Posts Tagged ‘ fuel ’

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:

1. Heat olive oil over in a large saucepan over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion and peppers to pan and saute until soft an slightly brown.
3. Add garlic and to onion/pepper mix and saute for 1 minute.
4. Combine all remaining ingredients in the pan and bring to a boil.
5. Once boiling, cover, reduce heat and simmer until all liquid is absorbed.
6. 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.