Sunday Runday…Funday?

I was never a distance runner in my past runner’s life, but this morning I totally enjoyed my 10 mile run at Cherry Creek State Park. I feel much more mentally prepared for running longer distances now – that’s a big thing for me because not long ago running longer than 30 minutes was UNHEARD of.

I think a big issue for me was learning to slow down on my runs – I’d burn out way too quickly on longer runs. I found this great article about the importance of taking your long runs slow (Runner’s World suggests 45-90 seconds slower than anticipated race pace!) and I used their advice this morning on my run, took it slow and steady and had an amazing run.

I rocked my Zensah compression sleeves and Newton Gravity shoes today – can’t say enough praise for those two running gear items. And yes I stopped running at 10.01 – don’t want to be an overachiever! 

My average pace was 9:36 which was perfect according to the RW article’s advice, and my fastest lap pace was 9:20 – I’m happy with that.

me (not dead!) happy after my run…also rocking my Athleta headband and Oakleys – love those for running too

I ran alone this morning – my favorite running buddy was sleeping in today – which I feel was really good for me to do because normally I like to do longer runs with a pace buddy because I’m mentally a running wimp. BUT I kept myself on pace, didn’t stop once, and managed to keep my Espresso Love Gu down (there was an awkward gurgle noise for a min so I was afraid the Gu wasn’t going to end well). We’ll call it a successful Sunday Runday, and YES it was a Funday :)

Came home and Jonah made me a Gluten and Dairy Free (but not flavor free!) egg sandwich.

delicious

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How was your long run this weekend?

Have you ever had a mental block for running longer distances?

Favorite mid-run fuel?? (I’m still in search of the perfect supplement)

Gear Review – LOVE MY ZENSAH

I have really bad calves. Constantly tight, sore and all in knots. The kind of bad that I literally will beg my fiance to rub my calves every night. A few years ago I tore my soleus (that’s the inner calf muscle) and that calf has never been the same. Short story; my calves suck, I’ve just lived with pain and my fiance probably has constantly raw thumbs.

BUT I think I’ve found my calf savior – Zensah compression leg sleeves. I’ve worn them only once so far – a 7.5 miler last night – but I feel like I need to run to the top of Pike Peak and shout out to the world how ABSOLUTELY AMAZING these things are! I’m sold, hooked – I’m a total believer in the Zensah magic.

I felt like I could push myself a little harder than I normally would, and I didn’t feel tight or like I was going to hurt myself. Point is, it was amazing…I felt like I was running before my injury.

PLUS, they’re super fashionable (semi-serious…they looked cute with my runner skirt, but not sure they’re office appropriate) and come in a rainbow of colors to match (or mismatch) all your running clothes.

I’m going to need to make a budget for my newest addiction – I wonder if Zensah has a calf sleeve of the month club? hmmm…