The Chances

How a 250+ Pound Couch Potato Got Healthy

Saturday, November 15, 2008

Long Run - 14 miles

Did my 14-mile long run this morning. I'm still experimenting a bit with methods, seeing what works best for me. Today, I did amazingly well, with an average pace better than I've ever had on a long run!



Splits
Mile 1: 9:30.09
Mile 2: 9:28.80
Mile 3: 9:42.36
Mile 4: 10:02.11
Mile 5: 10:15.82
Mile 6: 9:33.22
Mile 7: 9:20.56
Mile 8: 9:31.15
Mile 9: 9:36.53
Mile 10: 9:46.06
Mile 11: 9:44.19
Mile 12: 9:43.22
Mile 13: 9:59.19
Mile 14: 10:04.51
.04 Miles: :22.35 (10:13/mi)

14.02 miles, 2:16.40, 9:44 average pace, 1779 calories burned.



I did a couple things differently today. I was watching my pace much more closely and tried not to go too fast in the early miles. Although I did, I felt much fresher towards the end so I could run a little faster. The second thing, someone had suggested I eat 2 or 3 gels rather than just the one I was eating before, so that's what I did. I ate one at 6 miles and another at 11 miles.

One thing I noticed is I wasn't completely famished when done running. When I came in the door, I ate something because I needed it for recovery, but I didn't feel overly hungry. This is a good thing! I think that in the future, more gels for this distance is what I'll do.

Another thing is afterwards I wasn't as tired as I've been in the past. I didn't feel compelled to lounge on the couch, to take a nap, or anything. In fact, we were busy the rest of the day, and running 14 miles didn't seem to affect it at all. Thank goodness!

This is the 5th Saturday long run I've done in a row. I think it's safe to say the pattern has been set. No long run next week, due to the Turkey Trot. That will be interesting!