! (And I learned at PR that my right foot is flatter than my left, which makes sense why the pain is only in that leg.) It makes me (even more) nervous for my race this weekend, but I'm going to rest for the next few days and ice it. After the race, I need to look into arch supports, I guess... (grumble).
So...
I'm proud that I broke my 3 mile wall, and I'm really excited to dance across that finish line!
I made it a goal to run 365 miles in 2013
run 365
run 365
10k is the BEST distance!!
ReplyDeleteAdvice:
1. If you can do 5.1, you can do 6. Trust me. I (sort of) did 26.2 after only doing 20 and my first 13.1 after only doing 10. You'll be fine. Also, there is no shame in walking if you feel you need to! Don't let anyone tell you hauling your ass x miles doesn't count unless you do it at a clip. Pish posh.
2. If you didn't eat before the 5.1, you probably don't need to eat before 6. You can get a few calories on the course from whatever non-water they provide. If you want to, though, I think toast with PB is a pretty safe choice for most people. One of my favorite pre-race "meals" is a clif bar (oatmeal raisin walnut is my fav), but I only really worry about pre-race fueling when I'm running 8-10 or more. I promise you have enough stored up for 6 that you won't bonk if you don't eat anything beforehand. Oh, also, if you've been reading about "carbo loading," research shows that's best done 48 hours before a race (not the night before) to best let your muscles actually store up the glycogen and not leave you feeling sluggish the morning of the race from all that metabolizing.
3. Re: downhills. Take it easy on the downhills! Reel it in and shorten your stride. Trust me, blasting down Mass Ave for two miles is fun, but it will destroy, I repeat DESTROY, your quads!
4. Totally agree running is mostly a mental game. When I've run out of things to be introspective about (or just given up trying to figure things out for the time being), I will either do longer math problems or count shoe brands or turn off my music and eavesdrop on conversations. Whatever it takes. For longer training runs, listening to audio books rocks.
5. I hate buying running shoes. I haven't been able to find a pair that works for me all around in years depite trips to multiple "specialists" (running store and podiatrist). My feet are mad janky. :( I feel your pain (mines mostly in my arches though, because I have tendonitis, blah). Look into superfeet inserts (they'll sell them at PR and Pacers and everywhere. They didn't work for me (at least not many years ago in the Brooks I tried them with, but I know many people love them.)
Good luck and have fun! Don't worry about speed. Worry about enjoying your first long race and finishing with a smile. :)