5-10K: week 2, day 2 {5.20.2013}

Happy Monday!

It was nice getting a little break over the weekend. Some friends and I had planned to go out for a nice power walk last night, but the forecast was calling for thunderstorms. Of course, the last time we tried to play brave and go out beneath rumbling clouds, we almost got electrocuted by a way-too-close bolt of lightning, so we decided to play it safe and stay home.

Mind you, this meant that the clouds immediately parted and the sun came out. Mother Nature, you sly creature, you.

So this morning, I woke up, ready and refreshed, and only slightly discouraged by the threat of rain. I hate being outside the rain. However, I wasn’t going to let it be an excuse. I suited up and got ready to hit the road.

For Week 2, Day 2, we had a five minute warm up, followed by a 10 minute jog, two sets of 2:00 fast run/2:00 jog, leading to an eight minute steady run and a 5 minute cool down.

The good news: it never rained. The bad news: we were experiencing about 200% humidity so it was like running through bathwater. By the end of my 36 minute session, I was soaked. Gross.

But the better news is that I nailed it. Mentally and physically. I’m not going to lie. It was hard. Getting good air in this kind of humidity is no easy feat, but somehow, I was really able to ramp up my speed for those fast runs. Check this out. I had to get this screenshot because I have NO idea how I went from 11 and 12 minute miles to this.

I honestly don’t know that I can keep up that kind of pace for longer than the two minute interval, at least not at this stage of the game, but I’m dang proud that I did it today.

I was happy with my performance today. I was a little slow in my opening walk because I was fiddling with my new iPhone armband. I got it yesterday and I’m not sure I like it. For some reason, I am used to carrying my phone in my hand. I like being able to check my times and distances – it gives me some small feeling of security. After a while, I just gave up, and put my ipod in the case, which worked out fine. For actual races, I can hold my phone, and then wear my ipod and my ID on my arm. Clearly, “naked” running is never going to be my thing.

We have seven days until The Big 5K. Today, I feel good about it. I feel strong and prepared. The voices in my head were quiet today (or else the humidity stifled them). I have a game plan. I feel capable. I found an outfit. All the important bases are covered. Now, it’s a matter of staying calm, feuling properly. enjoying this week’s training, getting to the start on time and crossing that finish line. Thanks to everyone who offered support and love on Friday. That boost did me a world of good.

In other news, summer is pretty much here and I need some advice. Is there anything more palatable than Gatorade or Powerade? I am not the biggest fan of liquids, but I know that hydration is key to surviving the months (and races) ahead, so I’m sucking it up and  doing my best. However, if anyone has any suggestions on something that tastes and/or works better, I’d love to hear about it. What’s your favorite form of hydration/electrolyte replacer?