So after we returned from vacation it was time to get ready for the 4th of July! I love this time of year with all the family get-togethers and fun activities to do with the kids. That’s why I love being a teacher so much! I get to spend the best time of year with my kiddos, going out and being a part of fun family activities!
I got back into my usual routine of running at 4:30 am to get it done so I could enjoy my kids to the fullest. I started training for my half marathon in August using a Hal Higdon’s intermediate half marathon training plan. I like having a plan because it gives me an idea of what I should be doing, but I don’t always follow it perfectly. Anyway, our town has an annual 4th of July 1 mile and 10K race. I ran the 10K last year for the first time and figured I might as well run it again. I was going to be running that morning anyway so I might as well run in a race and get some training out of it!
It was going to be a warm one so this was good training and practice for my half in August. I am slowly learning to dress for all occasions and I am learning to fuel and hydrate more appropriately during races, especially those in the heat.
This is an out and back course on rural country roads with no shade so it was really warm. I was really heating up right away as I was wearing a cotton tank top that was red because I had blue shorts on. I had to dress for the holiday! I also wore my red calf sleeves. I wanted to look festive, but it was a mistake wearing those calf sleeves. Last time I wore them in a race my calves locked up so bad, they hurt for days afterwards. Today, they didn’t hurt so much, but they are tight and the soles of my feet ended up going numb for the majority of the race. I tried to move my feet around to wake them up but it really didn’t help. I just couldn’t wait to get home to take those stupid sleeves off!
Anyway, the run itself was decent. I’m pretty sure if I would have fueled better before the race and had some electrolytes in my water during the race I could have come close to or beat my PR for this distance. However, it wasn’t meant to be today. I think the combination of my calf sleeves, improper fueling, inappropriate attire, and the heat took a toll on my racing today. I did beat my PR for this race by 3 minutes so I am very proud of that. I finished in 1:03:20 and last year I finished in 1:06. Very respectable considering all that occurred above.
I am smiling here but this was the beginning of a dehydration migraine that had me out for the count for awhile. I ended up falling asleep on the couch for awhile and we missed going to the parade. The kids weren’t too bummed about it and Jay never really likes going to parades. I did feel better after this nap and my medication did help. We ended up having a really great cookout with family and enjoyed watching the fireworks together! Perfect way to spend the 4th of July!
Until next time!
Run On!
Laura
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