Through my research on running, I've read about the importance of a runner's diet. However, I felt all that runner's diet stuff should be reserved for real runners.....WRONG!!! I learned all about it first-hand during WEEK 16.
My gross underestimation of the importance of a runner's diet came to a head during my first 6-miler on Sunday, but I got a preview on Halloween during my 4-miler. Let's just say that a bucketful of Halloween candy, especially chocolate, is NOT good running fuel. It ran through my digestive system faster than I could run 4 miles.
Sometime during the week, I got a craving for Cap'n Crunch and that's pretty much all I ate leading up to my 6-miler on Sunday. The good news is that I made it through the entire 6 miles a lot faster than I thought I would, 1:06:08. On the other hand, I could barely walk when I finished. My legs were so wobbly, a woman on the trail actually stopped her workout to ask me if I was OK. I felt fine from the waist up, but my legs were completely done. I wasn't really in pain, my legs just didn't want to move anymore.
Therefore, I've come to the realization that I may actually be a runner now and I may need to start eating like one. So long to the Junk Food Pyramid!
WEEK 16 Recap:
- Monday: Rest
- Tuesday: 2 miles
- Wednesday: 4 miles
- Thursday: Rest
- Friday: 4 miles
- Saturday: Cross training
- Sunday: 6 miles
- TOTAL: 16 MILES
Injury/Health Report: I feel fine now, but my legs were a mess after Sunday's run. I'm guessing it was a result of eating poorly all week and not hydrating properly during the run, which leads me to the Tech Report.
Tech Report: I've been shopping for a hydration belt in order to hydrate on the run. I'm getting into longer runs now, and there aren't too many water fountains on the paths I frequent. I'm still in my research phase, so I haven't purchased one yet. But I did buy some more running gear. I decided to try the Champion C9 line from Target again, but with better luck this time. I got some sports bras, moisture wicking shirts, a pair of running tights, and a wicking zip-up jacket. The sports bras are a no-no: those have to be returned. The short-sleeved tops serve their purpose and I haven't tried the running tights yet, but they look good when I tried them on.
I'm really going to try to get through this week without eating any junk food, but I don't know if I can do it. I definitely need a better plan to eat healthier without depriving myself of the treats I love. Any suggestions?
Almost Thirty
2 comments:
I know what you mean about the chocolate. It's so good, though. :)
Look at the Fuel Belt for hydration. I've heard good things about them. I have to buy one myself; I'm tired of carrying a bottle.
Let me know if you have any good tips on eating healthier. Junk food is too tempting. Haha... All I can think of is preplanned meals.
Thanks for the Fuel Belt suggestion. I'll check it out.
As far as the runner's diet...I have ZERO self control. As someone who has never been overweight, I have little to no motivation to diet. But I know I have to try if I really want to be a runner.
I'll keep you posted.
Run well!
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