Happy Wednesday!
This morning I finally embraced the mid week tempo run. My training calendar has a mid-distance tempo run on it each week and until now I’ve split it up and feared it for a few reasons:
- Running longer than 4 miles on a weekday means leaving the house by 5:30 if I’m going to make it to work on time.
- Even though I’ve been running for quite some time now, I’ve never figured out how to fuel for a 6-7 mile run.
- I don’t live close enough to Central Park to enjoy the run up there unless I’m out the door and on the subway by 5am!
Last night, we didn’t get home from seeing Rock of Ages until almost 10pm which meant I wasn’t in bed until 11:30 by the time I ate dinner and relaxed.
Even though I was exhausted at 5:15, I knew I’d feel better if I finally conquered my fears.
The above picture is me trying to fake excitement at 5:25am.
I set out for the Hudson River Path as I knew that the sight of water would make me smile on this early morning and I’d be able to enjoy the path with other runners.
It was the perfect morning for a run! The temperatures and humidity were lower than normal and the sun was shining!
The sign below is right. A run along the water is a great way to unwind or get ready for the day!
Why hello, New Jersey! You look quite pretty in the morning sun!
Luckily, the water fountains were working along the path. I stopped 3 times for water and a one minute stretch break.
By the end of the 6.02 miles I was sweaty but filled with smiles and a kick ass attitude!
While I definitely need to figure out the fueling part of the equation, now I have a wonderful and scenic 6 mile route that I can enjoy each week and know exactly what time I have to wake up in order to make it to work on time. I think I’ll try eating a piece of toast or half a banana before next week’s run.
Today’s splits weren’t too bad either:
6.02 miles 10:02 average pace
Mile 1 10:03
Mile 2 9:57
Mile 3 9:56
Mile 4 10:00
Mile 5 10:01
Mile 6 10:04
A longer morning run also means that my stomach has been screaming!
Now I need your help! Do you have suggestions of what I should eat before 6 mile morning runs?