There is just something about a long run.
On the one hand, it’s so intimidating and nerve-wracking. The thought of all those miles, hoping for good weather, eating just the right pre-run snack, planning the proper mid-run fuel… So many things.
On the other hand, when you finish? You are on top of the world. You can do anything.
I love that feeling.
Things may change when I start hitting the double digits, but for now, long runs are dizzying and magnificent.
On Sunday, my goal was to hit seven miles. Since I had completed the 5-10K program, I no longer had a specific training plan to follow, so I charged up my Garmin (I guess it might be getting cool enough where it won’t be annoying), and packed my things.
I had my Camelbak handheld filled with watermelon Nuun and two pink lemonade Honeystingers, that I put in the velcro pouch of the bottle. PSA. When one runs, one’s water bottle shakes a little. When one’s water bottle is filled with Nuun, the chances of said Nuun fizzing and geysering a little bit upon opening the water bottle in question are high. Very high.
And then I was off.
Going into it, I was a little edgy and anxious. However, once I settled into my pace… well, it was magical.
It was such an amazing morning. Watching the sunrise was amazing motivation.
I don’t think I’ve ever felt better.
I didn’t need to hydrate a lot, despite the humidity, and I did take both the Honeystingers, at miles five and six. I think they are going to be my new go-to, in race fuel. I liked the texture and the flavor, they were easy to carry, and they didn’t upset my tummy. I have some other products to try, but for now, I’m happy.
In fact, the only downer was that my Garmin and RunKeeper didn’t quite match up. When I hit 7.0 miles on the Garmin, I was at about 7.3 or 4 on RunKeeper. I’m not really thrilled about that difference and I’m not really sure which one is precise. RunKeeper has matched up to the distances of previous races, so I’ve felt pretty confident in that accuracy. But, it’s still kind of annoying to have that difference. I’m keeping an eye on it.
By the time I crossed my driveway, I had logged 7.7 miles on RunKeeper and 7.3 on the Garmin. Either way, it was a success! My pace was good, especially considering that I am doing intervals and the best part is that I felt great. No cramps, no dragging, and no residual aches or pains. My lower legs were a little hypersensitive the rest of the day, but I woke up on Monday without soreness. I’m pretty thrilled.
I will be shooting for about eight to eight and a half miles this week. I’m hoping my long runs continue to be so positive and affirming.
How do you feel mentally and physically after completing a long run with a new distance?
Do you experience discrepancies between your technologies of choice? How do you compensate for it?
I base my long runs on time not distance now, and I much enjoy it.
How I feel afterwards varies. It all depends on weather and how I feel on the day. I had one run where it was all kinds of awful. Then I did the same route a week later and it was awesome. Slashed 15 mins off that long run.
I get discrepancies all the time, it’s annoying. I usually stay with my garmin over my phone.
Matilda recently posted…Andrew Darnell Memorial Championship
Oh, the minute I stop enjoying running (which isn’t really based on a good or bad run, but how i feel afterwards), I’m going to have a hard time having the motivation to keep going. I must be insane, but I am loving this.
Today, the Garmin and RunKeeper matched up within a few tenths of a mile. So I wonder what’s going on there.
Awesome job! There really is no better feeling. Sometimes I wish I had a tshirt for post long run that says “I just ran ___ miles!” haha.
I’ve found discrepancies between my Garmin and my Nike + app. Once during a 10K my Garmin said 5.8 and my Nike + said 6.6…a big difference. My Nike+ has been inaccurate before so I don’t use it anymore.
BTW…are you using intervals on your watch? I remember you saying you were thinking about doing a run/walk? I just started using a Forerunner 10 and I love the intervals!
Karen @karenlovestorun
Karen @karenlovestorun recently posted…Alex’s Lemonade Stand Million Mile Run
I would buy that t-shirt! And wear it!
I’m not doing intervals on my watch. It could be that maybe I didn’t bother reading the manual to know how to set it up… Maybe? LOL! I’m so bad about that. I have intervals set up on my phone with an app called Seconds Pro. I’ve really liked it.
I think the Garmin is the most accurate. Congrats on the run.
Thanks! I’m going to keep testing and see what happens. At the end of the day, I’m just erring towards whichever electronic has the lowest distance, because that way, if the higher one is right, at least I’ve done more than I wanted.
Congratulations!! My Garmin was about .1 – .2 different from MapMyRun, but I’ve never used MapMyRun during races, so I don’t know which one is more accurate. I love my Forerunner 10, though!
Rachel @ Undercover Diva: A Sitcom recently posted…Things I Learned Over Labor Day Weekend
Thank you! Today they matched up with that kind of difference. I don’t know what’s going on. I think technology just likes to mess with me.
Yep, the discrepancies bother me but I think the Garmin is more accurate than a phone’s GPS satellite function. Congrats on a great run!
Cynthia @ You Signed Up For What?! recently posted…From Roasted Brussels Sprouts and Figs to ZOODLES!
Thank you! I think I’m just going to run with both of them, average out the distance and hope for the best.
runswithpugs recently posted…sunday’s long run
I only use my Garmin, I have never carried my phone with me on long runs. Now that I have a Camelbak with large pockets, I probably will start carrying it for emergency purposes.
Amanda @ There Are 2 Sides recently posted…Spy Gear and September 2013 Goals
Oh, yeah. I always take my phone, just in case. It’s definitely a good thing to have.
runswithpugs recently posted…sunday’s long run
I’ve used MapMyRun, RunKeeper, and Nike and had discrepancy with all 3 over the actual mileage especially if there are trees on the route. But, I don’t have a Garmin so I deal with my phone gps having me up to a tenth of a mile out in the woods instead of on the trail.
Oh, man, I was on top of the world the first time I made it a mile! 🙂
DragonLady recently posted…Adventures in marathon training
Hmm. Trees aren’t an issue for me. We don’t really have too many, if any. It’s not the end of hte world that nothing matches, but it is annoying, to say the least.
I bet you were on top of the world! That first mile is an awesome feeling!
runswithpugs recently posted…sunday’s long run
My Garmin is more accurate than my phone, so I always trust my Garmin first. My phone also measures long. I definitely know what you mean about long runs–that top of the world feeling can’t be beat! Glad you had such a good long run.
jan recently posted…T-Shirts for the English Teacher
So annoying! I wish they could figure out how to keep satellite trackers more consistent. Thanks – I am excited to get out for my next one!