Wednesday, February 13, 2008
3:15 pm
Distance - 4 miles
Temp - 54 degrees, finishing Temp 45 degrees and rainy
Wore: Thigh socks, sugoi, sports bra, light exercise pants,

Not a bad run today, considering...loaded up on simple carbs before heading out - maple syrup, honey, lemon juice, and water. My legs definitely felt better during most of the run. I'm absolutely going to have to pay attention to the amount of carbohydrate calories I consume before even these short and mid-range runs. I'll have to start practicing eating while I run. The main problem is that I burn through carbs so fast. They're what I need right now, but I'll have to keep up a steady stream to keep going for a long time. Maybe I can rig something with one of those beer can hats with the straw that leads down to your mouth. Except I can fill it with sports gel and gatorade. Genius really, but best not to get ahead of ourselves. In the meantime, I have to be very careful to alter my life(style) and body to the ways of the "slow and steady wins the race"-type runner. Everything about me is different now. I want carbs and sugary stuff all the time. My beloved proteins are simply not as attractive as they once were. I miss my muscle-builder's appetite.

Today, I learned two things:

1. I'm really built for sprinting. A quick burst across the Serengeti, a single arcing leap lands me atop the fleeing muntjak. I down my prey, and bask with my cubs in the setting African sun as we chew the last morsels of that hapless herbivore's tiny life. I definitely felt better when I picked up my pace, even if it meant I couldn't hold onto it for very long. I always want to speed up. Always.

2. Running in the rain sucks. Especially the puddles. And the wet socks with puddle-squish mushing between your toes. And getting splashed by passing cars. I'm going to have to invest in some impervious-to-the-weather-type gear. Running really is turning out to be all about the toys.

Lets see how 3 miles goes tomorrow.

Also, I found a great first marathon blog today. Check it out.