This morning I ran a solo half-marathon. I was really scared. Up to this point, I’ve felt pretty comfortable with marathon training. The mileage fit with the plan I followed for my half-marathon training. Waking up early to get my run on hasn’t been a major problem. Today was different. I knew I was entering a new phase of training – my longest ever solo run and my second highest mileage week ever.
Sometimes the night before a new challenge is worse than the challenge itself. We’ve all been there – the night before starting a new job, the night before the first day of school – and we all have our own way of handling it. Now, let me clarify…I know that a long run is not the same as a new job. Running is my sport, my hobby. Nothing in my life depends on it. I do it for fun, to challenge myself. Regardless, this marathon is important to me and I was feeling the jitters last night.
What’s an anxious runner to do?
Cook and eat! I started long run prep with a new recipe:
Hot Black Beans and Rice
Ingredients:
- 1 c. brown rice, uncooked
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 c. water
- 1 c. vegetable stock
- 1/2 yellow onion, diced
- 1/2 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeno, diced
- 1 tsp. minced garlic
- 1 tsp. chili powder
- 1 tsp. olive oil
Directions:
- Heat olive oil over in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Add onion and peppers to pan and saute until soft an slightly brown.
- Add garlic and to onion/pepper mix and saute for 1 minute.
- Combine all remaining ingredients in the pan and bring to a boil.
- Once boiling, cover, reduce heat and simmer until all liquid is absorbed.
- Eat and enjoy!
Yum! This had a serious kick – you can omit the jalapeno – and I loved it! I topped my heaping portion with a dollop of smoky, chipotle salsa. A healthy, carb-o-riffic meal…and a great alternative to the classic pasta dinner. I knew this meal would give me the boost I needed to get through my longest run yet.
But that’s not all….
Rest. A hefty training plan requires sleep and this sleeping beauty requires lots of it! I got to bed nice and early – missed Bethenny’s Due Date! – and slept like a baby. Luckily, I have a comfy bed and cuddly puppy to make going to bed early slightly more appealing!
Eat more! Yep. I have to eat before I run. A substantial dinner is a must, but a stabilizing breakfast is another requirement.
I had the classic – two slices of yoga bread smeared with Teddie’s PB and strawberry preserves – accompanied by the requisite cup of Joe. I gave a little time to digest before a took off, which gave me plenty of time to practice the next step in long run prep.
Get pumped up! It may seem crazy, but I literally have to say ridiculous things to myself – and my loved ones – to gear up for something that scares me. I’ll rock this run! I own the road! I feel amazing! It’s the old fake it ’til you make theory. It works!
And off I went!
Total Distance: 13.1 miles
- Mile 1 – 9:36/mi
- Mile 2 – 9:04/mi
- Mile 3 – 9:25/mi
- Mile 4 – 9:28/mi
- Mile 5 – 9:34/mi
- Mile 6 – 9:50/mi
- Mile 7 – 9:33/mi
- Mile 8 – 9:45/mi
- Mile 9 – 9:26/mi
- Mile 10 – 9:13/mi
- Mile 11 – 9:17/mi
- Mile 12 – 9:01/mi
- Mile 13 – 9:16/mi
- the final 0.11! – 1:02 – 9:37/mi
Total Time: 2:03:36
Average Pace: 9:25/mile
YES! YES! YES! I busted through a huge mental barrier – the teens! Completing this run makes the upcoming weeks seem much less daunting. Better yet, I felt really strong. Every run has tough moments. Moments when my mind feels numb, my feet feel numb, I completely zone out. It’s almost like an out-of-body experience. When I snap back to reality, I get really excited…and long for the moment when I can sit…
…with my feet on the table! Hey, I earned it. Don’t worry, I didn’t eat where my feet rested. I came back to the kitchen for that.
I refueled with a big bowl of Greek yogurt, cereal, granola, and sliced banana. I had a side of electrolytes. I don’t love the taste of Powerade Zero. I prefer Vitaminwater Zero. A few sips did the trick! Operation Hydrate will continue throughout the day.
When you’re faced with a new challange – something that scares you – what do you do? Sometimes, I cry. I’m not afraid to admit it. I didn’t this time…but don’t put it past me. It’s bound to happen sooner or later.
