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Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Running in Upstate NY

I arrived in Youngstown on June 6. I have some pictures and a blog to write for the trip across country. Since I can't seem to get to that yet, I thought I should at least update on my training for the Rapid Running Buffalo Half Marathon.

It's hot. And humid. It's wonderful! Except for acclimating for running. Since we've been here, the temperature has been varying anywhere from 78-92, usually in a sine wave during the week. The sun is strong. I was tan after my third run. Not "just back from a week at the beach" tan, but I've lost the Casper tint I arrived with.

I've had to buy more shorts and tank tops. I've gotten to wear sun dresses I've owned and not been able to wear because it was always too cold in Port Angeles. We've had lunch on the Niagara River, on restaurant balconies overlooking the river, seated in the shade with the warmest wind blowing in from the water. That part is heaven! (Not to mention the food! Lewiston has at least 2 restaurants that have been featured on the Travel Channel, and they are taping at one of them again tomorrow night.)

Back to the running. Even at 7 a.m. it's been 30 degrees hotter than I'm used to. My first three runs I had to temporarily give up and walk for a minute or two. I made it 2.5 miles the first time, 4 or 5 the second, and had one successful 6 mile run. But even on the 6 miler, after the first 3 miles I was running a mile, walking a minute. Then running a quarter mile and walking a minute. The funny part is that it's so flat here compared to Port Angeles, my time didn't suffer much at all from the walking. Just my ego. ;)

Yesterday, I set out to run 5 miles with speed intervals. It ended up being a tempo run for the first half, then on the way back I would sprint 45 seconds followed by walking for a minute. It went better than previous runs. I need to get in a 10 miler, then start my taper.

Due to the heat/humidity, I've come to terms with not PRing in this race. I've even given myself permission to "just finish", and had a conversation with myself about how my finisher's medal will be exactly the same whether I run it in 2 hours or 3 hours. I'm going to try very hard to "just have fun with it" and enjoy the experience of being in a completely new area and that grand finish on the Buffalo Bills 50 yard line! :)

In other news, a few weeks ago I started the "Energy and Performance Pak" from Isagenix. The new IsaleanPro is in it, which a post-workout shake with 35 grams of protein. I'm seeing such a big difference in my muscle tone now! Oh sure, I still need to lean out a little more (see above regarding Lewiston's amazing food!), but I've got definition I haven't had since 2009. My shoulders and biceps/triceps have come back, and my quads and calves are now full enough that my big knees don't look so big anymore. lol. I just need to whittle the middle.

1 comment:

Nyna said...

Yay! So glad to get an update.

I hope that your acclimation to the heat and humidity goes well - mine never does. lol The humidity kills me. But I'm a wuss!!

You'll do just fine in your race. Your run times, even factoring in your walk breaks, put you on track for a decent finish in the half, don't they? The adrenaline will provide an extra kick. Just be sure to hydrate, hydrate, hydrate in the week leading up to the race.

I've been forgetting to take my Isagenix. Oops! :)