Wednesday brought temperatures in the 60's. Not only in the 60's, but the low 60's. It hasn't been that cool since like June. The run felt really good and I was very grateful to be outside on such a beautiful morning. And my hamstring felt really good. My last mile was even under 14. I haven't seen that in months either. My heart rate was a little high, and even though I was in Zone 4 for 49%, I felt really good. A heck of a lot better then Monday.
Friday brought on the hotter temperatures again. Back in the mid 70's and humidity in the mid 80's. For the first time during this experiment I started to pay attention to my pace. I think since I had such great run on Wednesday I wanted to carry that on. Even though I was pushing it a little my heart rate didn't rise too much. It was still a very good run, just hot.
Saturday was the long run. The training team recommended doing the Patrick Henry half, but with the heat of this summer and a cut off of 3 hours, I didn't want to risk being picked up. I don't think my pride could take it. So instead of the half, I decided to run on my own. With the half, the schedule called for 3 weeks of shorter runs. So I took this opportunity to run longer, 17 specifically. I ran a 10 mile loop so that I could refuel at my car and then a 7 mile loop. I knew it would be hot so I wore my vest, which made me hotter.
The first 5 miles felt really good. I felt strong and like I could run forever. I know how quickly things can change so I tried not to get cocky. The 10 mile route is one that I run a lot and feel good running it. Because I started when it was a little dusky, I didn't run with my ear phones in. I didn't notice that they were out for a few miles so I decided to run again without. The sun started to rise above the trees so it started to get hotter.
I noticed that my shorts started to rip. Yes another pair in the same place. They were even a different brand then the ones that ripped a couple months ago. I can't believe that it was happening again and on a pair that hadn't been worn as often. I'm having such a hard time finding new shorts that I like.
When I got back to my car to refill my water I had a decision to make to quit because of my shorts or go on. Thankfully I found some ointment that I could use to help stop the chafing. So I decided to keep going. I put my earphones in to start listening to a book on tape as I had a feeling with the heat rising I would need a distraction.
The last 7 miles were not bad. Even though my pace doesn't show it, I felt better then two weeks ago. I felt like I was running more then I did 2 weeks ago and my heart rate shows. Two weeks ago my average heart rate was 156 (78% in zone 4 & 5) and this week my average heart rate was 151 (54% in zone 4 & 5). I really feel like this week was a turning point in the heart rate training. I feel like I'm able to keep my heart rate down even if my pace is not showing too much. Probably has to do with the heat. Not that I'm looking forward to winter, but it would be nice to have some lower temps in the morning.
I was running out of water by mile 14 and tried to ration it out, but it was getting very hot. I should have dropped some water along the route, but that would mean planning ahead. Thankfully there was a Starbucks on the route and I stopped in to get some more nice cold water. Even then, I still finished up all the water right as I finished.
 |
| Temps at the end of the run |
As for my shorts, they still chafed me, but not too bad. I had to yank them down a few times, but since only one side ripped, it wasn't as bad as the time before. My right hip hurt some as usual, but after some stretching it worked itself out. It was a good run overall and I was glad to get some extra miles in.
How was your week? Is it still hot where you are? What's your favorite brand of shorts?
Congrats on the long run. Bummer about those shorts. Every time I find something I like, they discontinue or change it. So, I have no favorite shorts. This heat & humidity definitely increases the HR so it's very impressive you kept it that low for that long and in that temp! Thanks for linking, Heather. Also -- nice pics this week.
ReplyDeleteYeah the new versions of things is why I'm still not finding a great pair of shorts or sports bra. Can't they leave well enough alone? :) Thanks about the pictures, it's my favorite thing about getting up early. I love those sunrises.
DeleteWow, your kicking butt with the long runs lately! Glad they are feeling good for you!
ReplyDeleteI've never planted water along my route because I'm afraid people will tamper with it. I would usually run out of water about mile 9, but that was with my handheld and you know that doesn't hold much!
Yeah, I'm weary about dropping water along my course as well. I've been grateful to have the training team and their SAGs so I don't have to worry about it.
DeleteHow weird about the shorts :( Way to go getting the run finished even with the shorts and the water. Thank goodness for the Starbucks :)
ReplyDeleteYeah, Starbucks has always been great about getting water and not making you buy anything.
DeleteI hope your hamstring is healing!
ReplyDeleteouchies on the shorts! I love Walmart shorts, I was sad I didn't buy two more pairs this summer.
I find any running clothing I like and I make sure I buy a few. And hamstring is all better thanks to my PT.
DeleteHamstrings are nothing to joke with, I'm glad yours didn't seem to last long!
ReplyDeleteI've been wearing last years soffee shorts with the liner. I have several and really like them. I hope you find some you like, it can be very irritating when they chafe you.