High Temps Vs. High Humidity

After not finishing my planned miles on Friday because it was hot, I decided to walk or sit before I felt like I'd collapse from now on! The photo shows one of my rest stops along my running route.

I'm usually a morning runner, but Saturday night I ran 6.6 miles when it was 95 degrees (with lower humidity than earlier). I wanted to see if running later in the day was easier than running on a humid morning. I sweat and drank less than usual, but after only one try, I'm not sure which is less difficult. My pace was about the same Saturday and today. 

This morning I ran 8 miles in high humidity (90%) and 80* (maybe). I ran up a couple of hills (need hill info?) and did a few strides - the goal was to speed up towards the end on all of those. Hopefully, the next time I do these, I can increase the reps and the speed at the end, too. 

Before Saturday's and today's run, I did some strength training using Sculpt Your Arms and Core Exercises. At least the heat can't keep me from a good, hard workout inside! 

11+ Warm Miles

97% humidity at the start of my run and about 80 degrees during the run! One thing that pushes me to run the miles is knowing that I have a fall marathon coming up- the St. George Marathon. Inspiring stories help, too, like the post about Sabrina Little who set a new American record of 152 miles in a 24 hour race recently. I can't imagine doing that! Posts that tell me that the heat makes me stronger help, too.

Unfortunately, no matter how willing I am to run through uncomfortable temperatures, the heat sometimes wins. I cut my run short when the walk breaks were taking over my morning run! I ran 11.35 miles today. I saw a rabbit, a baby turtle, ran through the woods where I got a good look at a deer and stopped to take a picture of some ducklings at the lake.

When it's hot, it's a good time for crock-pot meals so I recently made Balsamic Chicken. I found that this is a good dish to serve with brown rice or a baked potato.

Pre-run: English muffin topped with peanut butter and raisins, ice water
During: Gatorade, orange slices, chocolate mint GU (I didn't plan on eating the GU unless I really needed something else, so there you go!)
Post-run: 1/2 Peanut Butter Banana Smoothie and Peanut Butter Banana Oatmeal Bar (39 g. carbohydrates/10 protein total) Both taste great!

8 Miles with Easy Hills

Deer Tracks!

I've begun training for the St.George Marathon - less than 17 weeks to go! Today I ran 8 miles and included hills and strides.

The Short Hill in the Woods - 6 times up the hill. There was practically a trail traffic jam at the top of my first hill. Just as my dog, Zoe, and I made it to the top, a deer ran across the trail. I've seen a few deer since we moved to the area in January, but I'm still in awe of them. Seeing the deer running put a little giddy-yup in my dog's step!

10 X .10 - Next, I ran Zoe back home, grabbed my water bottle, ate some orange slices (tasted great!) and headed back out to finish my run. After each stride, I let myself walk a few steps - it's humid. This was a much better run than Friday's when I ran 10 miles and had to sit on a bench to rest. Today was a good run day with hills, strides and a deer!

Do you have a hill workout you'd like to share? Here's an interview with a runner trained by Brad Hudson who incorporates hills into her training several times a week. I think that's a good idea!

4 Ways to Run a Faster Marathon

Start of Bob Potts Marathon 

In October, I want to run the St. George Marathon faster than I ran the Bob Potts Marathon (3:58) in May so I've come up with a plan.

1. More Miles - I did a maximum of 50-55 mile weeks training last time using Advanced Marathoning, but I'd like to increase that to at least 60. I want to run more 20 milers, too. Last time, I only did two.
2. Plenty of Hills - I want to run hills at least once a week. Some days, I may substitute with stairs.
3. Lots of Speedwork - I'll continue to do this at least once a week. I'll go by effort more and not get discouraged because my actual pace is slower than I want it to be not that it's so hot outside. 
4. More "Strength/Weights/Core Work" - Increase to at least three days a week instead of just two.

The period at the beginning of marathon training is such an optimistic time! That's a good thing, but I never know what will happen on race day. If I've learned something along the way about challenging myself and perseverance, then it will be worth it. I'm looking forward to training for my 15th marathon!

How about you? Is there something you'll change when training for your next race? This might help: Analyzing Your Race Performance (Competitor.com).

St. George Marathon - I'm In!

I'm going to St. George, Utah! A couple of weeks ago, I received this exciting news:

CONGRATULATIONS!!! We would like to congratulate you on being 1 of 7600 runners selected for the 2013 St. George Marathon. We will be hosting runners from all 50 states and 18 countries. We would like to thank you for your interest in our event and we look forward to seeing each of you cross the finish line!

Since it was my first try to enter the race by lottery, I was surprised to make it in. I love hiking in Utah and I can't wait to run a marathon there, too. The above photo is from one of my hiking trips in Utah (Nov.'11).

Since getting the news that I'm running the St. George marathon, I've found some helpful sites:

2011 St. George Marathon Video produced by St. George City

Marathon Guide.com - race details from previous St. George marathoners

Fast Cory's Advice After Running the Course Twice: After reading this, I want to wait for mile 14 and then fly to the finish!

Runarirun's St. George Marathon Recap: She reminded me that arriving a week early so your body can acclimate is a good idea. I did notice that it was a little harder to run in Zion when I visited and that was on an "easy run"!

Are you hoping to run the St. George Marathon in 2014? Reserve the hotel room early! I waited until I knew I was running the race and I couldn't find a room in town, but at least I found one that's only about 5 miles outside of town.

It felt great to know that I had another marathon coming up when I crossed the finish line of my last marathon. (Okay, well not immediately after! After a few minutes, maybe!)

I plan to make some improvements in my training this summer. By the time the marathon is here, I'll be ready! I started off my training with an easy 5 miles today. It felt good!

Do you have any upcoming races or vacations? I'd love to hear about them!