Wednesday, May 26, 2010

Yikes!

“It ain't the heat; it's the humility.”
Yogi Berra

Mother nature definitely has a sense of humor. Only three weeks ago, I ran my first race (10K) in the cold and snow...and for my second race this Sunday (half-marathon), we will be in the midst of a heat wave. To be honest, I'm terrified a little worried. On Monday, we went for a run at 5:30pm and after 5K I couldn't continue...I was soaking wet and I was only wearing a sports bra and shorts. Today, we needed to complete 10K, our last run at race pace before R-day. We waited and went around 7:30pm (morning wasn't possible). It was still in the high 20's (80's), but there was some cooling wind and it was bearable. So we did it...and although it wasn't too bad, I still find it much more difficult in this weather. Thank goodness many of you have written posts with lots of advice to help us run in this weather. Thanks bloggers (I know I should have remembered who's blogs I got this information from, but I didn't think of it at the time)! 

The not-so-good news:
I've never done a half-marathon before
I'm from Québec, Canada...my body reacts well to cold and snow, but it only expects heat in July
I'm a newbie, this is my first week ever of training in the heat
It feels like any water I drink goes directly out through my pores (I sweat like crazy)
I don't do Gu

The better news:
I'm used to running with a fuel belt - with four bottles (28oz. in all)
I'm used to eating sports beans and drinking Gatorade
I use the 10/1 method, so I have a few breaks along the way
Race starts at 9am, so it should be a bit cooler
I've survived my training runs this week

SO, I choose to not worry too much and just do the best I can. I will not worry about my pace at all and I will focus on listening to my body and keeping hydrated! I've been drinking water all day over the last few days and will continue doing so. I plan to focus on carbs over the next three days...and I'm going to avoid fiber and dairy as much as possible. Finally, I'm in bed by 10:30 and will continue until race day and beyond. If there's anything I haven't thought of...please let me know. I am grateful for any advice I can get. My main goal, is to complete my half-marathon and avoid pain. I am getting so excited!!!

Thanks everyone for your encouragement throughout my training.
Wish me luck!
Cheers!

32 comments:

Will said...

Good luck out there...I'm sure you will finish, but the without pain part might be hard to achieve. Remember, if it is really hot, poor water over your head at the aid stations. it will keep your body temp down. Rock it!

MCM Mama said...

Good luck out there! Respect the heat and hydrate well and you should do great.

Beth said...

First of all, no matter what happens, you will have a PR and so much to be proud of to run your first half marathon. Don't doubt yourself- you've trained well and you are prepared. Just hydrate, get enough salt, and adjust your strategy as needed. You have so much to be proud of- treat your run as a celebration and enjoy it!

Sarah said...

I did my first half a few weeks ago and it was record heat and humidity...I am much more comfortable running in the cold too! I used a belt with gatorade and got water at every stop...it wasn't nearly as bad a I thought it would be. Good luck!

Hi! I'm Erin said...

You will be fine! Sounds like you know what to do in the heat. You probably will have to slow down, but just focus on finishing and you'll do great!

Meg said...

I say, remember to have fun and smile...I have a friend running her first half in two weeks and I think making the most of the moment is the most important. You'll never forget this new accomplishment!

Steel Springs said...

Good luck and have a great time! It sounds like you've got a good plan for dealing with the heat. Enjoy the pre-race excitement!

Char said...

Water, water and more water. Take it out conservatively and you'll be fine. You have to respect the heat.

Amy said...

Anne, you sound ready and very positive - no matter how hot it is, you are going to make it. Don't forget there will be additional water and sports drink on the course, so don't worry about drinking everything you're carrying! I will keep my fingers crossed that the heat will be reasonable.

Johann said...

Just make sure you drink enough during the run. I usually find I have to drink more than I feel/think in hot weather. Don't start to fast and if it's really hot just relax and take it easy. Don't worry about the time, just stay comfortable and finish.

Good Luck! You'll do great!

Suzy said...

GL! You'll do great. Drink enough fluids and you will rock the half. There should be water stops on the course as well. Can't wait to read all about it.

Jennifer said...

Anne, its your attitude that will get you through. Stay positive, keep smiling and remember you only have to finish to get a PR. You will have so much fun you'll hardly notice the heat! Gook Luck!!!

Kelly said...

I hope you have a great time on your first half. We are having the same heat wave here in Toronto... all I can say is thank goodness you are running early in the morning, and the water over the head recommended by someone else sounded like a great idea. Good luck!

Marlene said...

Definitely not ideal conditions for this weekend. What is with this heat wave? It is only natural to slow down in the heat so don't worry too much about that. It takes time to get used to that. Running long distances, we need to be SMART! Try to stay in the shade when possible and hydrate like crazy. Have fun!

Claire said...

Sounds like you're going about it right. Just keep drinking while running and don't go out to fast!! And most importantly...have a GREAT time!! You can only run your first half once!

Jamoosh said...

Slow down; take it easy; no rush - you'll do well!

Judi said...

I don't like running in heat either! I think I stopped at almost every water station last Saturday during my half!

I think you are doing great in the preparation! I do think getting enough rest is one of the most important things you can do!

Good luck! :)

AM-GoalsfortheWeek! said...

so crazy you're having a heat wave! it's dumping buckets of water over here in CAL at the moment. bizarre weather for sure...

and you'll do fabu w/your race;-)

ajh said...

The most important thing is to have fun! Enjoy your first half.

momof3 said...

Relax and have fun. The training is the hard part, the race is your reward! I ran my first Half Marathon in 88 degree heat and high humidity. So. it was a learning experience. If I could go back and tell myself ONE thing, I would suggest that even if you don't normally salt your food, you might want to add a little salt to your diet the day before the race. Or have a bowl of canned soup (which has enough salt for the week). That way you'll be 'carrying' a little extra sodium & H2O on race day.

Robin said...

You are doing going to do a GREAT job! Remember: water (check!), electrolytes/salt, and potassium to keep the cells hydrated (see list from earlier this wk on Turtles blog for food suggestions). I was thinking about you this morning, that this was probably race weekend, then saw your comment (t/y!).

Enjoy it, enjoy it, enjoy it. If you get a chance, check out my "firsts" on the right margin - the post about my first 10K, which was hot/humid - an excellent learning lesson. Your fuel belt will come in handy, I'm certain.

I'm soooooo excited for you and will be sending bloggy love and hugs all day and all the way from Orlando!! :-)

HUGS!!

Molly said...

It's sounds like you're all set, I agree that it's a good idea to up the water for a few days before the race. Have a great time and Good Luck!

kilax said...

Good luck! In the heat, remember to refill your water bottles at the stops... even if it takes time. You won't regret it :)

Linda said...

You'll do great.........make sure you use the water stops as slops ;) Keep cool.....I'd love to send you some of this snow that's around.

ajh said...

Hi Anne,
Is Ontario in the next time zone? I am worried about the heat on Sunday too but it is what it is. I just looked up my pace for goal #1 that I made and I went yikes! I don't know if it is doable. 3+ 4 will not be easy but I could do. I will be thinking of you. A half is so much fun but it is only your second race! You are amazing. I so hope you enjoy it.

Sherri said...

Your so ready! Your going to do great! I am so excited to hear about it! Good Luck!

Multiple myeloma treatment said...

I think every one suffering with asthma attack should participate in this event.

Jill said...

Hey girl, good luck tomorrow!!!! I'm soo very excited for you, you're going to do awesome. Stay hydrated for sure, it will be good. I'll be cheering for you from Denver!!!!!

Laura said...

Sounds like you've had similar weather to us in England, hot/cold/hot/rainy... Make your mind up haha

I'm guessing by the time you read this you will have done your first half! Hope it went well, I can't wait to read your recap!

Irene said...

Wishing you a comfortable race!

We've had some crazy weather here, too.

amol said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
amol said...

Best information i like the article. Also I found good information on Rasyog ayurveda