Sunday, September 7, 2014

Do the best with what you have...

This morning's run was not great. Scratch that...<delete> not great and <insert> MISERABLE. For the first half it was truly miserable and then for the second half it was only slightly miserable.

Let me start at the beginning...

I got up a little later than usual because it's been staying darker longer (as Summer comes to an end). When I reached my running route it was still pretty dark so I waited until visibility entered the "safe" zone. I knew it was going to be a very humid run from the moment I opened my front door to leave my house so I had already set my mind to focus on endurance and form today, and not speed...

If I only had the humidity to deal with I think I would have been fine. Not great, but certainly not miserable. However, it seemed as though every insect in South Florida decided to grace my running route with their presence and they did not take kindly to the fact that I had joined them. They not only seemed set on following me for at least a mile further down the road but they bit and stung and told all of their insect friends to join in the fun. I tried to outrun them (but you know how slow I run so clearly that didn't work). Then I tried to swat them away with my arms. I must have looked like a crazy woman with my arms flailing to and fro and my feet kicking off to the side...sigh.

One small highlight was the beautiful morning sunrise I got to view...

Anyway, between the humidity and the insect mob I was ready to quit by mile two, and then most certainly by mile three. I decided I would just continue running until I got back to my car (where my water was) and determine if I wanted to stop, or try the route again (now knowing what to expect), or try a different route. I took a short water break when I got to my car, during which a group of runners passed me so I decided to just follow them (cause maybe they would scare the insects away for me).

I followed the runners until they split off to go on a different path and then I ran to an easy turn around point and headed back to my car. I ended up doing 6.5 miles today...

My pace per mile breakdown...
(I had to crop the picture into two sections so that all 6.5 miles would show)

Weather report at the end of my run...
I felt every per cent of the humidity today

I'm glad that I finished the LR today, despite not enjoying it. I have reached a total of 307.8 miles so far this year...

I spent the rest of my Sunday morning at an orientation session for a new running group. I decided to sign up after all. The group coordinator is a certified running coach and after meeting her today and listening to the plan for the training sessions I think I will be able to improve my running form and performance and develop a stronger foundation fitness level for Chicago...
 It still breaks my heart that I won't be able to do the Chicago Marathon this year :(



How were your weekend long runs?

How do you deal with insects/bugs during your running sessions? Please share any tips that will help!

No comments:

Post a Comment

Thanks for your comment!