Some great advice - and the run wasn't so bad either

Posted by cselland on 8/4/2007 on cselland's blog

First of all, I want to thank Simon and everyone who commented on my admittedly whiny post the other day.

I know from at least some experience how great it feels to finish a marathon, but I clearly could use some advice on a better way to get there. I dropped out of my marathon training last year because I hated the drudgery so much - that won't happen this year (hotels & flights are booked and paid for in Chicago, and the family's looking forward to the trip!) but getting there's the hard part.

The advice I got the other day was extremely helpful and appreciated. I'm looking forward to trying some new things and mixing up the training a bit.

On that note, didn't do much different today in terms of my weekend long run, but I DID make one change in that I did it on the treadmill. Between central air and my beloved Mets on the tube, it wasn't that bad and 15 miles went by pretty painlessly (despite the Mets loss).

2 questions (since I'm really getting into the great advice I'm getting here!)

* It's pretty clear that high temperatures are a big part of the problems I'm having on my long runs. I'm a heavy sweater (and I'm 6'1" 198 lbs) and when it's hot my HR tends to start shooting up after about 8-10 miles. Any suggestions?

* I've discovered that plain Gatorade is my best sports drink for those long runs, but after about 10 miles I also find that Gatorade starts tasting very salty (which is better than alternatives which often make me nauseous). I know it's important to keep the electrolytes up, but I also really start craving just plain water. Any thoughts?

Thanks again and thanks in advance. Things are going to get better, and I'm really discovering how helpful this forum is!

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3 comments

weltal327 says:

I just did 18 miles on Friday and I think the 4 GU that I ate on the trip were a major part of why my run went really well. I was dealing with temps in the '90s probably for the first 5 or 6 miles at least. I need to drink more gatorade, as I usually alternate between gatorade and water during races, but my training runs are only water.

by weltal327 on Mon, 2007-08-06 14:55

baldwyn says:

Awesome! Glad to hear your run was good!

How often are you drinking Gatorade? Alternating might find a good balance. I don't know if you've tried sport beans, or electrolyte pills, but they might be a way to switch to water.

Good running!

by baldwyn on Mon, 2007-08-06 18:38

littlemamalopez says:

Nice job! I'm glad to hear it went well.

On the heat.....I'm from Miami, so I understand the heat. The only way to escape the heat is a treadmill or going out early. The past 2 Runner's World have had excellent articles on running in the heat.

On the fluids.......I prefer "Hydrolyte". It used to be called Gookinaide. It is less sugary and salty and I never feel like it sloshes around in my stomach. The downside of having a preferred drink other than gatorade, is the fact that most races only offer water or gatorade. So unless there is someone on the marathon course to supply you with another drink, you should stick with the gatorade. Another option is to water down the gatorade - I usually water down my gatorade by half.

Keep up the good work!

by littlemamalopez on Mon, 2007-08-06 19:51