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There’s something magical about my 7 milers during training runs- they tend to consistently be some of my best training runs. Case in point: Fall Kick Off 7 Miler, 7.5 Fantastic Miles, and The Perfect Fall Run (7.25 miles)– all of these were awesome runs. When I realized I had 7 miles on my schedule for this weekend, I was hopeful that this run would fall in line with my other 7 miler training runs.
On Friday night Melissa and I were both asleep before 10 pm- we’re party animals clearly. Knowing we had to be up before 6 am, we decided to be responsible adults and get enough sleep. I put a granola bar in bed with me so I could grab it when my alarm went off at 5:50. I’m far more likely to wake up if I do this, and I’m all about doing things that will set me up for success. I told Melissa to come turn on my light at 6 to make sure I actually got out of bed, and while she agreed, she was secretly plotting to get even with me and blast “Bring Me To Life” by Evanescence loudly in my face. I told her she was evil, and she walked away laughing. It got me up though… so thanks I guess Melissa!
We headed out at 6:30 to the trail, and starting our run right about 7 am. It was CHILLY- the wind felt biting, and I was not so prepared for that, as our runs have been hot and humid. It was about 47 and nasty. I ended up wearing yoga pants on my run since that’s all I had with me, and I had to keep pulling them up. Oh well.
The first mile we went out far too fast. The part of the Monon we were on isn’t in the trees, so we weren’t covered from the wind at all, and we were COLD. Once we got into the trees we slowed it down and fell into a good pace. The little aches and pains I have generally take a mile to a mile and a half to really shake out, and Saturday morning was no different. I struggled a bit to get my breathing under control since it was chilly; my nose was stuffed up and I had to adjust to just breathing through my mouth- not my favorite.
I tried citrus flavored shot bloks for the first time this run, and really liked it! It tasted pretty similar to my typical margarita shot bloks, but with less sodium. They sat well with me though, and I think they’ll become a regular part of the rotation.
About the 3rd mile it started to mist a little bit, which certainly wasn’t ideal as it was in the 40s, but luckily the trees blocked most of it.
Everything about the run pretty much was fantastic, as per my pattern of 7 milers. My pace was pretty spot on at 11:20 average for those 7.4 miles, which I’m pretty pleased with. We also negative split the first half of the run from the second half, which I’m also pretty happy about.
Fit Bit was also happy with me, and I loved having so many steps done so early in the morning.
After finishing we immediately picked up bagels at Einsteins, and went home to make our traditional post-long run bagel sandwiches (egg, cheese, and green onion)- I got a pumpkin bagel today since they were out of everything bagels, and it was just as delicious! Stretching followed.
Then Melissa had a hair appointment, and I went to sit with her. Her aunt, who cuts her hair, offered to let me sit in the massaging pedicure chair, so i enjoyed an hour long back massage post- run. Pretty ideal, right?
Melissa just snapped this picture of me. So, this is what I look like as I’m typing this post up. My ankle is wrapped, which I typically do after work outs to help decrease the chance of my tendinitis flaring back up.
So another successful 7 miler done, and I couldn’t be happier with what I did. Once I got back in the car I pat my legs a bit and said “Thank you so much legs”. I try not to take what they do for me for granted.
Now it’s your turn to share! Do you have an ideal running distance? What’s your favorite post-run (or post-exercise) meal?
I have never heard of a pumpkin bagel!!! Are they good? Where do I find one of these? My favorite distance is probably 13-14 miles, followed by an egg white omelet. One of my friends and I went out for a run yesterday early morning and decided to grab a coffee and pastry after, which was a nice change. I had the BEST pumpkin latte with almond milk. MMmmmmmm
Pumpkin bagels are SO good! I got mine from Einstein’s, but I think panera makes them too. I bet pastries are delicious after runs!! I also like Coke Freezes the afternoon after a long run.
I like 8-9 miles the best! And my favorite post-run snack is a peanut butter hot chocolate with real milk. 🙂
The 8-9 mile range seems to be the most difficult for me! So I’m really curious- how do you make a PB hot chocolate?