Well today, despite a beasting 10k yesterday, I dragged my tired legs out of bed for my long run. On today’s menu: 12 miles. I’ll be honest, I was not feeling it before I left the flat. The sun, however, was, and I wasn’t going to pass up some sweet rays after nothing but rain and cloud for two weeks, so out of bed and into running gear I went! Today was important for two reasons:
- 12 miles = my longest training run
- This would be the first time I traveled with supplies!
I bought a belt pack thing (so eloquent) a couple of months ago, but I could never be bothered wearing it before, because none of my runs were really long enough to warrant energy supplies. Today, though, I wanted to make sure I was hydrated and fueled. After dry heaving at the aftertaste of sport beans before my run, I substituted the rest of the pack for a gel shot, and filled a 500ml bottle with gatorade. Ready to rock.
The first 5 miles were pretty non-eventful. At around 5.5 I had to stop because of traffic (which makes crossing a street a bit more difficult). An old man was shuffling across the street and it looked like he was speaking to me. The dialogue followed as thus:
Old man: I used to be able to run to [inaudible place] in 30 minutes. Not any more! Now I can barely walk!
Me: (polite chuckle) Wow, that’s good going!
Old Man: So what are you doing, just keeping fit?
Me: No, I have a half marathon next month.
Old Man: You’re getting married next month?
Me: No, a HALF MARATHON. In 4 weeks. I’m training.
Old Man: You WANT to get married in a month? No problem love, I’ll marry you. I’ll need to get rid of the wife first, but after that.
Me: No.. Half. Marathon. You know, running? (gestures running)
Old Man: OH! A half marathon. How much longer have you got today?
Me: Umm, about 6 miles I think.
Old Man: Glad it’s not me!
Too right, old man. Too right.
Anyway, the run went pretty much without incident. I had my gel shot at about mile 6. I didn’t realize it was just a clear, sugary goop, but it didn’t make me feel gross and I felt strong (but ready for the couch) at the end of the run, so I think they’ll be making a reappearance.
And here’s a shot of me with my sexy water belt that was apparently enough to get me a marriage offer today:
Sidenote: I LOVE those tights!
A medal and a marriage offer – not bad for a weekend!
I like the tights too!! Very nice!
They’re cw-x women’s 2/4 length stabilyx tights. I think they’re from a few seasons ago though, as I had a really hard time finding them in my size, at least in that colour. They seemed to have plenty with ‘raspberry’ stitching (this is apparently ‘periwinkle’).
Those are nice. I just dropped some major coinage on new shoes, I’ll have to wait before buying new clothes. I want to invest in some compression tights…
Totally inspiring me to run out and buy those tights (in which you look AWESOME) AND the belt thing. And to run, of course. Yes. That first.
Haha, love the old man marriage proposal mid-run!
Which brand of gels did you try? I always have problems with them, Clif Shot Gels are about the only ones I can tolerate (I’ve only tried lemon & lime but someone recently told me they come in margarita flavour)
The stuff I had yesterday was Power Bar Gel. It was a bit sickly, but then I haven’t really had anything to compare it to. No ill effects either, so sticking to it for now. You every tried them?
sick spandexxx
You look awesome in those tights. I only wish my butt looked that good!
I’m a running nerd – I always wear my fuel belt – 2 miles or 12 miles, the belt is on. I always feel like other runners are judging me because they aren’t wearing them.
Also, I am madly in love with gels. The more caffeine, the better. I recently switched from PowerBar to Cliff – and the coffee/mocha flavored ones are my favorite – I highly recommend if you like coffee!
Weirdly I hate coffee, but love coffee flavoured things, so if they sell Cliff gels anywhere, I’ll have to try them out – thanks for the head’s up!
And screw what they think, wear your belt with pride (though I might not, truthfully, I find it a bit annoying).
I also love the tights!