Weekend Training Recap

Friday: I completely obeyed my rest day. My only physical activity was a leisurely walk with the dogs.

Saturday: I was up and out the door around 6 AM for eight miles. Since when has an eight mile run, become just an eight mile run and no big deal? Not sure, but it was. I was back home early and ready to tackle the cleaning with the hubby. We knocked out cleaning and organizing the shed and garage. The basement, well, never got around to that one. But, 2 out of 3 isn't bad!

In the afternoon, I decided I was bored and went shopping. This is unheard of for me. I absolutely despise shopping - of all kinds. I'd even had a pretty bad late morning trip for the grocery shopping so I'm surprised that wasn't enough to deter me. I hate going any later than 10 AM because all the stores are packed and everyone seems absolutely clueless and not in any kind of hurry. It seems like everyone decides to have a family reunion in the grocery store aisles without any regard to anyone else that just wants to zip up and down the aisles...OK, end of rant.

Anyway, despite having the bad grocery store experience, I decided I was bored and headed to some stores and outlets. A few hours later, it was a complete success and I have lots of new running gear! I wanted one or two more tank tops for running plus a new shirt for work since I'll actually head into the office later this week. But, I found lots more and guess what? Yep, found a running skirt at the New Balance outlet. They had a few styles and of course the one I really liked, they didn't have in my size. I went one size smaller than I normally would but I really liked that style the best and thought it would give me a chance to try it. I have to say it is extremely comfortable. Can't wait to actually try it for running. I ended up with a new shirt for work, a running skirt, one pair of running shorts, a wind breaker and four running tank tops all for under $100. Not a bad day!

Sunday: I was out the door around 6:15 AM for my 17 mile run. I checked the temperature right as I was leaving and it was 64 degrees...wonderful!! I was so happy that it wasn't a hot and humid mess for this long run. The run went well. I was very happy with it. This week definitely proved to me how big the mental part plays into this. I knew I needed to run 17 this week. I was perfectly fine the entire time but when I got past 15, I started to think I was about ready for it to be over, and I know it was simply because I knew I was nearing the end. 20 miles no longer seems quite as daunting...26.2? Well, that still seems very daunting!

I filled my hydration belt with Citrus Nuun this week and ate one pack of Strawberry Gu Chomps along the way. I'd deem both fuel sources a success. I think the Gu Chomps are tied or slightly ahead of the Shot Bloks now. This is perfect because I just won my first ever blog giveaway! Yep, I won Dorothy at Mile Posts Gu Chomps Giveaway so I'll have a few more flavors of them to try. I was so excited that I won!

After I got back from the long run, I stretched, foam rolled and dipped myself into a quick ice bath. I started to feel a little quesy but managed to take a shower and then curled up for a nap. I knew I needed to eat something, but couldn't stand the thought until after my nap. After the nap and a meal, I felt completely back to normal.