The tale of two 18 mile runs ...

Two weeks ago the training schedule for the Indianapolis Monumental Marathon called for the first 18 mile run.  The weather was nice and cool with really low humidity, and got up early to head out to the little miami trail.  I used cliff shot blocks and cliff shots for fueling and no stomach issues, and I had just enough water to get me through the entire run feeling properly hydrated.  After a quick ice bath, I was able to get out and do a few things for the day.

Then, this past weekend it called for another 18 mile run.  Although the distance was the same, and I was going to run it on a flat course, but in Lexington this time, this 18 miler was a totally different story.

First of all it was humid and the sun was out full force.  Luckily, the cliff brand fueling supplies agreed with me again.  I think I'll stick with this brand.  At mile 10 I had to stop and refill my water bottles, and I was already drenched from sweating.  After I ran-walked the last 4 miles, I made it home exhausted and happy to be done.  This run also added to my "runner" tan, which makes it look like I'm always wearing a tanktop and shorts and a little pink across my nose, even though I wore SPF 50!

Logically, the weather makes a huge difference in how you feel during a training run, but I just couldn't believe the contrast.  Luckily, the run two weeks ago went really well and I can reassure myself that I have the endurance built up to continue training.

This week is a shorter run of 10 miles, and we are doing the extreme rampage obstacle course in Lexington.  Then, the following week is a 20 miler.

Happy training!

HOT weather running gear...

1. Hat- A hat performs several duties during hot weather running.  The bill adds shade for your face.  Using a running hat with wicking properties will keep some of the buckets of sweat off of your face.

2. Moisture wicking clothes- Heat and humidity can produce TONS of sweating, so keeping it off your body will aide in cooling your body.  Also, make sure that your clothes are designed or fit so you don't get chaffing.

3. Moisture wicking socks- A lot of us don't give much thought to our socks, but they are basically the underwear for our feet.  They need to provide adequate support and keep your feet happy on those long runs.  A blister on my foot is possibly one of the sure fire things that will make me cut a run short. My favorite socks are from lululemon and target.

4. Sunblock.  Runners are so exposed to the sun so protect yourself.  I've completely embraced my inner casper and I'm proud to be pale.  Remember your skin gets more brown from the sun because of sun damage and, to get super geeky, it puts kinks in your DNA which causes mutations which = cancer.  You can see from the pic I use SPF 70, and it's waterproof so I can't sweat it off.  Hopefully, I made the point- protect your skin!

Runner's world has some great information on running in the heat. Remember, humidity can make you sweat so much more and you have to think about that when rehydrating.  I love coconut water flavored with mango or pineapple for some natural hydration/electrolyte supplementation (or yummy fruit smoothie....see previous post) after a hot run.

As a fun note....this is my 100th post...hooray for milestones!