Hot Runs

I think I had the hottest run of my short running career on Tuesday.

On Monday I met up with a new running buddy and did 8 miles (with some hills!!). It felt hot, sweaty and amazing. Sure I was slow, just under 10:00/mile pace, but I was out there.

Tuesday we met again. The weather was scorching hot (okay, so like 85 & humid is scorching to me) and I mistakenly said 8 miles again sounded great. I will kick myself forever for not finishing that 8 mile run. I stopped at 7. I drank water and felt much better. What I SHOULD have done is stop for a water break at 7 and then finished that last mile. But I was exhausted and dying for water so I called it. It had been one of “those” runs from the beginning. I hurt after a mile in and not my usual ugh I hate running feeling that I normally get until about mile 3. I was winded and tired when we hit mile 2 and praying the hills to magically disappeared.

My new running buddy has been great. He’s a marathoner (Boston, New York, etc, etc.) and he’s fast (when not running with me). And he doesn’t complain (to me) when I run just under 10:00/miles. He also doesn’t run ahead of me. Actually he runs right beside me or behind me and doesn’t make me feel like I’m trailing behind.Yay for an awesome new running buddy/trainer!

Also, my compression sleeves for my legs came and so far I love them. Love, love, love them. I've been wearing them after my runs and they seem to help with shin splints and make my legs feel fresh. Maybe it's in my head, but I love them! I want to buy them in bright pink too!!

#lowpoint

On Wednesday evening I hit a new #lowpoint in my running life: I begged for a cup of free water from the t-ball concession stand. I even promised to come back the next day and seriously pay them double whatever they charged (yes I know in 2012 your “word” to a random stranger means very little).

Backstory:

Wednesday evening I set out on my 4.5 mile run from my house to the park & back. It’s a short enough run that I don’t need water so I don’t bring any (also I don’t have any running water belts, bottles, etc. – please recommend your favorite!). When I got close to the park I saw babe (working) so he pulled over to chat for a second and offered to give me a ride home if I was still out and about when he got off in an hour. Well that got me thinking, why not? I can run loops in the park and avoid the road (I HATE one road I have to take, I’m so afraid I’m going to get hit on it even though it’s a 25mph zone).

I proceeded to run the park, in the very warm weather (thankful for the shady parts) until I got to 5 miles and realized I needed water if I was going to keep going. I didn’t want to stop quite yet but I was in dire need of hydration. That is when I proceeded to beg the concession stand for a cup of ice water.

The guy actually said no, but ended up coming after me (maybe he felt sorry for me?) and said they would give me a cup. That solo cup filled to the brim with ice & water was amazing. Granted, all I really needed was a small cup of water to keep me going. I was so thankful though that I wouldn’t waste a drop. I stood there stretching some until I drank the entire cup and ate all the ice. Yep, I killed my run by drinking way TOO much water. But seriously, when you hit a new low of begging, you show appreciation by finishing every drop. I continued on to do a 10K but it was definitely shy a few miles of what I was hoping to do.

What’s your running #lowpoint? What do you use for hydration for your long runs (or hot runs)? 

PS - I sent babe back with $1 to give them for the cup of ice water. 

Hydrate!

There are three things I drink (in large quantities) every day to stay hydrated:

1.       Water
Yep, simple, plain, water. I have multiple re-usable bottles filled with water in the fridge at all times (because cold water is always the most refreshing to me). Sometimes I add lemon, which I love!

2.       Green Tea
Tea bag, water and a packet of stevia (or without sweetener). Usually I drink it hot (even in the summer, our office can be an icebox). If I forget it on my desk,  I come back later and drink it cold (it’s good both ways!).

3.       Chai Tea
The brewed kind (from a tea bag). You should see the looks I get at starbucks from most barista’s when I order this. I always say “venti BREWED chai tea”. With two splendas and some non-fat milk (1/2 inch left at the top to be exact). When dieting I realized the chai mix they use adds lots of calories. The brewed version, while different, is still great. Especially with the right ratio of water, non-fat milk and sweetener. Save all the unnecessary calories with the chai mix they use and get brewed chai. I also make this at home with Tazo Chai tea bags, sweetener and non-fat milk. Please don’t tell me how bad all the 0 calorie sweetener is that I consume… it’ll make me sad.