I Run Alone

I'm still trying to figure out the best plan for myself and running.  You'd think by this late in the game that I would have figured out what was working and what wasn't, but I think I've finally figured out that four runs a week isn't ideal for me.  Even though I skipped running in the cold dark rain yesterday morning I did bring stuff to go to the gym after work.  Except I ended up having to work late, so I skipped the gym too.

I tried to make up a little bit this morning by doing 8 miles instead of the scheduled 5.  I actually had a great run this morning.  I ran to the Park, ran north to the Harlem Hill and did two repeats on the hill (from 102nd Street Transverse to the Adam Clayton Powell entrance to the Park).  That meant that miles 2.80-5.20 were all up and down hill.  Which looked pretty familiar.  I'm thinking that I need to do this run again with some more hill repeats than I did today as preparation for the marathon. 

While I was running today, I was noticing a lot of groups or pairs of people running together.  I was thinking about how I almost always run alone.  Even at the Terrier runs that I go to, I tend to run alone.  I was trying to figure out how I feel about that.  I never feel lonely while running, but I think that sometimes if I had someone else to push me more than I'd push myself it could be nice. 

Truthfully, I don't even really know who I would run with even if I was dying to have a running buddy.  Everyone I know that runs is oodles faster than I am (especially with this slower running I've been doing while marathon training).  I think I decided this morning that I'm pretty okay with running by myself.  That's how all the races are, so I guess it's good to train how you're going to race. 

I had another Gu today (vanilla bean flavor again) while running.  I had it about 52 minutes into my run while running downhill.  I noticed that it definitely slowed me down to eat and run at the same time, but I was able to do both without stopping to walk.  I did then stop at a drinking fountain shortly after I was done to wash it all down.  I also noticed that if you're trying to get the end of the Gu packet you should not stick the whole thing in your mouth in an effort to get the last of it out.  Turns out that makes me a bit gaggy. 

I'm pleasantly surprised to report that this Gu trial went over well.  I forgot to buy them before my last long run on Saturday, so this was only my second attempt.  I didn't have any stomach issues, so that's another win.  I don't necessarily think that I needed the Gu today, but I am glad to keep trying them out before attempting it with a long run.  I'll be interested to see how it goes on my long run this weekend. 

Running
Time: 1:23:27
Distance: 8.00 miles
Pace: 10:25/mile