Longest run

July 30, 2011 Saturday 21 days to go - 3 weeks

Today was the longest run yet - 3 1/2 hours - actually in my case 3:28. I did an out and back run - 26.10 K.
Felt pretty good for most of it - wore my old Newtons, knee braces, listened to music. Got out early - by 6:00am. It was just cool enough that I think maybe I should wear running gloves to start if it's the same temperature in Iceland. Wore a short sleeve shirt which is good as our new Team D T shirts are short sleeved.

Tried out Power Gels - latte flavour. When I first tasted them, I thought no way. Later I tried drinking it down with water at the same time and was able to keep it down. Used three packs. I ran out of water at the far end of my run so was without water for nearly an hour. I stopped at the ESSO station and filled my bottles. I gulped water down as I was so thirsty even though I knew better. I started to feel ill. I ate my last power gel after that. By 3 hours I was really feeling sick. I don't know if it was drinking the water too fast or the power gels. I haven't had much success with power gels in the past, so maybe it was a combination of both. I will try GU on my next long run. I like Mars Bars, but I don't think I could do a whole marathon just eating them.

I found that I did quite a bit of my run at marathon pace. I also found times when I slowed down quite a bit and had to up my pace.  When my Ipod quit I used the metronome to keep my cadence steady. My thought of increasing it went out the window when I was nearing 3 1/2 hours. 80 will be just fine.

Did the cold water bath when I got home. The first step into the tub is always a challenge. I kept telling myself that this was doing me good. I think it did as my feet, legs and knees have felt fine. I iced my right knee this evening for awhile, but all in all the run was a success.

Weight: 146 lb