Long run, Garmin, Asics, and Gooey packets
Rain was moved out of today’s forecast so my excuse for not running my long run today was no longer valid. I could have said it was to cold, but 43 does not really qualify as to cold, after all I have hats, gloves, tights, vests, and anything else I would need. So I got up had my Kashi oatmeal with raisins and some green tea and headed out the door. Turned my garmin on it said low battery and it felt way colder than 43. I fought the impulse to go back inside my house and just started running. I figured I know all the approximate distances so if the garmin dies, I could do the distance calculations in my head and since it was a long run I really wasn’t concerned about pace. As far as the cold, I was able to convince myself that I would warm up once I started running (which I did).
Once again the still was super muddy and once I got on the actual trail I scraped the off as much as possible. I ran the short uphill direction first because I knew if I passed the path leading home at mile 14, I might be tempted to cut my run short.
Felt pretty good during most of my run. I brought powerade in my fuel belt bottles and two packets of energy gel. I have had gel packets before but have not been bringing them on long runs consistently. 
So today I actually tried more of a planned refueling and it worked out much better. Sucked down my gatorade at 4, 8, 10, and 14. Had my packets at water fountains at 6 and 12. A recent article in Runner’s World article recommended honey and Honey Stinger Gels for fueling. I tried them today, they tasted pretty good and they kept my energy up.
As I said before my Garmin’s battery was low to begin with. I need to remember to plug it in the night before. But it lasted 14.25 mile or 2:28 minutes of my run, so I’m actually really happy with it. The was a great help today, it helped me pick up my pace on all those hills, and kept me from slacking off to much. Last two mile without it were tough, because I was tired and it would have been useful to keep me on pace. I am really happy with the 305, it has allowed me to change my routes up and add in loops that I did not run previously because of unknown distances. It has been cloudy on several of my running days and I have never lost a signal. Being able track and compare my stats (elevation, speed, pace, heart rate, distance) is cool and it has been easy to upload my information to my computer. I have tried both motion based and running ahead, not sure which one I like better, both are good. I still haven’t tried out many of the features, I usually just use the auto lap, so I can compare my miles. Need to explore more functions, just don’t think about when I go out on a run.
My new Womens Asics Gel Kayano 15 Running Shoes were comfortable throughout my run. I am glad I invested in them. No foot, ankle, or leg pain today. Yay!
Overall I was happy with the run. Not fast but I was not expecting it to be. Next long run 18, longest run ever. EEK!
Filed under: Running Blog
Wow, awesome run! You really broke through the mental barriers to get it done.
That sounds like a Great run! Congrats on that and good luck on your next long run. 18 miles is a long long long run!
Great to read that you are so happy with Garmin! I recognize the fact that you use only the auto-lap feature. I tried the virtual partner feature once. It’s a great feature if you want to stick to a certain pace. Still I think that the core-feature of displaying pace, time and distance is all a runner needs.
Wow sounds like you had a great run! I have been looking for those Honey Stinger Gels packs, but all I have ever seen are the bars. Where did you find them?
Wow, great run. I admire your motivation to just get it done even with all your “obstacles.” I have never heard of those gel packs. I will have to do a little research on those.
Thank you all for your comments and encouraging words, they are very motivational.
@Crystal, I bought the packets at Whole Foods. I really like that they are all natural, taste good and get the job done.
great job on the long run!!! glad the kayanos worked
i loooove mine!
Hi there well done on the run. Overcoming the mental barriers before you get out for a run is one of the hardest things to do, especially for long runs. The rewards at the end are great though and will pay off in the end.
Mickdo,
Thank you! You are so right, taking that first step and psyching myself up for the long runs is very hard. I learned their value when I ran my first half, knowing that I had exceeded the distance in training, really gave confidence to get through it and finish strong.