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August 22, 2013

A Summery 12 Miler

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Another marathon training long run is done and in the books! This morning, my training buddy Kathleen and I knocked out 12 sweaty and hot miles. Summer is back in DC, apparently!

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Today’s run was just “eh” – not terrible but not amazing, either. The great company and scenery definitely helped, though!

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For today’s run, we ran out along the Custis Trail next to I-66 for awhile before linking up with the W&OD trail. I love that there are so many trails in Virginia/DC!

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We did a simple out and back, and at the turn around at mile 6 we stopped and both had one of these “Roctane” Gu gels. I’ve been experimenting with different types of gels and flavors just to mix it up, but neither of us liked this one. The caffeine definitely helped with morale, but the “Island Nectar” flavor was kind of gross. I might try some of the other flavors next time – or maybe just stick with my old faves the espresso Hammer Gel and mocha Clif Shot Gel. 🙂 I just ordered a big box of those for us in preparation for the many miles to come!

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Mentally, I love out and back runs – it’s always nice to think “I just have to run 6 miles, then turn back and run home!” vs. “I have to run 12 miles.” Hey – if mind games work for running, then go with it, right?

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We were glad the trail was mostly shady – it was definitely warm out there this morning.

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Near the end of the run, my right knee was starting to bother me a little bit – not pain, just feeling really stiff. That’s the knee that I had problems with a few years ago, though, which makes me nervous. I’m just trying to ice it as much as I can – and I need to make sure to keep up my hip strengthening, too. Hoping it doesn’t become a real problem later…

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12 miles – done and done. I don’t have our splits as I’m still borrowing my friend Karen’s watch (thanks, girl!) until the new one I ordered comes (more on that when it arrives!), but we finished in 1:54:38 and averaged about a 9:33 min/mile pace. I think the second half was slower than the first – we were both feeling worn out on the return lap today.

This was a step down week (last week we did 14 miles), and next week my running coach Mary has us doing 16 miles for our long run. I’m excited about 16 – I feel like that is when we’ll really feel like we’re marathon training instead of half marathon training. Eek!

While we’re speaking of running, I also wanted to say a big thank you to Women’s Running Magazine for featuring me in their latest issue! I’m so honored and excited to be in there! 🙂

womens running magazine

And now, back to work – my AnneTheRD business has gotten really busy again now that everyone is coming back from vacation and interested in nutrition again. 🙂

Have a wonderful day, my friends! How’s your running going this week? Any new PDRs or great runs?

- anne
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39 comments
  • Jackie
    August 22, 2013 · 2:04PM:
    What beautiful views on your run!!!
    Reply
  • Hillary | Nutrition Nut on the Run
    August 22, 2013 · 2:14PM:
    Congrats on the mag feature and I'm happy your business is going well!!
    Reply
  • Colleen L
    August 22, 2013 · 2:19PM:
    Very cool about the magazine! Looks like your marathon training is going well. So smart to do your long run on a weekday. Last time around I did a lot of my long runs early Friday mornings and loved how free it made the weekend feel, but I haven't been as successful this training cycle at getting up early, haha.
    Reply
  • KATIE
    August 22, 2013 · 2:24PM:
    I'm a Gu fan and not a fan of hammer gels, but haven't tried the Roctane line yet. I'll be sure to stay away from the that flavor (although it doesn't sound like anything I'd pick up) the gu vanilla is my favorite!
    Reply
  • Sophie @ life's philosophie
    August 22, 2013 · 2:39PM:
    I love hearing about all the fuel you're experimenting with. I have tried the jelly beans and chomps, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to test out the Gu options... Do you have any advice on how to incorporate fuel into your runs? I'm nervous about "ruining" a run with a bad fueling experience.
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 22, 2013 · 3:43PM:
      Just mix it up, try different things, and see what works for you! Everyone is different. :) I like gels a lot better than jelly beans/chomps though - much easier to eat while breathing heavily since you don't have to chew them!
      Reply
  • Kelly @ Kelly Runs for Food
    August 22, 2013 · 2:42PM:
    That's awesome you're in the magazine! I ran outside on Sunday and I've also had two 3.5 mile treadmill runs this week so far. Nothing super long, but I'm not training for a race so I'm just enjoying myself!
    Reply
  • Taylor @ Single-tracked Mind
    August 22, 2013 · 2:52PM:
    Not every run can be great - that's what makes the good ones even better! 16 is definitely marathon training territory! Congrats on the magazine feature!
    Reply
  • Sean M
    August 22, 2013 · 2:56PM:
    Ok, we're going to have to do something about you and GU! #JustSayNO!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 22, 2013 · 3:02PM:
      Haha why??
      Reply
  • Sokphal
    August 22, 2013 · 3:04PM:
    Congrats on the magazine feature! Woot, woot! :)
    Reply
  • Sarah B
    August 22, 2013 · 3:12PM:
    Funny, I'm running the same trail tonight. I love that run but am a little nervous increasing mileage with the sticky weather. Nice weather come back!!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 22, 2013 · 3:42PM:
      I know I can't wait for fall running - it was such a tease last week!
      Reply
  • Lindsley Harner August 22, 2013 · 3:17PM:
    Love the vest. What brand is it? Have used the Camelback but don't like how it feels running.
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 22, 2013 · 3:42PM:
      It's the CamelBak one - I don't 100% love it either... chafing issues if I have a tank top on.
      Reply
  • Bret Johnson
    August 22, 2013 · 3:23PM:
    Beautiful pics Anne, DC looks amazing this time of year. Congrats on the mag feature :)
    Reply
  • Em @ Love A Latte
    August 22, 2013 · 4:22PM:
    Just found your blog and excited to follow your marathon training!!! Great run today! :) I'm marathon training right now too - just did my 20 miles last weekend and I'd say it went pretty good. I felt better at the end than the beginning. I've got 5 weeks to go... I love the Cliff mocha gel and lately I've been liking the GU peanut butter flavor.
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 22, 2013 · 4:29PM:
      How exciting! I can't even imagine how 20 miles will feel. :) Good luck with your training!
      Reply
  • Kathleen Wood August 22, 2013 · 5:45PM:
    Ohhh congrats on the article!!! You didn't tell me that!
    Reply
  • christina @ The Beautiful Balance
    August 22, 2013 · 6:57PM:
    LOVE that you have your own private practice. Exactly what I strive to do as well once I'm done with the program :)
    Reply
  • Tara | Treble in the Kitchen
    August 23, 2013 · 4:47AM:
    It is so amazing that they featured you in Women's Running magazine!! :) I love it!! I just signed up for a fall half marathon and I am working on getting my plan developed, but today I actually get to have my VO2 max tested so that I can really increase my speed with this one!
    Reply
  • Charlie
    August 23, 2013 · 6:06AM:
    What hip strengthening moves would your recommend? I am marathon training and I know my knee might start acting up! also my hips are so inflexibile!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 23, 2013 · 9:24AM:
      Try these lateral leg exercises that I made a post and video about a few years ago (it's super nerdy, don't judge :) )--- http://www.fannetasticfood.com/strengthab-exercises/lateral-leg-exercises/
      Reply
      • Charlie @therunnerbeans
        August 23, 2013 · 12:04PM:
        Thanks so much, will take a look at that when Im not in the office!!
        Reply
  • Kristi
    August 23, 2013 · 6:29AM:
    I'm so jealous of all your gorgeous trails!
    Reply
  • Becks @ eatwriterunrepeat
    August 23, 2013 · 7:21AM:
    Nice! I was on the W&OD trail yesterday...but I only made it two miles in the heat! Very awesome that you're in Women's Running - congrats!
    Reply
  • Mari @ Living with Purpose
    August 23, 2013 · 8:31AM:
    I love the idea of splitting up the run mentally like that. I'm going to have to try that! Running is so mental for me. What are your tips for running in the heat? I have cross country this fall and all of our runs are going to be in the heat of the afternoon, and I am used to running in the early morning. I'm a little nervous!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 23, 2013 · 9:22AM:
      Oh man - afternoon heat - yikes! Just make sure to stay VERY hydrated. A hat or visor might help, too, so the sun isn't directly on your face. If you start feeling not so great, listen to your body and take a break! Heat stroke is no joke. Good luck and have fun :)
      Reply
  • Lindsay @ Live. Love. Nutrition.
    August 23, 2013 · 12:44PM:
    I'm always so jealous of all your running trails! They look gorgeous and are definitely areas I'd love to run!! 16 miles will definitely feel like your marathon training. I was training for my first marathon this time last year and remember getting into the longer miles - best feeling when your finish! As for fuel, I really like the Gu espresso flavor. I use the peanut butter flavor as well, but lately haven't been a fan of the texture while running. Also, I'm looking to experiment with a few different options before my half in the fall so I will have to give hammer gel and the clif one a try since they come in coffee flavors :) I just can't do the fruit flavored ones! Nice job on finishing your run even though it didn't feel like a great one!
    Reply
  • Anna @ Fitness à la Anna
    August 23, 2013 · 12:52PM:
    I went for a hot run with a couple ladies from work at lunch, I am also into the 'there and back' runs! We only did a measly 5km today, but its all that we can fit in during the afternoon at work ;) Congrats on being in Women's Running Magazine though! That is so amazing!!
    Reply
  • Betsy August 23, 2013 · 2:07PM:
    Congrats on being in Women's Running magazine!!
    Reply
  • Kris S August 23, 2013 · 2:38PM:
    Woohoo! :)
    Reply
  • Lauri
    August 23, 2013 · 3:47PM:
    I just tried the mocha clif gel for the first time today and I loved it! Tastes like coffee/chocolate frosting! I think I have that same garmin and you can view your splits - you have to save the run, then hold down the lower left button to get to history and you can view the splits. I'm probably not explaining it well but I think you can do it!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 26, 2013 · 11:39AM:
      Oh interesting - good to know! I'll have to check and see if I can view them!
      Reply
  • Jan @ Sprouts n Squats
    August 23, 2013 · 8:07PM:
    Sounds like a great run even if you thought it was just eh. I did a 15km run last Saturday as I'm training for my first half, it was just ok the weather was windy so it was not the easiest run.
    Reply
  • Ja @Ja on the RUN
    August 23, 2013 · 8:20PM:
    Love the trail you have there! It looks similar to the one we have here and I love it coz it's shaded and it really helps a lot especially in the hot summer days! :) Happy Running! :)
    Reply
  • RunnerGirlEats
    August 24, 2013 · 9:50AM:
    Out and back runs are the easiest for me mentally too. I always look forward to the turn around point then get a new burst on my way back :) Congrats on the mag feature!
    Reply
  • Kate August 25, 2013 · 10:48PM:
    It’s funny you mention that you like doing the ‘out and back’ style run…I find that the longer I’m walking/running away from where I need to return to, the more it gets to me…I love the ‘point-to-point’ style run as I know I’m getting closer with every step! Different strokes for different folks I guess! I reflect on this point as we did a 15km run yesterday, lots of hills. I’m a walker but branching into some running/jogging to try to beat my previous marathon time (which is now only 6 weeks away…eek!) but yesterday we did our 15km in 1hr 48mins. We were pleased with that as I wasn’t feeling it yesterday!! This Sunday, our mileage building walk is 32.2km…we’re walking from Halls Gap to Stawell (my old home town and mum and dad’s house) – lovely early-morning stroll through the Australian countryside!
    Reply
    • Anne
      August 26, 2013 · 11:37AM:
      That is funny - to each their own! The reason I like the second half is what you said, though - getting closer with every step! :) Enjoy your 32.2km - sounds like a beautiful walk!
      Reply
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anne mauney fannetastic food
Hi, I’m Anne! I'm a Washington D.C. based Registered Dietitian, mother, runner, and lover of travel, adventure, and the great outdoors. I've been blogging since 2009, sharing a mix of lifestyle content, recipes, and fitness tips. Come for the recipes – stay for the fun!
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anne mauney

I’m Anne, a Registered Dietitian and mother. I've been blogging since 2009 and love showing others that eating nutritious foods and staying active can actually be fun rather than overwhelming!

When I’m not writing or cooking for fannetastic food, you can find me running, coaching nutrition clients, or on an adventure with my family. Feel free to reach out - I'd love to hear from you!

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