After weeks of wondering...I finally made it. I ran 10 miles this morning. Go me!!!!
All the DC Road Runner 10-miler training groups got together this morning and we all ran an out-and-back out of Bluemont Park in Arlington. What a beautiful setting. We were quite the pack as we got rolling. Nothing like 40 some folks running down the trail. As everyone settled into their pace groups, we definitely spread out.
Though I'm thrilled to have completed the 10 miles, I had a so-so run. I have been testing different breakfasts and mid-run nutritional supplements. I can say that my combo today isn't gonna work. I felt sick from mile 4 until the end. Terribly upset stomach. Yuck!
Our route was a mix of shade, full sun, flats, rolling hills and a couple wicked inclines. The double incline at miles 4.5 and 5 were especially enjoyable.
Though I brought my own water/gatorade mix today for the run, I was hitting it pretty hard during the run. Needless to say, I was thrilled to grab water at the drink station our group set up at the 7.5 mile mark. Everyone was stopping. It was so hot and the rolling hills/inclines were having an effect.
The one thing I think I realized today is that I am a salty-sweater --- which basically means I lose more sodium when I run vs the average runner. It is possible that though I was drinking today, I was not in proper balance and it was also making me feel a bit sick. I need to be more aware of my sodium intake (making sure I have enough) and ensuring that I am hydrating, but not overhydrating. Geez...this is a lot to keep track of!
All in all, I'm glad to have the 10 miles behind me and am looking forward to making some adjustments.
The next dilemma is what to do about the Baltimore half-marathon. I signed up for it when I couldn't get a bib for Army. Now I have both. I planned to defer my Baltimore bib to next year, but haven't dealt with it yet.
One of the coaches and some of the runners were telling me to just do both races --- they are a week apart. That scares me.
In order to do both races, I would have to add some extra mileage over the next few weeks to ensure I make it. I'm leaning toward doing both.
Worst case scenario --- I race Army so that I can get a qualifying time for next year's National half-marathon and just do my best at Baltimore. Treat Baltimore like a training run. If I have to walk some...then I walk some.
Other than putting in the miles...I just need to make sure I don't get hurt between now and then.
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