Monday, May 23, 2011

This Run Fueled By Grain Alcohol...

...and fruit of the vine.
I should probably commit to NO MORE alcohol until after my race on June 25th, but we all know that I don't like to be told what to do - even by myself - so using reverse psychology, I made a pact this morning to drink in excess every day from now until the race. There. Let's see if that works.

Seriously, though, today's run was spectacular. You know that Saturday was the epic 72.5 mile bike ride. I looked on my calendar and saw that the following morning I was supposed to swim 1.5 miles and then run 13-15 miles...after a night of drinking wine to send off a friend to a new state who decided the last minute that we meant too much to her and canceled the move!

Besides...I had promised the wee girl a lunch date at Panera...

...and a movie

...and then a slumber party.

The run HAD to wait.

So...that movie seemed like it should be accompanied by wine?? and there happened to be a new bottle in the fridge...
At least I slept well.

I wasn't sure how today's run would go...so I picked an out and back where I knew I would probably be able to make it out 6.5 miles without concern and then would HAVE to make it all the way back or be stuck in the middle of nowhere on foot. It worked.

There would have been no problem, though, as this run was excellent. I felt great and my legs felt fresh the whole time. I kept a 9:48 avg pace and basically giggled out of sheer joy that I was running pain free. It is interesting to note that I went in to this run quite nervous because my 5 miler on Friday was so ...not great. How can a 13.1 miler in the cool clouds be QUITE A BIT EASIER than a 5 miler in the sun?
I felt like sludge on that run...that run in the sun...

Which brings me to Pac Crest. It's hot there. It will most likely be in the upper 80s to upper 90s by the run leg. I guess that would be ok if we ever got to train in the heat, but we don't. It is the ONE thing about this race that is currently worrying me. I know that worry is a down payment on a problem you may never have...but I'm pretty sure...
it's going to be

come race day.

26 comments:

Leontien said...

haha yep Panera for running anytime for me!!!

Thanks for sharing
Leontien

Unknown said...

Um, heat is not the only issue at Pac Crest. Did you forget about the ALTITUDE?

Pac Crest is tough and you are going to kill it!

ajh said...

Like that saying about worry being a down payment on a problem you may never have. Never heard that. Could you wear extra clothing to simulate more heat?

A Prelude To... said...

I guess I could try extra clothing...do you think that would work?

Unknown said...

I am still in awe at your super-awesome 72.5 mile bike ride! YOU. ROCK.

Ransick said...

I think Julie's idea of extra clothing would work though I've never tried it.

Definitely sounds like wine the night before every long run from here on out should be part of training.

Michael said...

All your training will pay off....no matter what the temps. You will rock it

The can definitely impact you though, it can always bring my times way down.

2 Slow 4 Boston said...

The heat is never fun.

You might be on to something. Since drinking (alcohol) dehydrates you, maybe you should just have a few beers before and during your run in substitution of having the heat dehydrate you.

Abby @ Have Dental Floss, Will Travel said...

Hmm... I pride myself on being a cinephile and I've never heard of that movie! Have to go look it up right now.

Susan said...

Great post! I like the way you think. :) and what you're drinking! What a day well spent! You'll do fine at Pac Crest, I know - I sense it. The heat will be a factor but so what? Stay hydrated with lot of water the week before. Maybe you should consider coming to South Texas for a long weekend to get some long runs in? You're amazing Julie!
Susan

Anonymous said...

You Rockin girl you!! I love Panera! Don't worry about Pac.. you're awesome!!

Stephanie said...

Lunch with the lady looks fun! Was the movie good. It has rainbow in it so I'm all over it. :)

I've decided that out and backs are KEY to my long run training. I attempted 10 2 days in a row now on a 2 mile lap course. Never fails that I quit when I'm right next to my car. Urgh. Back to the trail tomorrow.

Average Woman Runner said...

Train with sweats on to make yourself hot! Or, put a heater next to your bike trainer/treadmill?

XLMIC said...

So nice when those runs you expect to be rough turn out to be sweet! Stay hydrated in that heat... that's all I can think of :P How was that movie? Or do you not remember ;-)

Anonymous said...

maybe a few sessions of hot yoga? sweat it out! =)

A Prelude To... said...

The movie was sweet and a little cheesy, but we liked it!

Jess @ Blonde Ponytail said...

GOOD LUCK JULIE!!!!! I feel you on the heat and am sending you endurance vibes! You have been training rigorously and have got this!!

mmm, I miss Panera!

Heather said...

I have decided to try that same reverse psychology as I need to give up wine for that last five pounds. ARGH.

I am glad your run went well. I know what you mean about the temps. The 92 degree Sun morning after 6 beers was unpleasant to say the least.

Quinton J said...

Slumber Parties ALWAYS come before running. Just the way I was brought up I guess.

Nikki Kendall said...

ahhhhh..wine....how I love thee.

Dawn said...

Phew! I thought it was just me who was loving my new bottle of wine...every so often;) I have a sprint tri coming up and my 170km bike tour ...i was thinking of leaving it be for awhile too...right.
I love your girlie's smile:)))))))))

Raina said...

I have been scared away by races on the East side for that very reason.

Love the lunch date!

Tell Mai that Nathan is starting his blog. We are not up and running yet, but we'll end an email invite when we are :)

Chris K said...

I like your approach to drinking. I heard that running and then a jump into a cold river is the best cure for a hangover. I've run once this year hungover. Wasn't that bad really.

Cory Reese said...

Ouch - that heat sounds rough. Good luck!

Unknown said...

I hear you on the heat concerns. I am so used to training in cool temps, that I have a problem in heat or humidity. You'll do great though!

Katie said...

Giving up wine is harder for me than giving up sugar, wait is there added sugar in wine? And I think it is a perfectly good fuel :D