How I messed Up on My Tempo Run + New Instagram Approach
Another tempo run behind me! However, several factors made this run harder than it should have been.
As you can tell from this picture, I had no idea how fast I was running. My pace was all over the place, and I blame it on my Apple Watch. I prefer to run with my Garmin (thanks Ciji), but since it was still dark outside, I decided to use my Apple Watch instead. You see, the Apple Watch automatically lights up when you look at it, but you have to press a button on the Garmin to get it to light up, which can get annoying on a run.
I was trying to keep up my 9:00 pace according to my Apple Watch, but with every mile my Strava app would tell me a completely different pace, sometimes by as much as 45 seconds! That is not good, because I need to preserve every bit of muscle energy that I have at this point in training. Going too hard, or not hard enough, on any one run can mess everything else up.
I turned my Apple Watch off mid-run and just tried to trust my legs for the last tempo mile and the cool down mile. Other factors came into play this time around as well:
1. I HAVE to start eating something before every run. We are past the point where I can get up and go without the proper fuel. I feel the drop in energy during my runs when I don't eat beforehand, and that won't do.
2. I didn't use the bathroom before I walked out the door... If you know you know.
3. I am pretty sure I need new shoes. Not only am I pushing 300 miles with these, I wasn't sure they were the "right" ones for me to begin with. I bought them before half marathon training began, actually before I even decided to run a half marathon. They were purchased off of others' recommendations but not based on my own foot, stride, etc. I am starting to feel a slight twinge in the arch of my right foot and my right shin. It could just be muscle fatigue, but I want to make sure I am doing everything I can to prevent injury. This weekend I plan to visit a local running store and get a proper assessment and shoe recommendation.
While I am there, I will get some gels to try out on Sunday's long run.
I will let you know how that goes!
Lastly, I think I will try something different with my Instagram account. I often see some pretty cool things when I am out running. I decided to start capturing some of those sights. Whether it be a pretty sky or a furry friend, it will be much better than posting a bunch of nasty, sweaty pictures of me!
Speaking of Instagram, be sure to follow - @okto21k
Talk soon!
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