A Hot Topic

Since deciding to sign up for The Ring, I've been running during the hottest part of the day.  Because I'm just that stupid. 

It seemed like a great idea when I first started but then the temps rose and didn't stop.  Yesterday was the hottest run I've done in ages.  90+ degrees with no air movement and little shade kept my miles in the single digits. 

The plan does seem to be working.  I'm not dying during my runs.  I'm only losing a pound or two on my hour runs which is quickly replaced.  Next week will bring a return to double days but the temps are to moderate a bit by then.

Until then I'll remember to carry water and a phone, put on sun screen and make sure someone knows where I'll be.  Then after my run a cool bath or swim in the pool and rehydrating are a MUST!

Routes, Partying and YMX

 

I finally broke in the VHTRC shirt.  I ran about 50 miles last week and most of them in my bright blue tech shirt.  Even though I am still feeling a little like a Popsicle trying to acclimate to life on the sidewalk, I have been running outside in the heat everyday.  I'm not sure I can say that my VHTRC shirt did anything exceptional considering it was soaked halfway through every run but it did seem to make cars beep at me more frequently than usual while I was on "the front road." 

 

 

Unlike in PA, when I am in VA I don't know that I have a "favorite" route.  Maybe my 8 something route is fairly enjoyable.  Or when I drive to the trails, that is always enjoyable except for the having to drive to the trails part.  I'm spoiled with my PA ability to run for hours and see 3 cars.  While running in VA this hour long run included easily 50 times that many cars since I ran my "front road" route.  But I did find wild raspberries that helped make the run a little more exciting and I am still in search of a couple front door friendly routes that will become my VA favorites.

 

 

 
 
 

 

Speaking of favorites, S'ghetti Girl turned 12 this month and we were again partying.  This time we were partying with her besties in VA. 

 

The weather cooperated and the kids spent their time swimming and splashing to their hearts content.  Even LBM was welcomed into the battle.  S'ghetti Girl is blessed with a wonderful group of friends both in PA and in VA. 

 

Surprisingly S'ghetti Girl's favorite "gift" was her cake.  She had requested cupcakes, even though the cup cakes from her PA party had gotten smashed she still wanted to try them again.  But after searching everywhere for anything Rise of the Guardians themed and finding nothing, I opted to have a caked printed with a ROTG photo. 

 

 

 

She loved it.  And of course ate Jack Frost's face because that's what tween girls do when they think a guy is cute.  I guess.  I'm still completely okay with her crushing on a fictional character, the alternative frightens me. 

 

I ended my weekend with a longish run in one of my YMX tops that I hadn't gotten to test yet.  It looked great and dried quickly even after it became wring-out-wet thanks to the humidity.  This shirt may actually be too pretty to run in.  When I put it on the super secret spy thought it was too nice to go get all sweaty.  I was concerned that the "lace" neckline would become itchy and bother me during my run but I never noticed it during the run.  With this VA heat this top will definitely be getting it's share of workouts.

 

I'm Gonna Be on YouTube

 

 This is my daughter.  She seems innocent enough, right?  Well, I let her borrow my MP3 player for performing arts at school.  All is fine.  She returns it.  No big deal.  Then today I get the bright idea to run to a local park, allow LBM to play for a while and then run back.  Not the ideal long run but a nice way to keep both of us happy and get some extra movement in. 

 

What?  Do you think I get to sit and talk to grown ups at the park? 

Not on your life.  My park job is pushing LBM in the swing until my arms fall off. 

 

But back to the point.  We were going to be running a longer route and the noise of the increased traffic here is driving me crazy so I decided to bust out my MP3 player since S'ghetti Girl reminded me I actually had one.

 

I don't think S'ghetti has seen the video but none of my flights were ever like that. 

 

My play list does consist of quite a few kids songs which can be peppy and help quicken the turnover well that or you just wanna get done faster so you don't have to listen to a talking tomato or singing cucumber anymore.   But as I scrolled through the songs I found one of the ones S'ghetti Girl had added. 

How do you do you do. 

 



 

I must have listened to it 16 times.  It was so peppy.  So my daughter.  I am sure I had a smile plastered to my lip syncing face.  Yeah, the words are not really that hard to catch on to.  And I discovered that I can skip at an 8:30 minute mile.   There is little doubt that I will end up on YouTube soon from the reaction of the passing drivers.  But hey they were in the air conditioned cars driving I was out there in the heat.  A girl's gotta do what a girl's gotta do, right?  The miles flew by and I had a blast putting in one of the fastest jogging stroller runs I have had in a while.

 

LBM, however was mortified.

 

So what's on your play list that you'd rather not admit to?

Like Sands through the Hourglass

Today is our first day in VA as VA being "home."  I haven't gotten my wake up miles done.  The jogging stroller has flat tires.  I don't have a treadmill here.  And after all those excuses, I simply haven't figured out how my normal day will progress.

It's been hard to think about leaving the big girl job or the move to VA with Laurel Highlands 70 mere days away.  The time has flown by and what was weeks is quickly dwindling to hours.  I can only hope that the hours on the trails go by a fluidly as these past weeks have gone. 

I'll find a way to get in that run, clear my head, make a plan, pack my bags and even enjoy a few moments with the family.  There are things that I can control and others that I have to simply accept.

 

After checking the weather for Saturday I know that the heat will be one of the latter.

The cows wouldn't mind

If you follow me in FB life you might know that Saturday I committed a runner's no-no.  I told my family I was going to be running a certain route and distance only to completely change and length my run but more than twice the time and distance.  I mean I figured I was headed out for 3 -4 so what was a potential 8 - 12.  In runner's logic I was simply taking advantage of extended a great run.  So what if I was completely unprepared.  A completely rookie use of potentially bad judgment.  I didn't have a head lamp, water or cell phone.  Chalk it up to runner's logic.
As it turned out everything went fine and in fact my family didn't really notice that I was gone quite that long.  I simply got caught up in that wonderful feeling when a run feels great and you just don't want to miss out on it.  I declared my mistake to my virtual world to keep myself accountable for not making the same mistake twice only to leave for my run Sunday morning and forget my water on the back porch.  I should have ran back for it however I figured I was getting out much earlier and I knew I wouldn't be running as fast today after the strong effort yesterday (all week) BUT I did end up running nearly as fast and I did not respect the humidity in VA.  I guess that's a VA rookie mistake.  I guess I still haven't logged enough time here to understand that there are major differences in the conditions in VA versus in PA. 

I stopped running two times.  (FYI:  I did stop my watch when I stopped running)  First at this elevated bridge.  Let me tell you that little creek looked inviting!  I walked circles trying to get my core temp down.   I was certain that the cows wouldn't mind if I took a quick dip to cool off.

I stopped again when I finally made it back to the familiar connecting road.  Relief!  I knew I only had a few miles and could make it despite myself, again. 

Tell me your latest episode of runner's logic?

Frozen Hydration Experiment Edition

The Question:

Could fueling with frozen fluids during my run improve my performance?

The Equipment:

 Nathan's handheld

Twelve freezer pops

Five ice cubes

The Experiment:

I partially broke up the freezer pops and put them in my Nathan's handheld with five ice cubes.  I added the ice cubes to help slow the melting of the freezer pops.  I put the handheld back in the freezer to allow everything to firm back up.  I got dressed in the same outfit I had use the previous evening to simulate the same conditions.  Although the temperature was up to mother nature and she had it set a few degrees hotter than the night before.  I grabbed my handheld and a few paper towels and headed out the door at 6 p.m.

The Results:

My hand frozen for the first mile and a half.

The freezer pops melted for the first mile and a half.

The resulting liquid stayed cold to cool through the entire run.

I drank nearly the entire bottle.

I ran 3 minutes faster than the night before.

My Conclusions:

It's hard to say if I was able to run faster simply by keeping my core temp down with colder fluids.  I may have simply been more willing to push through the heat knowing I was wanting to do better.

After attempting this I think an alternative solution might be to ice load my Camelbak and use it even though the run is under an hour that would free up my hand and probably allow for cooler fluids throughout the run. 

I now know that wrapping my handheld is a must if it has ice in it as one cold hand does not correlate to a cooler body just a frozen hand.

For me the jury is still out on my ability to maintain my effort in this kind of heat, frozen hydration or not.  I do think that the coolness and the sugar combine with my subconscious desire to "dig deeper" to allow me a faster pace. 

 I encourage you all to find creative ways to still get out there and run in all kinds of conditions.  Modification may be key with a dose of flexibility to allow you to beat the heat and if nothing else a good hot run is always a great reason to join your kids for another Popsicle.

How many popsicles

Day # 437

How many popsicles does it take to fill a handheld?

You can't see it in my phony-smile photo but I'm hold two freezer pops in my other hand.  It has been HOOOOT to there lately and after enjoying the cooling surf on my runs all of last week the temps and humidity are quite a challenge.

After a run it's no longer a question of IF I have a popsicle, it's a question of how many.  That got me to thinking.  I wonder if I could keep my core temp down on the run if I cold enjoy my frozen treats WHILE I'm running?

Tonight I may have to put the theory to the test.  Until then what flavor do you want?

....AP...Breaking News...

....it has been confirmed that as of June 21st, 2001 at 7:30 p.m. EST a previously held belief has been disproved.

The famous Biking Sherpa known for her works in educating the minds of the future, tormenting her siblings and encouraging runners to nearly die of heat stroke.

has actually sweat!

We have photographic evidence and an eye witness account that Biking Sherpa, though previously thought incapable, has perspired.

Testimony from the eye-witness who requested to remain anonymous; ..."she didn't at first but by the end she was actually sweating!  I saw it on her face and back.  I don't think she was used to it."

What is the cause of such a revelation?

Beach Body Insanity - Pure Cardio

 Remember you heard it here first. I'm just a country runner returning you to your normally scheduled running news.

In other running news, Biking Sherpa has been charged with attempted heat stroke induction by forcing encouraging a runner to push her pace during a severe heat wave.  At press time charges were being dropped due to counter charges being filed citing the alleged torture of Biking Sherpa via forced extreme exercise following the run.  Both parties agreed to drop charges.

That's the running news at this hour. 

I'm just a country runner and I'll see you next time on the trail.

Day # 409

100 Days of Running ~ Reviews and Giveaways ~ Third Times the Charm

Saturday morning mega humid run 6.64 miles

I was so hungry all day!

Yesterday after having driven down to VA Friday evening, I was still feeling the effects of LBM's disrupted schedule and ended up sleeping from 7 a.m. until almost 9 a.m.

Since LBM didn't sleep much during the night.  Ugh!

But I was determined to get some miles in before we started our day.  I didn't want my run weighing on my mind, keeping me from enjoying the day.

So while everyone else still slept I peeled off my CEP Compression socks which I have been sleeping in nearly every night since the Ultra and I hit the road.

Right away I know it was going to be a hard one because I had to return to the house to re-visit the bathroom.

GI issues.

Not something that usually attacks me a lot BUT in my part of VA there are very few opportunities to duck into a corn field.  So I grab my water bottle again and headed back out the door for my 8 - 9 miles.

After the .35 mile to the "main" road I knew that the humidity was going to cut this run short.  

I did enjoy ducking into a garage sale during my run but that aside it was a mental game of struggling through how hot it was.  

The one thing that wasn't having a hard time; my legs.

Even since starting the Legs Love Lunges Challenge my CEP Compression socks have kept my legs feeling great!  

No more cramps in my legs, no more fatigue after my runs.   I didn't start wearing my socks until after the Ultra but I know that I would have benefited from using them much sooner.  I didn't need to run a race to feel the quick recovery that these socks help provide.

After even my short run days, I slip into the Hot Pink socks and feel ready for the next day. 

 

 We enjoyed some entertainment on the walking mall in Charlottesville

I contact CEP Compression  to tell them just what a difference they have made in my running and recovery.  The wonderful folks at CEP 
Compression  have offered to give one of you the opportunity to have the same great tool to help you enhance your running and recovery.


What they say about CEP  Compression:

CEP Running Socks

For all Runners and Endurance Athletes: The scientifically optimized pressure flow provides your muscles with the maximum amount of oxygen and energy during performance and recovery.

The times are over where the sole purpose of socks and stockings was to protect feet from blistering. The CEP compression sportsocks are the first functional sport socks with a unique compression profile that provides a scientifically proven increase in blood circulation and a consequent increase in performance.

Achilles Tendon Support: Additional support of the Achilles tendon protects and prevents irritable tendons.

Padded Foot Soles: The special support of the foot sole prevents irritations caused by pressure spots.

Ventilation Channels: For a pleasant foot climate.

3-D Fit: The socks adjust to the anatomy of the leg and foot for a perfect fit thanks to the three-dimensional manufacturing process.

Prevent:
Shin Splints
Cramps
Achilles Issues
Fatigue
Micro Muscle tears
Vibration trauma
Blisters
Blood clots from travel


So what do you need to do to get a chance at winning some great CEP  Compression?
Leave a comment for each item to get an entry. 

1. Be a follower of this blog.  (Mandatory)

2.  Visit CEP Compression  and learn more about compression and how it can help you.  Let me know what you like and what you learned.

 3.Follow CEP Compression on FB or on Twitter.

4.  If you took up the streak challenge on August 20th, report in.  How is it going? 
  
That's it!   Good Luck!  


Entries will be accepted until 7 a.m. September 1st, 2010
 A winner will be chosen from all entries in all three giveaways .  An explanation of how the winner was chosen will be given when the winners are announced
Watch for bonus entry possiblities.

I spy with my little eye...

....something that is GREEN.

Tonia @ Racing with babes had a great idea to show everyone what we see while we are putting in all these miles.  So although Sunday's run was less than photo worthy, Saturday I did manage a decent run of 6 miles.

Here is what I saw:

A little late on this one.  I started at my front but forgot the pic until I hit the road.

See there is NO shoulder on roads in VA and encroaching vegation everywhere.

Pretty to look at but not running with a jogging stroller friendly!

This is much closer to my speed!  This gets me off the lined road.  LBM seems to enjoy the bouncy ride.

A long tar-and-chip side road

 Coming back out the tar-and-chip long side road - boring

There is a trail ahead to the left (just before that utility pole) that I take

It is beautiful in the trees!

Back on our "drive."

This was run # 94 (Saturday)

It was really hot.  I forget what a difference there is between PA and VA!

That's what I see when I run in VA.

Lots and lots of GREEN.

What do you see?

Running on ice cream to overcome stress

I completed day 19 (16th day of 10 miles) with the 6.5 (52: 09) miles left in my 10 mile day.  I have said it everyday for how long now, it was beyond HOT!  When I finished my run I could hear across the field, my sister and her family in their pool.  I wish I could have taken the kids and jumped right in but nooooo.  I had to pack them up, pick up my mom and head into town to retrieve my car from the garage.

Do you remember that we just bought house and Hubbs just lost his job?  So of course, my car would need repairs!  Isn't that how things usually work?!  Good thing I have running to keep the stress at bay.

We did bribe thank grammy for going with us with ice cream!  Sadly I must admit that it made up the majority of my dinner but it was delicious and day 19 of running deserved to be celebrated.

Who can pass up seeing their kids sugar-laden-dairy-product semi-covered?

Day 20 started at 1 a.m. when I finally got to bed after cleaning the house (parts of it) and packing for our time in VA.  A mere 4 hours and 12 mintues later LBM said it was morning.  Ugh!  I wish I could say that I was out the door super early and got a long run in but instead LBM and I snuggled.  We got sissy up and ready and off to school before heading out the door for 3.5 (29:02).  By 7 a.m. it was already hot again.  Although I think I am getting alittle used to the heat and I am usually remembering to take fluids and actually drink them. 

But really, who needed fuel this morning? 

Not me!  Remember?

I had a hot fudge sundae last night!

Stacie @ Impossible is Nothing is hosting a Bondi Band Giveaway!  Come on now you've seen dozen of photos of my frizz-curl-mess of hair.  Add a little heat and humidity and it's everywhere.  So I can always us more Bondi Bands to keep it under control and to give you something new to look at when I post those after run photos!  Go over and check it out.  Tell Stacie that Shelly sent you.  Thanks.

A Turtle-topia

Any one who was crazy enough to run last night knows that the pictures of that run just weren't pretty.  So I won't bore you with another photo of my sweaty pig-tailed face.
But LBM and I got out to finish another 10 mile day. 
(6.5 miles 53:45)
I just realized last night that if I run 10 miles each day for 4 more days I will have ran 20 10 mile runs in one month. 
20-10  I thought that was interesting. 
And of course now I am trying to figure out how I can make that happen since the weekend is a holiday and we will be traveling.

This morning's run was another nice 3.5 (28:54).

You won't believe what we saw. 

Another turtle! 

I like that we see snakes and frogs and turtles along the creek. 

That is typically an indication that the creek is healthy and clean.  Which it is rated a clean water stream.

Unlike yesterday's one-eyed turtle, this little fellow had a huge chuck out of his shell. 

Probably a run in with a haybine.

Luckily he seems to be healed and surviving. 

LBM wanted to of course keep the turtle and share his crackers with him.

Go figure, he won't share his crackers with his sister but a turtle on the road is his new best friend.

We've all established that I am a mileage junkie right now.  Another 200+ mile month is nearly complete, a crazy run for 30 days idea and ice the cake with a 20 10 mile runs in one month goal. 
All just to see if I can.  Silly, I know.  But also fun to have little goals to keep me running when the heat would encourage me to quit.  I mean last evening's run was so sweaty the only way I knew I wasn't swimming was the fact that I had running shoes on!

What things do you use to keep going when the conditions are less than comfy?

Candice, you know the running Barbie is hosting a Gone For a RUN giveaway.
They have a creative product, among many other cool things, a bib porfolio. 
Finally a way to store all those bibs that I just can't throw away!
Go check it out and tell Candice I sent you.

16 Days Later

I have ran for 16 days straight. 

Go ahead let the scolding begin.

Let me just say I didn't intend to not take a break, it just kind of happened.

At first I thought I should run since Hubbs was home to watch the kids a little more.  Then I thought I had a terrible day at work, I really need to pound out some stress.  That led to thinking things like, the weather will be really bad tomorrow I should run today.

In my defense I have taken what I consider to be breaks.  That is any time period beyond 12 hours in which I do not run.  Example; May 21st I ran in the early morning then I didn't run again until the 22nd in the evening.  That was practically like taking an entire day off.

Okay.  I am a runaholic. 

The upside is I am trying to slow down.  Maybe I slowed a little too much on this mornings run which was evident in how ackward and challenging the entire run felt.  I was working way too hard for that pace. 

BUT.

I do think I need to slow down my runs and stop beating up my body.  The goal for me longer term - and my biggest running goal - is to be running when I am 80 years old.  With that in mind, I have to remember that when I am not training for a "speed" event I do not have to be running so fast all the time.

Since focusing on trail events the race day pressure for pace just isn't there and I am so happy for that.  Sure I'd like to see a sub 3:30 marathon but it's really not in the fore front of my mind this year.

My goals now are to work towards the potential 50 mile trail race this October.  I have a 21k Xduro challenge in June and another 50k Trail race in July.

I know some of you believe in the running slower to run faster theory, any one care to offer their opinion or advice?

My body will thank you! 

After 3.5 miles in 32:54, soaking wet, looking spent and feeling like my body was in knots from my screwy stride.

Maybe too much of a change too quickly for me?

Free advice accepted graciously. 

Mel @ Tall Mom on the Run is hosting a CEP Compression Sock Giveaway.  After my disaster of a morning run attempting to go slow to go fast I could REALLY use these socks.  I know you all want to win them so get over to Mel's and tell her I sent you.