Last week’s long run couldn’t have gone worse. But yesterday’s long run couldn’t have gone better. Learning from my mistakes last week, I started prepping days in advance for this run.
- Per Melissa’s advice on this post (thank you so much Melissa!!!), I iced my IT band almost every day and used The Stick to roll it almost every night.
- I took a couple days off from running.
- Friday, the day before my run, I ate bland foods and upped my carb intake.
- Friday night, I ate spaghetti and had one glass of organic wine with no detectible sulfites.
- Saturday morning, I woke up an hour before I needed to start my run so I could take a quick hot shower to loosen my legs and eat breakfast.
- Prerun fuel: I hate two pieces of gluten-free, dairy free toast with honey and 1/2 a banana. I had two cups of green tea. No coffee!
- I ran the first mile super easy (9 min. mile) and tried not to focus on time or pace. My plan was to just enjoy the run and get in the miles. I was hoping to get 17-18 miles.
- I gradually warmed up as I ran and let the music drive my run (I haven’t run with music in a long time!) and ended up speeding up over the course of my run.
- I fueled with water and Shot Bloks and had no digestion issues. (I bought a Nathan Trail Mix fuel belt (in hot pink of course) last week and loved it! It took a while to find a spot where it would fit comfortably and not bounce since I couldn’t tighten it enough for my waist – I had to slide it down a bit lower on my hips.)
- At my turnaround point to get 18 miles, I decided to keep going and complete the full loop because I felt so strong. (Locals: I looped Salem Lake 3 times) I ended up getting in 20.5 miles at an average pace of 8:15 min/miles. My last 3 miles were 7:55 – 8:00!
I was absolutely thrilled with my run! I really needed a confidence booster in my training since I haven’t been feeling strong during my runs. Thanks for all your encouraging words and good vibes – they helped! I ended up running 45 miles last week (sunday – saturday).
After my run, I hurried home, made a protein shake (my favorite protein powder, banana, spinach, water), and chugged some water while I took a very short ice bath. I couldn’t get it very cold – not enough ice – but better than nothing I suppose. (True story: I cried when I took my first-ever ice bath. But I used snow instead of ice. 🙂 )
I had to keep it quick because I had a hair appointment at 11:30. (Nothing like a hair appointment to get me out of bed to run early! 🙂 ) I thought it would be nice to sit in the stylist chair after running so long but I was going crazy…I wanted to be moving around or stretching because my right legs was throbbing and aching.
I chopped off 2 inches (maybe 3?) and went a bit darker overall. It feels so much better getting some length off but I’m still iffy on the color. It was a bit too blonde so I had him add more lowlights and now I feel like it’s just kind of a blah brown. What do you think?
Alright, I’ve got to go give my pup and boyfriend some attention – I’ve been gone all day. (I plan to post tomorrow about it – it was an awesome day!) It’s gorgeous outside so I want to get out and enjoy this weather. Have a great night!
28 Comments
Brooke
atI love your hair!!! It looks so natural and you look so healthy and happy!! It’s also a really nice fall look. When it gets closer to winter you may want to lighten it up again as the winter pales our skin.
Teri [a foodie stays fit]
atthanks Brooke! good suggestion on brightening up the winter paleness! 🙂
Desiree
atCongrats on a GREAT Long run!!! That is a great pace to by the way. BQ BQ. Looks like you right on track for your marathon plan. I ran 18 miles on Thursday and had the worst long run EVER!!! But I completed the mileage, did not quit, and fought the Atlanta heat. I do blame the wine the night before and late start (had to get the kiddo’s off to school). When I finished I went to the gas station to buy a bag of ice for ice bath and literally hugged the bag like it was my baby. I do know in my years of running bad runs happen and they do make us stronger. I have a 20 miler this week planned and I am confident it will be better!!! A few tweeks in the preparation is all we need. 🙂 Cute hair too by the way. 🙂
Teri [a foodie stays fit]
atthanks so much desiree! It’s so nice when someone really understands the ups and downs of long runs! 🙂
Sara @ LovingOnTheRun
atCongrats on the long run! Sometimes runs just go poorly – glad to hear you are learning what works for you and taking care of your body! I know I am trying to learn the same things! I LOVE LOVE LOVE your hair! I Think it looks natural and so pretty! 🙂
Teri [a foodie stays fit]
atthanks Sara!!! 🙂
learning to listen to your body is hard. i’m still practicing.
Nikki @NikSnacks
atI’m learning so much about running from you! I did a 5k about 3 years ago and I was 2nd in my age division, but I’ve slid so far from optimum 5K running material, it’s crazy! As fall sets in, I see myself being more active. And your hair color–I have to agree with you. Your photo makes it look kinda blah brown, but the underneath, your hair looks great! Nice, glossy and deep.
Teri [a foodie stays fit]
atglad you’re learning about running from me!! 🙂
Anne @ CandyCrazedrun.wordpress.com
atCongrats on your run that sounds just perfect! The sick is a gift from the heavens! ( I say that as I sit on my floor cursing it’s pain inducing abilities 🙂 )
Teri [a foodie stays fit]
athahha i totally know that feeling about loving it and cursing it
Nancy
atEvery hair style you do, looks amazing on you. This one is no exception, love it!
Betty (the sweaty betty)
atYour hair looks great!! I think it’s perfect for the upcoming season! I’m always torn with my hair.. I always want something different but I don’t want to chop it and I don’t love going blonde. So I’m left with the same length and darker than dark brown 🙂
Teri [a foodie stays fit]
atHave you tried bangs? that’s my go to when I don’t want to change length or color.
Annette @ FitnessPerks
atCute hair!
Melissa C
atYou’re welcome!!!! 🙂 I am so glad my advice helped! 🙂 I am so glad you had such a great run! Isn’t it the best feeling after you have completed a great training run?
Your hair looks great! Great choice on color and length! You are so lucky that you look beautiful with short and long hair, dark and light hair! 🙂
Teri [a foodie stays fit]
atthanks again for the advice! And yes, the BEST feeling! I was beaming!
thanks for the sweet comments about my hair too. 🙂
Nicole
atLove the hair!
That long run lead-up sounds perfect. It’s amazing how much the little things can make such a huge impact
christina
atI love the hair. You could always go back and add a tiny touch of highlights to give it more dimension. Our hair is very similar right now, mine’s just more golden blonde, but the length is close! I love our hair ups & downs!
Teri [a foodie stays fit]
ati thought about that but I don’t want to sit in the stylist’s chair again – he takes forever!
our love our hair ups & downs too! 🙂
Mary
atI love running at Salem Lake! Will you do the 30k there in September as a training run?
Teri [a foodie stays fit]
atyes, I’m planning on it! You just reminded me to register. thanks!
Lauren @ Sassy Molassy
atI personally really like your hair. And pretty much always think your haircuts/styles are awesome.
Teri [a foodie stays fit]
atthanks Lauren!
Betsy
atI’m glad to hear your long run went better this week! I’ve had really tight/sore legs all week. I’ve never heard of The Stick before, but I just bought one, I’m excited to try it out!
Teri [a foodie stays fit]
ati hope you like it! (you’ll hate it a little too 😉 )
Kate @ KaCo Living
atYour hair looks amazing! I love it. Super natural and love the cut. I’m glad to hear that your long run went better. It’s amazing how a strong run can make you feel so great!
Ja @Ja on the RUN
atLove the natural waves of your hair! 🙂
Teri [a foodie stays fit]
atthanks! But it’s actually not natural – that was a curling iron job. my hair is naturally stick straight! 🙂