Hey everyone! I'm posting once again for my contribution to the #runforsteem initiative by @jumowa! Seriously, even if you only run occasionally, you should join us! The latest post by our gracious host is here in case you want to check out the rules and hit the pavement! And while you're at it, come join the @runningproject, as well. You may see someone you know posting nutrition tips to help fuel the other runners. ;)
I am very happy to report that I finally have my allergies in check! My little blue pot is waiting for me to use once again after my long run today just to make sure I'm staying on top of the pollen. It has cooled off a bit the last day or so, which probably helps on the allergy end of things and made for a very pleasant run this morning. I hope some nice weather gets to many of you--I know a lot of the other runners on here have been running in sub-freezing conditions!
Today was just about perfect running weather in my book. Sunny and clear, with temps around 45 degrees Fahrenheit when I started and close to 55 when I ended. My fingers and ears are pretty sensitive, so I did keep my gloves on for about half the time and my headband on for the duration. I also broke out one of my other brightly-colored pairs of warmer running leggings. ;)
Despite the lovely conditions, I was struggling a little bit mentally with preparing for my longest run so far this year. I was pretty happy hitting the 10-mile mark, but I knew I would feel even better prepared to hit 11. Thus I took a few deep breaths and set out to get it done.
As usual, it only took a few miles to get in the groove. It's hard to stay negative in any way when you can finally breathe well for the first time in a week and you have a beautiful neighborhood to enjoy. By the time I made it around to the 6.5 mile mark (where I could have cut easily back home) I was really getting in the groove. It didn't hurt that I had a nice downhill stretch ahead of me at that point. ;)
I managed to crank out another negative split, so I hope I can translate that even when starting out faster on race day. I really tried not to push too hard once again since I am on the home stretch to the half marathon. Although I have my watch right on my wrist the whole time, I really only check at the mile marks and keep most of the run going by feel. My legs were definitely tired by the last mile or two, but I also forgot to bring a few dates to fuel. Anything over 90 minutes I usually will try to power up with my favorite fruit. I will definitely have them with me for the actual race.
I think this is the most successful prep I've had in a while, thanks to my interaction with all of the great runners on here! I feel really good for the 10th and I'll even have another 7 weeks to keep building for my goal race in April! Thank you guys for the support and sharing your own experiences on the street. I'm already excited for race day, now even more so to share it with my Steemit buddies. :)
Have a healthy week everyone!
