Yippee

So I guess all my regular readers know what that means.  If not, I will explain.  Today I went for a long run and I had no leg cramps until the very end.  Yippee!  The ones that happened at the end were not even that bad, oh and I should mention that the cramps were around mile 17.5 and I was able to last until 18.2, which was where I wanted to stop and I think they only came because I stopped.  The best part is that I ran 8 miles yesterday so I even got a marathon in this weekend.

Today’s run had me with a camelback water carrier.  I have never run with anything on my back and it was interesting.  I was very concerned that I would have some chafing because it was up around my neck but that did not happen, which I am very thankful for.  I came up with the idea to run with the backpack because my other half is studying for a test in a few weeks and I wanted him to be able to study while I went on my long run.  (I remember how stressed I was before I took my LMHC exam back in march and he really needs these weekends so he can pass on the first try.  Like me but I’m not bragging.)

My new hydration friend!

Anyway, I can honestly say my run today was wonderful.  It was very hot like in the low 80’s by the time I finished but I really liked it.  There were points of it that I was able to relax and look around at the scenery.  I even met someone at mile 9 that was just out running for fun.  It was his mile 3 but we were able to chat for a few moments and by mile 10 (his 4^th mile) he was turning around to go home to spend the day with his kids and I was over halfway done.  Yippee!  We wished each other good luck in our upcoming events, his a 26.2 mile walk for charity and mine, well we all know that it’s several races before the marathon in October.  I love the running community because we want to see each other succeed so much!

Then at mile 15, I passed a friend I had not seen in a year who was out for a walk with her two very young daughters.  It was so fun to see them and I was able to stop and spend a few moments catching up.  Oh and I was very thankful for the break before the last 5K to the car.

Yesterday’s run and today’s run with my new hydration buddy.

Now looking back, I think I have hit on some good nutrition.  I mixed the endurolytes with my water in my camelback and had more than enough to make it through.  I am not sure how this will translate to actual races because there is no way I want to carry that backpack in races but the good news is, I know I could do it if I needed to.

I’m looking forward to a rest day tomorrow and taking advantage of the free chair massage at my gym.  I think my back muscles will need it with the extra weight I put on it today.

How was your weekend?  Any Yippee moments?  Please share I love to hear about accomplishments whether big or small.

Trying something new…

In previous posts, I have talked about my wonderful (add sarcasm here) leg cramps.  They were really troubling in my last marathon that you can read about here and here.  So I have been on a quest to figure out where the pain is coming from.  I have added magnesium to my diet, rolled a lot with the foam roller and the stick, and have scoured the internet looking for advice (because that is really what we do when we don’t have the answer right?!)

Last week I ordered some endurolytes powder  from Hammer Nutrition and today I got my box.  It was way larger than I thought and when I opened it I was delighted to find all kinds of presents.  

I used the endurolytes powder today and mixed it with my water and it had no taste at all and mixed very nicely.  Maybe it was a little hopefulness and a lot of help from the powder, but I had no leg cramps and I felt pretty fast. 

I also used one of the GU’s/gels that was included.  I needed the energy anyway and why not try a lot of things new, it was just a training run.  But it went great.  I had these results: 

So proud of them!

Then I came home and thought why not try the Recoverlite stuff they sent too, especially because I have an even longer run planned for  tomorrow.  It wasn’t the worst thing I have ever tasted and it actually was pretty good after I mixed it really good.  I was thinking if I try it again it would be in a smoothie or something like that.  I’m really weird with textures and powder in water is not always that great.  Anyway, I can say I have a lot of energy, not as tired as usual but tomorrows run will be the true test for the endurolyte. Meanwhile I will just hope and pray that it works.  Because I don’t know about you but runs with cramps tend to make me question things.  Runs like I had today made me realize why I keep going,  8 miles of hills and I felt stronger at the end than in the beginning!

How was your long run Saturday?  Ever try Hammer Nutrition products?

Oh, PS – Hammer Nutrition did not pay me to say these wonderful things about them.  I just found them on the internet and thought I would give it a try.  But if you know someone there who wants to give away free stuff, send it my way and I will give it a try.  😉