Just completed my first long run with the marathon group.. saddly, my usual running companions (Jerry, Roberta, Val) were unable to run with me today, so I attempted to go towards the back of the group. Well at least I think that was the original plan - it might not have worked out that way.
Today was an extremely warm Sunday run, I packed my camel-back full I water, 250 mL of gatorade, and snacks (food attempt #1 - chews and fig newtons) I should have known from the start when there were really only three general pace groups going out. Helen and Petra decided to go at the back, which I thought was a really great idea - I have spent the last few week-days runs with these ladies and they set a pretty decent pace. We took off going east down Saskatchewan Drive to the Old Timers Cabin and then down into Mill Creek - I love that route - nice and shady! We started a little fast and I figured as the run went on things would naturally slow down - WRONG! And they didn't want to take all the walk breaks (who are these people!). Anyway, I stuck to my 10 mins runs and 1 mins walks... at a slightly too fast pace (well, the pace was very sporatics...I think overall we averaged a 6:20 min/km pace (yup... that's faster than my steady run pace... not quite right!)... But at least with these fast runners, they chat anyway, so something to distract me! After turning around I attempted to talk Helen into slowing down, she just wanted to finish (she somehow didn't manage to bring any water today!) and at that point we were running steadily downhill - so the pace picked up a little bit and at one point we were holding a 5:50 min/km.... no wonder I was sweating a ton and drinking a ton!
We made it back to the north side of the river and travelled back west towards Kinsmen... and then yes, you guessed it a slogg up Walterdale hill... I think I made it 75% of the way up the hill without requiring a walk break - what a cray ending to the run... After making it to the top of the hill we realized we were 2 km short. So we did a weird little loop through the university grounds and made our way back to the 109th Street store... thank goodness they got the AC fixed in that store!
So lessons learnt for the day... fig newtons are pretty decent for snacking on during the run and really good afterwards - although they do dry out your mouth quite a bit... the chews weren't too bad... a little stale, but I really need to focus on getting more of them during the run (I only snacked once during the run), the gatorade was surprisingly easy to get down in between waters! And surprise surprise, my mesh shoes did NOT keep my feet cool. No blisters today, but one good rubbed spot!
Anyway, next Sunday's long slow run... I'll just run with the back group or if one of my usual companions are there -- I will follow them. I will stick with Helen and Petra during the week, when its a short run and I can push myself without doing harm! Great game plan.
So, total distance for the week... 30 km... not too bad! We are getting there!
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