On Sunday, my training lead me back to Beck Lake on a twenty mile run. Preparation seems to be getting more complex as race day appoaches. I’m waking up an hour and a half ahead of time to be fully nourished and hydrated. Previously, I ate half a banana before all my long runs. On Sunday, I ate a breakfast of oatmeal and Gatorade; a huge boost if you ask me. Next goal is to wake up earlier. The the marathon starts at 7:30 am, so I should be waking up at 6 am… but my schedule hasn’t really allowed that. Lately on the weekends, I’ve been waking up at 7:30 am. This weekend, I’ll shoot for 6 am.
As for the run itself, it was rough. Due to the distance, I kept the pace slower than normal. Unfortunately I took several breaks in the last quarter of my run. This was due to a couple of reasons. First, the day was warmer and more humid than other days. Second and more importantly, I was sick Friday and most of Saturday, which carried over to Sunday. It’s a little demotivating, but I’m suprised I didn’t pass out on the trails. Even after my run, I submerged myself in an ice bath. Nothing helps a cold better than an ice bath. I’m just full of good ideas. Suprisingly I’m still coughing now, but I’m getting better by the day. Vitamin C’s a good friend to me and I expect to be over this within the week. Two weeks will be my second 20 miler. It should be a cake walk.
As a side note: I’d like to thank everyone for your continuing support and donations. It means a lot and it’s a good feeling when I’m running out there on those long runs. Together we can make a difference!
Support me at: http://main.acsevents.org/goto/prodriguez
http://www.patrickontherun.com
Tags: American Cancer Society, Camelback, Charity, Chicago Marathon, Marathon, Running
Wish you came with Matthew and I to North Manitou. We ran 12 miles on Saturday on the back country trails they had there. It was a lot of fun. You could have had your ice bath in Lake Michigan!
–mark–