So it's been hot in Iowa, and this trend will continue. By hot, I mean about 100 degrees--and humid. This morning I (along with my wonderfully supportive husband Bill--thank you Bill!) started running at 6:45 a.m. I can't say we avoided the heat because it was pretty hot and humid, but I'm glad we didn't go any later. I guess this is to be expected when you are in the midst of marathon training in Iowa in July, so I won't complain. I just have to be smart about the heat. I've got some tricks that work for me (carrying a frozen washcloth, changing into a dry shirt every few miles--I went through three shirts Saturday morning!), and I gotta do all the obvious stuff (extra fluids, extra rest, run slower, run early/late, etc.).
Today's run was 7 miles. This is a distance that is pretty comfortable for me at this point. I don't want to use the word "easy," but it seems pretty short to me. It's all a matter of perspective. But considering the heat, the run went well.
At the end of today's run, Bill and I were crossing Highway 63 by our house. I thought Bill was going to run across the road and I started to go. Then I realized he was stopping and I stopped. Somehow, I managed to twist my ankle. I walked it off a little bit and then it was fine. This afternoon I took a nap. As soon as I got up, I realized there was an issue with my ankle. It's not horrible, but it is stiff and just a little achy. I had forgotten about twisting it this morning, but then I remembered what had happened. I am not too worried about it. It doesn't appear to be significantly swollen and it's not bruised. I think it will be fine but I am going to probably do the smart thing and put some ice on it.
Another thing...I can't stop eating. My appetite is absolutely out of control. I know that I am doing a lot of physical activity, so I should be eating more. But not this much! I just can't stop eating. I'm trying to eat decent stuff (fruit, whole grains, etc.), but the quantity is ridiculous. I actually woke up at 1:50 during the night last night and had to get something to eat. I ended up having some chocolate milk. I think I might have had something else as well, but I honestly don't remember what it was! I'm like a human garbage disposal.
I also want to applaud my wonderful Smart Coach app from Runner's World. So far, I am loving the training plan it created for me based on the personalized info I plugged in. Gotta love technology. I like the Smart Coach app because it allows you to choose how hard you want to work (easy vs. hard vs. very hard). You also put in your current mileage because increasing mileage too quickly is probably (I think) the way most runners get injured. I do recommend Smart Coach from Runner's World whether you're using it online or on a phone. And, of course, it's free.
The plan has me doing speedwork one day a week (Wednesdays). To be honest, I dread speedwork. I am made completely of slow twitch muscle fiber. Speedwork is challenging for me. And it's not really even that speedy. Yet, I like that I have to do it if only because it makes me feel like I am running the other days at such a relaxed pace. I have to thank Bill for pacing me during speed workouts. And keeping me motivated.
Smart Coach also has me running 18 miles next weekend. I did 16 Saturday, so I'm sure I can manage it, but last weekend I just felt like I would never be done. Bill had a good suggestion. He suggested I download an audiobook on my iPod. I usually don't do well focusing on audiobooks, but I may just give it a shot. I can't do fiction (if you know me, you probably would have guessed this) but maybe I can find a non-fiction book I can get into.
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