I think the Garmin makes me faster. Being able to check my pace all the time makes me want to challenge myself. Today I had a PR - 6.3 miles in 52:30 (an 8.1 min/mile pace).
I've been reading a lot of blogs about what fuels people when they run. Makes me think I should keep a running journal just to see if there are any parallels on the days when I feel better and stronger.. I'm not talking just food and liquid intake, but also lifestyle issues such as:
- how much sleep the night before?
- what is my mood today?
- any aches or pains?
- what is the weather?
- what did I have for dinner last night?
- did I have alcohol last night?
- what time of day did I run?
- what did I have for breakfast?
- what was the course like?
Considering these criteria, I'll look at today's run:
- Slept very poorly last night. Slept 10-12, then restless and awake until 3 am. Then slept 3:00-7:00 a.m.
- My mood was just so-so today. Tired from little sleep.
- No aches or pains (at least something's going right on this list)
- Weather was 45 degrees, dry, overcast. A chilly start, but I warmed up.
- Dinner last night: we ate out at a brewery so I ate like crap - wings, ribs, biscuit, Cole slaw, sweet potato fries
- Alcohol last night: 2 microbrews (Gordons IPA from Oskar Blues). Amazingly smooth and tasty beer, but also the reason that I slept poorly and woke up tired
- I ran at 11:30 a.m.
- I had 1/2 a banana and a blueberry cereal bar for breakfast
- Course was flat. No hills. Not discouraging. Also, no wind.
There's not much redeeming about the above except that I had no aches or pains and the course was flat. Otherwise it seems I would have been set up for a lousy run. And it turned out to be decent: I had good energy and lots of motivation. I cannot make rhyme or reason of this. The only thing I know for sure is that the less in my stomach when I run, the better. By the end of this run, however, I was FAMISHED. Came home and wolfed down pasta and salad.
What are your common denominators for strong runs? Certain foods? Your mood? Good sleep?
Different subject: DWTS starts tonight. I have never watched this show, but with all the fanfare (I am a sheep) I'm going for it. I do like Shawn Johnson and used to be huge Go Gos fan, so Belinda C. should be fun. And I saw Chuck Wicks in concert a few months back (he opened for Brad Paisley) and while I'm not a huge fan, it'll be fun to see if the boy can dance.
So you seem really thrilled with your Garmin, totally worth it? -e
ReplyDeleteIt's funny because some times all those factors point to a bad run, but you have just the opposite.. I can't ever really predict what will happen for me.
ReplyDeleteNot a dancing with the stars viewer...but you are right there has been some crazy drama
I find that the weather it is a big motivator...nothing better than running on a beautiful day. Sometimes bad moods help my runs...I take out my frustration on my run. :)
ReplyDeleteThe best motivator for me is another runner, just a bit better than me, that talks non-stop for the whole run without me saying a word!
ReplyDeleteNow I've only had a friend like that once or twice in my life, but that completely gets you out of your head. And gets me my best time...
Just a head fake... ya know.
em
Great time, you are fast!! It must be the Garmin. Funny thing is mine doesn't help me like that.
ReplyDeleteInteresting topic on the whole pre-run factors. I never had tracked my stats like that, but you bring some good suggestions on things to be aware of. Maybe you had such a good run because you had a good mix of "healthy" food and more indulgent stuff the night before. I believe you have to keep everything in moderation and not deprive yourself totally of any one thing.
I agree that the Garmin can make you speed up - love having that instant feedback! (Except of course when it lies and tells me I'm not running as fast as I think I am.)
ReplyDeleteI think food, sleep, mood all come into it... but sometimes they also have nothing to do with it :) sometimes a bad mood is my best fuel for a great run - just depends! great job on yours and YAY for garmin!
ReplyDeleteI honestly still struggle with determining what makes a good run good. Sometimes, I blow myself away after a hard workout.
ReplyDeleteWhat has never failed me is getting plenty of rest before a race and having a very short run the day before the race at a fast pace.
This is probably not the best advice, but usually I run very well when I eat crap the night before. I think my body runs on fat. :)
ReplyDeleteOoh, DWTS...yes, I think I have to watch this season, if only because there are some intriguing people on the show.
I've read lots of very happy posts abot the Garmin, and it sounds like a great apparatus! I'm making due with a simple sportswatch, and even that is quite complicated.
ReplyDeleteAlso I have found that if I get caught up in wanting to go faster and faster I lose myself in the process. I start forgetting why I started to run in the first place: for peace of mind.
And I agree: childbirth is a lot like a marathon too!
Thanks for dropping by my blog!
Running Mommy
Hi! I actually live in San Diego. I'll be visiting a friend in Ft. Collins when I run the marathon. I've been there once, and I really liked it.
ReplyDeleteI'm jealous of your Garmin!
ReplyDeleteFor me, it's sleep and eating properly. (none of which I am getting or doing right now!)
Just found your blog, I'll be back! :)
Lisa
www.workoutmommy.com