First Long Run

This morning my alarm went off at 5AM, and rudely interrupted what had been a very peaceful sleep.   I hit my snooze button repeatedly for about 30 minutes, until I finally dragged myself out of bed, and started my routine of getting ready for my first Saturday morning long run with Fleet Feet.  It took my about half an hour to get dressed, have a light breakfast, and pack a cooler with some water & post run snacks.  I wasn't sure what to expect for this group run, so I packed everything I thought I might want or need for during & after the run:

1. GPS watch (charged)
2. Phone
3. Cash
4. Keys
5. Water bottles
6. Gatorade
7. HCU Express (my unflavored powdered methionine free protein substitute)
8. Crystal Light Raspberry Lemonade on-the-go drink mix - to flavor the HCU Express
9. Blender bottle to mix the HCU Express
10. Directions for the course (in case I get lost)
11. Flip Flops
12. GU Gels
13. Bananas

It's been a while since I've been training for a marathon, and I definitely over-prepared for this first long run.  The run was just a little over 6 miles, and I really didn't need all the extra nutrition.  The group had plenty of snacks and water after the run.  But, I'm also glad I planned ahead.  When you have a metabolic disorder - it's good not to assume there will be low-protein food options at a social event.  It might seem safe to grab a muffin or a slice of banana bread, but just because it's vegan or gluten free, doesn't mean it's low in protein. 

 

You also have to be careful about what to consume the night before an event.  Pre-race pasta dinners are very popular, but regular pasta is higher in protein than you might think.  For someone on a restrictive low-protein diet, it's better to prepare and bring your own low-protein pasta such as Aproten. 

Anyways, enough about nutrition, let's talk about the actual run.  Today, the group met up at the parking lot of Martin Luther King Middle School in Germantown, and we ran a course that went through Black Hills Regional Park.  

It was a scenic out and back course & I ran with the same pace group.  We ran most of the distance, with a few walk breaks.  It was nice to get to know some of the other runners a little better.  We covered a range of topics including favorite races, upcoming training runs, pets, travel, nutrition, our jobs, biking, swimming, and running in the heat & hills.  It was a good conversational run, and considering how humid it was, I'm glad we didn't push the pace.  At the same time, I'm not quite sure I'm in the correct pace group (12:30 minute mile).  I'm trying to be very conservative going into training since I've had some time off, and I realize we are just in the beginning, so the mileage hasn't started to build up yet, but I'm also wondering if I'm playing it too safe.  The next group up is the 11:00 minute mile pace.  I'm going to give it another week or so before I consider making a switch.  I want to make sure I take full advantage of this training program, and that may mean pushing myself a little more.  I'll keep you posted.