13.1 Miles: Training Week 6

We’re over the hump everyone: only 4 more weeks until it’s race time!

This week was the first one that Monday and Thursday (which are considered the light days) both suggested a 4 mile run, instead of 3.  Upping the mileage wasn’t that difficult, now that I’m used to longer runs and my mid-week run of 5 miles isn’t so scary anymore.  Success!

In case you missed it, I had a realization in Training Week 5.  What used to seem impossible for me to do, is doable with the right attitude and training program.

Let’s take a look at how Week 6 went:

Day 21

Monday: January 30, 2012

Scott and I met my mom at my favorite running spot, Cranes Roost Park in Uptown Altamonte.  I mentioned this in a previous training post, but the lake circles right under a mile at 0.95 per lap.  The only draw back is dodging the walking traffic, but other than that it’s a pretty and enjoyable run.

Miles: 4

Time: 36:50

Speed: 6.5 mil/hour

Pace: 9:13min/mi

Post-Run Meal:

After our run we went over to my parents house for dinner.  My grandmother (who’s staying with them) made a delicious Beef Burgandy with mushrooms, carrots and green peppers over egg noodles.  I was pretty chilled after running in a tank top and shorts around the lake <– good one Heather, so this meal tasted extra yummy warming me right up!

Sided with a fresh cut watermelon, I was in heaven.

Day 22

Wednesday: February 1, 2012

This week I stocked up on GU Gels and GU Chomps.  When I realized I had a 5-miler to run, I tried out a new Gel flavor get that intrigued me.  “Peanut Butter? That can’t be good,” I thought to myself when I was at the store debating whether or not to get it.

Sure enough, the curiosity got the best of me and I decided to give it a try.  WOW! The consistency and taste is pretty spot on, which is not what I was expecting. The Srawberry Banana flavor I tried last week kind of tasted like a jelly, and Scott hated it!  The PB flavor was a little thicker and actually resembled what peanut butter should taste like.

Good Job, GU Energy Labs!

Miles: 5

Time: 43:57

Speed: 6.8 mil/hour

Pace: 8:47min/mi

Post-Run Meal:

Since we had some errands to run, Scott and I quickly got ready and ate a late breakfast at Keke’s Breakfast Cafe.  Their omelets are phenomenal, and I tried something new by getting the Western Omelet.

*TIP: To stay healthy when “going out for breakfast,” remember to ask for these easy substitutions:

Egg whites, no cheese (or light cheese), tomato slices or fruit instead of potatoes, and whole wheat toast instead of white flour products.

YUM!

Day 23

Thursday: February 2, 2012

Wednesdays and Thursdays have been my days to finish training to teach barre, and I’ve been pretty sore for the third run of the week.

I’ve been trying to run later in the day on Thursdays in order to let my muscles rest a little from class.  While I was out stocking up on GU products, I stumbled upon this foam roller.

I’ve been reading a lot of running blogs and have seen foam rollers mentioned a few times.  For $30, I thought it would be a great investment for my sore, tight & overworked legs.

This thing is a DREAM! Since I bought it on Wednesday, I’ve used it every day after barre class and after each run.

Watching TV? Roll it out.  Talking on the phone? Roll it out.

(Note to self: I need to do a video about this).

Oh, and thanks cats for the awesome new whole in my leggings…

Miles: 4

Time: 36:34

Speed: 6.5 mil/hour

Pace: 9:09 min/mi

Post-Run Meal:

On Monday, Scott and I made a trip to the Entenmann’s discount store and picked up an armful of whole wheat products.

Trying to use some of it up, I made some whole wheat Pizza Toast (thanks for the idea, PBFingers) using tomato paste, low-fat shredded colby-jack cheese, black olives, and topped it with pizza seasoning.  I wanted to cut up a green pepper and add spinach, but I was so hungry I didn’t have the patience!

*TIP: Adding veggies to homemade pizza is an easy way to sneak your daily servings in.

Day 24

Saturday: February 4, 2012

Have I mentioned “that was THE hardest run I have ever had to do in my life” on my training updates yet?  Nope, and that’s because nothing could compare to yesterday’s.

After a very late night on Friday, we let ourselves sleep in without an alarm. We took our time waking up by chatting, catching up on our recorded shows, and I even put in a good amount of time on Pinterest.  Before long, it was almost Noon and we had to hurry up and get our run in before we missed the window!  Going into this run, I knew the sun might not be pleasant beating down on us at this time, but we decided to go for it anyways.

Umm… it was BRUTAL!  As if running over 10 miles isn’t challenging enough, I was trying to run away from the sun the entire time.  I felt over heated, turned bright red, got a sunburn and had to stand under a shaded tree every few miles.  At the half-way point, Scott and I took a good minute walk through Albertson’s to cool off and refill my water bottle.  I have to admit this was a moment in my life where I wanted to look at the girl next to us in the produce section and say “trade lives with me.”  Not a good time.

On a more positive note: since we were going for 11 consecutive miles, I knew I would need some energy back-up.  Before the run, I snacked on 3 Watermelon GU Chomps (great flavor) and brought along a new gel to try half-way through.

Hands down – Accel Gel takes the (gel) cake on the Strawberry Kiwi flavor.  The consistency wasn’t thick and it was easier to take vs. the Strawberry Banana flavor GU Gel I tried last week.  Surprisingly, I thought it tasted great and it was actually refreshing.  Great gel flavor week for me!

Scott wasn’t a fan, but I enjoyed the pick-me-up about 6 miles in.

Miles: 11

Time: 1:42:37

Speed: 6.4 mil/hour

Pace: 9:20min/mi

Post-Run Meal:

After basically chugging a gallon of water I broke into my whole wheat English muffins (another Entenmann’s discount store purchase). I made a breakfast sandwich with eggbeaters and a Morning Star Farms Veggie Sausage Patty, (no cheese necessary) and sided it all with a handful of green grapes.

Quickly after showering, we were on our way to Sea World I was still hungry (shocker). Luckily I’m stocked with snacks at all times and pulled out my new favorite go-to Power Crunch energy bar.

Way better healthier than those giant soft pretzels.

What I’ve learned this week:

• Buy more GU Gels in the Peanut Butter flavor

• As far as fruity flavors go, Accel Gel kicks GU Gel’s booty.
• Foam rollers feel amazing and does wonders for tight and sore muscles.  I highly recommend it for anyone who gets sore muscles, whether you’re a runner or not.

• DON’T – I repeat – DON’T run anything over 2 miles at Noon when living in a warm climate like Orlando, Florida.

Goals for next week:

Apparently I thought this week was a 12-miler, (not 11) so I’m reusing my main goal from last week.

Get through 12 miles at 1:45:00 since my goal for the entire half is to finish in 2 hours.  My 10 mile run hit right around 1:30:00 (thanks to Scott pushing me).  If I get this goal of 12 in 1:45 I should be right on track to finish the race under 2 hours.  This week I ran my 11 at 1:42, but that included stopping every few miles and the Albertson’s cool off…

We’ll see what next week’s long run time looks like from New Yorrrrrrk!

Have a great Superbowl Sunday everyone, we’re off to Miami! 🙂

Training Week 6 Playlist coming when I get home…