Keeping Pace

Keeping Pace

Archives for July 23, 2008

Long Run Pep Talk

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On Tuesday, after our hill repeats, the “team” took over Pedro’s restaurant for a pep talk on the “long run.”

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My attendance was more for bonding with my teammates than anything else.

It was round table discussion, lead by one of the coaches. Topics such as laying out your clothing the night before, knowing the climate where you are running, what to (and not to) eat the night before, and the morning of, and what to bring on the run. Also mentioned, was skin protection from chaffing, blisters, elimination issues/planning, and post run measures to aid in recovery.

The experience runners shared what worked for them, as well as what didn’t. It was evident that everyone was different. For example, a glass of wine helps one runner relax the night before, but causes dehydration for another. Similarly polarized was the use of coffee or dairy products on the morning of the long run. One person’s routine was another person’s taboo.

The talk was entertaining, the food was good, and the company was great.

Potty Training

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If you got a glimpse of the comments from my last post, you’ll see a little nudge from my Big Sis. “Quit whining and just run,” she says. *sigh* and then the lecturing begins. “Really, you shouldn’t…” *roll eyes* Big Sis’ comments have always been a mixed bag for me. They are the product many years of experience, paired with a whole lot of love for me. Even though her comments aren’t always well taken, I know the fact that they are well meaning to be true. My sister loves me, and I love her.

Still, I can’t resist jabbing back a little bit. II began my reply with, “Am I going to have to block your comments from my site?” Of course, I was joking. I went on to affirm, “I meant to point out that if you don’t do the preventative measures like ice baths, foam rolling, recovery drink/meals, stretching, cross-training the next day, etc….you will pay for it.” Then, came the jab. I prodded her a bit, “Sound familiar?”

After my punchy explanation, I went on to the real reason for my grumpiness. I wrote, “And what’s up with that potty comment.” Indeed, I knew exactly why she had made included “get there early enough to use the potty” in her comment. Only weeks ago I had written about being late to the long run and falling behind the group. Then there was the post where I mentioned needing a bio-break during my solo time trial. *another sigh* Can’t we just forget about that?

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Apparently, I am sensitive about the whole pee thing. Especially given a recent experience that comes later in this post. It isn’t just Big Sis who has noticed my short comings. Last weekend, Lil Sis casually mentioned that she, AND HER FRIEND, wondered how many times I had to stop during my half-marathon to go potty. Huh? Okay, I did duck into the bushes to pee when Lil Sis and I were out running together. Haven’t we all had to do that at one time or another. I can think of many a running blog where elimination issues have been discussed, but my family only reads *my* blog. I therefore had reservations about writing about my latest experience on this very topic.

[pause to think]

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