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Long Runs Done and Nature’s Ice Bath
I had a different long run plan for today. In order to do this plan, I needed some different post-run gear.
I set out a little later than usual because we had a late night last night and not a lot planned today that I needed to hurry home for. I didn’t leave the house until 7:30 and I drove to the beach to start. I decided on doing my whole run at the beach – 6 miles out and back.
Thankfully the weather is still mild or I would have been hurting by the end. Everything went great! I’m glad I packed a 3rd dose of Cliff Blocks because I needed it. I also went through all four of my Fuel Belt bottles of Nuun and refilled with water that I drank as well. I was feeling pretty salty at some point.
I went a little too fast for my training plan, but I felt great, so I decided to go with it. I’d get a pace notification and think “ok, slow down”, but I didn’t. Oh well.
Here’s my turn around point.
Pretty landscaping in this part of town on the bike path. I guess if you live in a house like this one, you want pretty landscaping to go with your beach view?
Then, I did my 6 miles back.
Final distance – 12 miles!! Total time: 2:23:40, avg. pace 11:57 (my LR training plan pace is 12:30-13:00)
Mile 1: 12:41
Mile 2: 12:51
Mile 3: 11:30
Mile 4: 15:28
Mile 5: 11:48
Mile 6: 11:37
Mile 7: 13:13
Mile 8: 11:57
Mile 9: 13:32
Mile 10: 12:44
Mile 11: 13:10
Mile 12: 10:55
As you can see, I’m a bit a lot inconsistent. And why I’m excited about a pacer for the race 
The last mile I did just decide to see what I had left. I didn’t go all out, but I tried to push a little.
When I finished and walked a few minutes, I sat down and took off my shoes and compression socks. Note: contorting to get off compression socks immediately after running for 2+ hours makes for LOTS of muscle cramps. Ugh.
I left my shoes in the sand.
And walked down to the water.
And submersed myself in Nature’s Ice Bath.
This was recommended to me by my friend ‘Alice’ who has yet to steer me wrong in advice. The cold, salt and wave motion is really a fantastic ice bath. It felt soooo good. Her advice was actually this: “hobble down to the water and get in”. And, that I did.
I haven’t done this before because I usually start and end at home, but today I drove to the beach. I was thankful to find street (not-metered) parking because I don’t think I could pay for more than 2 hours on the meters and I knew I’d be running more than 2.
Anyway, the flip flops and towel were very handy. My clothes did get wet, but I was already so sweaty it didn’t matter much.
Then, I hit up Starbucks (I’m sure I looked rather scary) and came home to clean out the blister I mentioned yesterday that was now filled with sand. Oops. At least the blisters didn’t get any worse. Thanks for all the blister advice, by the way. I do wear good socks, but I think I might need to check out some different sock options. I’m also thinking it’s just one pair of my shoes (I bought 2 new ones and am rotating them). Note to self: I wore the red ones today and no new blisters.
Have a great Sunday!
Nice job on your long run! You’re definitely ready for your race!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted..Friday Five
Thanks Michelle! I’m getting excited.
Great long run and I love the finish in the ocean!! I saw a sweat post-run woman in the grocery store today and reminded myself not to judge–it could be me!
Coco recently posted..Silent Sunday
Hee hee. Not only ‘could’ it be me – it often ‘is’ me!
What a great idea!!! I had never thought to end at the beach. I run by one and think “Oh wouldn’t it be nice to go jump in that water!” Great run!!
Fancy Nancy recently posted..…..On my way to where the air is sweet!!!…
What an awesome way to end a long run! GREAT JOB!!!
Jill recently posted..Pound Cake Strikes Again