Runner Rental
August 28th, 2010
I had my 11 mile training run this morning, and I’ll just sum it up for you as easily as I can:
It SUCKED.
Everyone has their good runs and their bad runs; this was my bad run. It’s unfortunate that my bad run had to be my longest pre-race run, but that’s just the way it happened this time around.
I’m not going to let it discourage me too much because there are so many things that I didn’t do to properly prepare for this run, it’s no wonder I felt that I was dying a slow, painful death.
So, without further adieu, here are things NOT to do before or during long runs.
- Even though you may be travelling the day before, it is not ok to compromise on key meals like dinner. Dinner is important for you to get the fuel for your run. Do not treat it as, hmm… say, “snack time”.
- And also regardless of the hours spent in the car the before, hydration is not optional before an 11 mile run. Pull over and use a Sheetz bathroom. 5 or 10 minutes added to your trip won’t kill you. Dehydration might.
- Even though it may be cooler than 80 degrees, 9:30 a.m. is not a good time to begin your long run at the end of August. The sun is still HOT.
- In light of your calorie and hydration deficit, chugging Gatorade/water mixes during your run will not help you run better. In fact, it just makes you water logged and crampy. Don’t do it.
- Cutting your toenails too short the night before is a sure-fire way to make your sensitive and over exposed toes angry. And bleed.
- Watching grade school cross country runners fly past you should not discourage you. They are probably running 3 miles, not 11. Don’t beat yourself up.
- Despite your hatred of the mind games your Garmin ForeRunner might play on you, it is beneficial to help you pace your long run. Running the first 5.5 miles too quickly makes for a very slow second half.
- Trail water fountains do not bring forth water. In fact, I think it’s poo. Don’t drink it.
- Running partners are good. Especially when your Beatles’ music is on shuffle and Eleanor Rigby ends up playing 3 times in a row (??!!!). Like I needed another reminder that I was all. by. myself??
So my loneliness got me thinking. I want to be a full time running partner. I really don’t mind training for races by myself, but I really crave the company on my longest runs because it’s a huge mental hurdle to overcome, and having someone with you makes it so much easier. So, since I don’t usually have people to train with me, when I’m searching for someone to run long runs with me, no one really says, “18 miles?! That sounds like a GREAT way to spend my Saturday! Should I buy some running shoes first?”
I know that I can’t be the only person who wants a partner, so I think it’d be a great thing to start. Just make a schedule and have people “hire” me on the weekends to run their long runs with them. It’d be a great way to meet runners, make friends, and get good exercise. Who’s with me??!!
Well anywhooo, I hope that you can learn from my lessons and prepare better for your long runs. Gosh, it’s a good thing I knew what I did wrong or I would not be signing up for this half… Speaking of which, I should probably go sign up for it now. That is unless someone wants to rent me for that day to join them on their long run. Anyone??
What do you find are common mistakes you make that impact your exercise?
How do you overcome them?
Categories: Uncategorized
Sorry about today! I definitely know how it feels. The important thing is to just keep going the next day. And I love the idea of being a running partner! You should start a business and everything! I’d use it!
Yes! I think it’d be a cool busy. But also kinda scary, too!
oh I have those runs too, but I would never start at 9:30am in TEXAS. Its like 100 by then, haha. Wish I could be your running buddy.
When I come down to visit, we’ll HAVE to run!
I ran an 11 this morning too! Have to say I very nearly called it at 10 but slogged out the extra mile. Agree with everything you said here, hydration especially!!! I took shot bloks for longer runs but Idon’;t hydrate enough before races. Another 5 weeks till my 1/2 marathon and mileage is on track!
Good luck with your half. Mine is 2 weeks from now. EEK!
I did a 4 week program, though, so I know it’s not going to be my best race!
Oh god, I was always terrified of public water fountains and you have just confirmed it! Crappy run or not, you finished 11 miles!!
Yea, I think I’m turned off of water fountains for good now!
I give you serious props for running 11 miles. I will probably never do that in my life. Since I seriously convinced myself when I ran my 5k that I was going to die. I don’t know how you can handle these hills. They’re killer! You might want to look on craigslist. A couple days ago in the activities and community section I saw a ton of people who were looking for running partners in Pittsburgh.
xo
On Craigslist??!! That’s nuts! I would never have thought to look there! Maybe I should start!
Oh I feel your pain! Once I started getting into my longer runs I asked *made* my husband bike with me! He would go up ahead and then come back with encouraging words. As long as he was there every 1/2 mile or so it helped! I think I just need to know someone else is in it with me! If I lived in the area I’d hire you for a running buddy
Unfortunately I’m not… hope the next run is smoother for you!
Thatnks Sara! My husband bikes, but I think he’d get mad if he hide to ride with me. I wish though!!
Wow 11 miles. I’m lucky if I can pump out 3. Go Girl!! I’m hoping to get up there and hit them miles sometime early next year.
Thanks Candice!! You will totally get your mileage there and you will ROCK IT!
Aww:( im sorry you had a sucky run but at least you got out there and did it!!!!! And the running partner idea is a good one! I definitely can always run more when i have someone else with me.
Thanks! I think I need to start thinking of a company name or something
Uuufda! Sorry you had a rough run. My biggest “slip up” is eating TOO much before practice. Today I ate an ENTIRE BAG of beef jerkey… and then got in the pool. No bueno!!
Ewww I would think that would be like an anvil in your stomach. Did you sink right to the bottom??
Ugh, sorry to hear about the run, but great list and thanks for the heads up. My biggest pre-run mistake is eating the wrong type or too much dinner before evening runs and cramping badly. Quinoa and light veggies seem to be my best pre-run meals that won’t come back to haunt me.
I do that too!
I love light veggies and potatoes. That’s usually my go to meal.. but quinoa sounds like a good idea!
I started out my training with a running partner and a running club, and then life got in the way and the last 2 and next 2 weeks are all alone. I hate it.
Sorry about the bad run girl, I think a bad longest training run equals a great race
Hahah I hope that is true in this case!!
Dang, if only I lived in Pittsburgh. I’d be there with you!
YES PLEASE!!
Being a running partner is such a great idea!! One of the main reasons I’m not a runner, actually, is that I just get so bored.
For me to get a workout, it’s really important to have a) tons of water b) a great playlist c) comfortable clothes and d) a towel (having sweat pour into my eyes doesn’t make for an ideal workout…sorry if that’s TMI
).
LOL, not TMI! It can be boring for sure, but I’ve overcome it for the most part. It’s the long long runs that still make me struggle with the boredom!
I too ran 11 miles yesterday (it went well) but I then had to go to work for 10 hours which was not such a good idea. I woke up early to try and do my 3mile recovery run just to get my legs moving and could barely get out of bed. So lesson learned about not taking the whole day off when I have a long run! Also you’re totally welcome to come be my running partner!
OK! I miss you friend!!!
It’s good that you are treating it like a learning experience. Bad runs bite, but they do give you insight as far as what not to do next time.
And I agree, it’s hard to find people to run with, especially if all of your friends don’t exercise and think your crazy for wanting to even RUN 18 miles. I think the “hiring” idea is a great one!!! I’ve gotten so desperate for a running partner before, that I almost put up a flyer at the local gym…but then I thought of all the weirdos that would have my number, and that stopped me
I hope your next run is a good one!
Hahhaha I’ll fly to NC to run with you! Just say when! And that way weirdos wont have your number… well, I would, but Im not THAT weird!!!
Oh poor Abby! I had to laugh at the part about Eleanor Rigby. Although it’s one of my favorite Beatles songs, I think it would depress me on a run, too. I was just talking about our long in the cold the other day. Oh how I miss the cold!! And, well, YOU!