The Power of GU

So, we're now getting up there in miles.  At least for me.  8 miles and 10 miles on Saturdays.  Keeping milegage about 12-15 during the week.  But I've noticed something as of late.

I'm tired.

Like really tired when I run.  Not fatigue.  Not pain.  Not out of breath or muscular, bone or joint problems.  Just plain ass tired.

It can't be me.  What's going on? 

So I've been asking people that run.  What could be causing my extreme tiredness?  Was it the training itself?  Was it my diet?

"Well Chris, are you running over an hour?"

"Yes," I replied.

"How long are you running time wise?"

"About 75-90 minutes" was my reply.

"So how much water or calories are you taking in on your runs?"

"Huh?"  was my official response.

"You are eating something and staying hydrated on your runs, right?"

"No.  Not at all" I said as I can see where this heading.

"Chris!  What's your problem?  Are you kidding?  Of course you need to hydrate and eat!  You're running 8 maybe 10 miles and you've got to stay hydrated and you need to eat.  Try GU energy gels."

"GU?"  

I've come to love my GU.  GU is what keeps me going.  Now my tired runs are no more.  The energy and stamina are back and I can complete my runs with much more ease.  I can't believe what I was thinking.  

So now my runs include hydration and GU.  Hell, I'm even wearing a fuel belt to hold all of this.  

Who knew running had so much to it.  I thought you just ran.  Like Forrest Gump.

Apparently, like everything else in life, to really achieve your goals, you also need a strategy.

(Thanks to Jason, Kamal, Steve and Kirsten for the running advice.  Much appreciated!!!)

Weeks 3/4 Training Summary

So I'm done with weeks 3 and 4 training. We've built up a solid base of 6 mile runs. So far, so good. No injuries, blisters or issues to deal with. Really, for me, it's all mental. Now that I'm in territory where I've never run before in terms of distances, I seem to not be able to have the mindset where it seems possible. It just seems daunting.

So this past Saturday, we did trail runs to improve our hill training. The picture above is the view from our South Mountain Park hills course. Great views in between up/down elevations that can leave you winded in like 30 seconds.

By the way, the course for the Seattle Marathon is not exactly flat so it is a very good thing we're training for hills and changes in elevation. Check out the course elevation chart:




So, that said, we did hill training in South Mountain park here in Phoenix. Not bad. I did way better than I thought I would or could. So I suppose the training is going well. We will be expanding into long distances in March and April will be heading in for 10-12 mile runs on our long days (Saturday.)

I'll let you know how I'm doing. Or not doing.

PS: I really appreciate all of you that donated to this cause. It was really amazing to see the outpouring of support and well wishes. Not to mention the actual financial donations. I reached my goal of $3500. Thanks again to you all!!