My last LSD run went extremely well and did a lot for my self-confidence. I approached with armed with "the plan" and it worked well. Talking to one of my coaches afterwards, he did tell me that part of the reason why it went so well was probably that my training is starting to pay dividends. I did find that hard to believe as it IS still a bit challenging sometimes. My long runs are not without discomfort. Not pain but there are times when I think "oh my god, how much longer now?" and yet I continue because I know it will get better. We will reach the halfway mark and it will be the "we're coming home now" which always make it that much better.
So after I did all my stuff right, put the bladder of my camelpack in the freezer overnight, then took it out, put a Nuun pill in it to create a light electrolyte mix, stashed a few gels in the pouch of the camelpack, ate a different breakfast (toasts with almond butter and a banana), had a lot of good sleep the evening before, didn't overstretch my legs and hydrated well, I was ready. I made my way to the RR to meet with the group. And it was a good run.
I feel good, strong, still in tune with my plan. I am drinking liquids (more tea than water though... something to work on), I have not touched a drop since last Saturday and honestly I don't miss it! I started hot yoga so I can get used to the heat/humidity. It's not as bad as I had feared so will now do it twice a week, Monday evenings and Saturday mornings.
Tonight's 6k will be a good test for me. Not that I want to push like crazy but I want to practice my pace strategy. The first km use as a warmup then the next 4 a bit faster with the last one at marathon pace. We shall see :)
We are entering a critical phase of our training. This is where dedication counts the most. This is where the work you put it will pay big time on September 25. It's up to me to make it a success or a failure.
Great Post :-)
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