Sunday, January 6, 2013

The Start of Boston Marathon Training Week #5

I'ts hard to believe week 5 out of 18 is already here! There are less than 100 days until the Boston Marathon. Anyway, here's how the first day of week 5 went:

Morning Run: I got out late for my Sunday morning long run, and about 1.5 miles in I started seeing bright orange spots when I closed my eyes, I realized about 1/2 mile later that I had already hit the "hunger wall" about 2 miles into my run.  I was about two blocks from the Lakefront Trail and I had a "Gu" along in my belt, which I ate, but I felt I needed something of more sustenance. Luckily, I was in the city and there is a convenience store seemingly on every corner. The one in Park Place Tower had a tremendous assortment of candy and energy bars. I opted for a chocolate Nature Valley granola bar and a bag of Skittles. After eating said items, I felt completely normal again and continued on my run! Lesson learned: If I run after 9am, I need to eat breakfast before my run, (oh yeah, and thank God for Skittles)! 12 miles @ 8:03/mile
Eagle Statue near Diversey Harbor

Skyline from Diversey Bridge

Sunny Path

Runner and Lake
Evening Run: An easy run around Welles Park. No "bonking" this time! 4.25 miles @ 7:08/mile
Welles Park

9 comments:

  1. I know that feeling of hunger during a run - it is not pleasant. So glad that you were able to refuel quickly and still have a great run!

    Love the picture of the eagle statue!

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    1. Yeah, the debilitating type hunger pangs are not fun. They almost never happen if I'm out by 8am, but I am taking a big risk going out much later than that. Thanks!

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  2. great work, Pete! So glad you were able to stop for something! Where I run it's mostly trails, so I would have been screwed! LOL Tree bark? NO thanks! LOL

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    1. I guess I eat little tree bark when I'm hungry enough! :-)

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  3. I knew Skittles would come in handy one day. I prefer gummy worms though. Will def keep these in my fuel belt next time on my long run lol my stomach doesn't like GU

    Almost half way Pete! Great run!

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    1. Yes, Skittles are one of the world's most perfect foods! Gummy candy are good for filling up too. I should always keep one or the other handy when I run. Thanks!

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  4. Skittles sound a lot better than gel packs. I think I am going to have a stash in my belt for my next long run.

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    1. I need to do the same thing. Sometimes, gel just doesn't cut the mustard!

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  5. You know when your hungry at the start that its just going to go downhill from there. Yay, Skittles! I ate a Skor bar during Ragnar. Random, I know, but sometimes you just need the sugar to get you thru!

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