First 14 Mile Run

Today I did it. I pushed through and I ran my first 14 mile run. and it hurt. It might also be because I was breaking in new shoes as well. Not the most ideal situation, but I just got new running shoes for Christmas and my favorite pair was no longer serviceable. Ideally you slowly integrate your new pair into your running routine, but the padding in my old shoes was shot and my shoes were causing a flare up of plantar fascitis and lower back pain. So I wore the shoes, and then I ran and ran and ran and then I ran some more in them. My feet and legs are tired, partially because it was a really long way and partially because breaking in new running shoes is always a chore and sometimes painful.

What I have learned:

1. I need to train harder. I will be the first to say that while I have been active and I have been making a lot of strides in my mile time, I am not doing enough. That became abundantly clear when I hit mile 12. Now I am not sure how much was shoe related, but I felt like I need to work on building up my endurance. I am going to need to maintain a quicker pace. So I have to re-evaluate what I am doing and figure out how I can implement more long distance running into my weekly schedule.

2. I need to drink more water. I ran 14 miles on 2 energy supplements and 1 bottle of water. I was exhausted and a little thirsty. 

3. I really like Old Navy Compression leggings. They just happen to be on sale this week and they were so warm and well fitting. I have said before that I am a UA girl. I love the stuff, but can't be the price and the quality of the ON workout wear. For about half the price you get a pretty good product. They stay put and they have the added benefit of helping to be slimming. I also have the bootcut versions, but I think they are more of a 50 to 60 degree weather pant. It has the same benefits of the leggings, but in cold weather I need the fabric to cling to my calves to keep them warm. 

I am going to try and run 7 to 8 miles Tuesday and maybe a short 3 to 5 miler on Thursday. I have also been reading about the benefits of weight training and I am going to try and lift two days a week. Next week is a 15 miler. I just got to get to 20 because apparently if you can run 20 miles, then you should be able to complete 26.2. I am sorry, I don't get that logic. I should be able to? Ugghhh...I hope the powers that be know what they are talking about when they say this!

Until next time, Happy Running!