8 mile run including a last mile party

The plan called for 8 miles tomorrow, but I decided to try and get them done today since tomorrow we are getting our roof done.  It is way easier to grab 30 minutes then 90 minutes.  Plus if I do it early enough I can avoid accidentally getting seen by roofing men in my birthday suit, or cabin bathroom is lacking curtains.

Because my last few long runs haven’t been great I made sure to fuel better today. I had a big glass of half water half gatorade and half a banana with peanut butter when I woke up, then headed out 45 minutes later.  I also planned a water and gel break about halfway through.

I mentally broke this run up into two parts, the first 4.5 miles, then I  a quick water and gel break, then the last 3.5 miles. This helps make it more manageable, especially since I wasn’t feeling it at first. The first 4 miles weren’t great, the route is extremely hilly and I was feeling a bit groggy.  I think I need to find some good podcasts to listen to when I do long runs. I used to love Jillian Michaels radio show, but it is currently off the air. Any suggestions?

After I pounded the gel and some water I felt way better. The last bit of my run, especially the last 2 miles, is pretty flat and I was feeling so good I decided to try and push into negative splits. I even had a last mile party Jess style!  I still think anything under 10 min/miles is kinda fast so I am rather proud I could pull that out 7 miles in.  I love how running is all about self-competition

• Distance: 8.01 miles
• Time: 1:24:54
• Pace: 10:41
• Avg\Max HR: 150/176
• (Mile) Laps: 11:11, 11:45,  10:05, 11:32, 10:30, 10:47, 10:01, 9:32  (very hilly and inconsistent elevation)
• Calories: 796

healthy meal of the day:

Check out this lebanese style stuffed eggplant recipe from Smitten Kitchen.