Monday, July 8, 2013

Because Amy missed me!

Amy sent me a FB message saying that she missed me posting, and I responded that I probably wouldn't post until after my Summer Reading Program had ended (I am a children's librarian in a public library and summer is complete CHAOS for 8 weeks). But, today when I was working out, I decided that I would try to blog my training for an upcoming 5k that I will be doing in August.

Truth is, I have a love/hate relationship with blogging. I love the accountability of blogging, and enjoy reading everyone's blogs(I read even when I am not posting), but most of the time I can't think of anything to write about on my own blog. Maybe my brain is just tired after work :)

But anyway, one of my goals this year is to run an official 5k during the months of June, July, or August. In the several years I have been running, I always slack off during the heat of summer...even when I was just running on a treadmill. But I wanted this year to be different. I am very proud that I have kept up with my workouts during the summer running a couple of times a week and hitting one or two zumba classes. And I have taken my runs outside, something I would have never done without the encouragement of my friend Kim. Too bad we live a million miles from each other and can't run together. So anyway, I was hoping to run a 5k on July 4, but we had awful storms (pouring rain and thunder). I honestly thought they would cancel it because of the thunder, and decided to no make the 45 minute drive only to turn around and come home. But, as soon as I made the decision to skip the race, I got online to look for another one. And found a great one that runs the same course that I did back in January. The race is August 27, which gives me almost 2 more months to continue to train. I am interval girl, and would like to do 7 minute run/3 minute walk intervals for the race. I know that the heat and humidity will be awful, but that is the interval I am shooting towards.

Today's run was pretty typical of my last few runs.
Three interval sets of 5/5 and then a 3 min cool down.
I did bring water with me on this run for the first time this summer (should have been doing it for weeks) and would take a sip of water during each walk. After the run, I was a hot mess and grabbed 12 oz of Gatorade. I think running with a bottle ( I have one with a strap to attach to your hand) will take some getting used to, but will be wonderful. During the last run interval, I had a tough time, and watched the clock for pretty much the entire 5 minutes. I ran at 6:30 PM and it was 88 degrees with 89% humidity. Ick! I plan on continuing this for two more weeks, and then adding an extra run minute, and losing a walk minute for 6/4 intervals.

So anyway, that is what I am up to these days. Even though my workouts have been good this summer, my food hasn't been great. Actually it has been WAY to laxed, but that will be changing in the next couple of weeks.

So do anyone have any "running in the heat" advise, other than "just do it" ?