Sunday, May 6, 2012

My first 20K!

I DID IT! I DID IT! I just finished my first 20K! And what a gorgeous day for a long run too! I thought the first half of the run would be easier since I would have more energy but the first 10K seemed to drag on forever. I felt like an impatient child in the backseat of the car, "are we there yet?" "are we there yet?" I kept looking down at my iPod and I felt like it must be already 5K and it was only at 3K, but after I made it halfway the last 10K seemed to go by a lot faster. I ran out to the very end of the Fraser Foreshore Trail in Burnaby and then turned around and ran west all the way to the Knight Street bridge and back home. I somehow timed it perfectly too and it was 20.3K from my doorstep there and back! I only had to stop twice for a drink at water fountains. I don't have a fuel belt and I was running on pretty much an empty stomach, is a fuel belt really necessary? And if I get one, what are some good quick energy things to pack along? I've never had one of those gel things before. Honestly, they look kinda gross, do they really work? And can all you running pros suggest some good recovery snacks after a long run? I've heard chocolate milk is good, anything else?
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3 comments:

  1. CliftonMay 10, 2012 at 6:55 AM

    Hey Vanessa - interesting article on side stitches.
    http://askcoachjenny.runnersworld.com/2012/05/four-ways-to-stop-the-dreaded-side-stitch.html

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    Replies
    1. VanessaMay 12, 2012 at 9:25 AM

      Thanks for sharing that article, interesting theory about breathing and side stitches and the breathing remedy, I will keep that that in mind.

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  2. jaaydayMay 10, 2012 at 1:52 PM

    Good job on the 20k! I was so excited when I heard my Nike+ say "20 Kilometers"

    When I ran the BMO Half I just had a protein smoothie & half a cliff bar 2 hrs before my run. For fuel along the way I had 2 GU Chomps. They are so good and I found they really gave me that little burst in the 2nd half of the race. I find the gels are gross and they always give me cramps.

    Try a few (they're all pretty cheap!) and then see what works best for you. For water, I just do the same as you. I think using the odd water fountain along the way is enough. Too much water will also cause cramps.

    See you at the Scotiabank Half!

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