2020, June Challenge, Long Runs

Unless you've been living under a big boulder these days, you should be aware of the current political, and social climate of our country. Yes, Black people are still fighting for the end of blatant and systematic racism as we have been for hundreds of years through voting, protesting, rioting, speeches, and marches. In 2020, unfortunately, we're still at it. That being said, that is the reason for this mural that was painted on both the wall and the trail grounds of the Eastside Beltline here in Atlanta.

I and a few folks in one of my run clubs set out for a 45-minute out and back route through Midtown this morning. My goal was to run 10 miles. I am apart of a Nike 100-mile June Challenge and I am also trying to build my base to run a virtual half marathon at the end of next month. It would be great to do this while I have so much "free" time and before busy seasons starts back up.

3 out of 4 weekend long runs this month, I ran 10 miles. Father's Day I cut it short to 8 so I could get back home quickly to begin the festivities. I am definitely ready to ramp my training miles up to 11 next week (fingers crossed that the home schedule will allow).

During this month I experienced the routine knee pain that I always experience whenever I start running further. I iced and really stretched like you're supposed to. I'm known to skip proper stretching which is such a no, no. That pain went away. Thank God. It was time for some new shoes as well. 

On today's run around mile 7, a little hamstring pain seemed to come out of nowhere. Maybe I stretched a cold muscle this morning? To remedy this, I stretched and took an old fashion ice bath when I got home. We'll see if that did the trick during tomorrow's recovery run.

Today's run was also very HUMID as I don't know what, but my pace ended up being the same as my last 10-mile run. Listening to my body and running in this Atlanta heat, I'll definitely be bringing my fuel belt along next week. When I used to distance run in the past, some things that helped me were Gatorade and Jelly Belly Sports Beans around the 8-10 mile mark. I have some Energy Gels in the pantry right now I'll be experimenting with. If someone told me I needed to run 3 more miles this morning, I wouldn't have made it, which is how I know I was becoming dehydrated and my carb-loaded dinner from last night had burned away. 

I bet you can tell where the hills were on my route. The Beltline is a steady incline, but it's not that bad (plus I've been stroller running it a few times). But, if you guessed mile 8, you are correct! If you've ever run UP 10th strength starting from the bottom of Piedmont Park, you KNOW that LOOOONG incline is a beast! I made it up without stopping though. The last hill I had to conquer was at mile 10 going up the 17th street bridge.

Anyway, I was so happy to be done, back in my car, and to my water. I guzzled all 32 oz of it on spot. After this 100-mile challenge is over, I think I am going to run longer on fewer days (depending on my children) and continue strength workouts during the week.

What have been some of your summer fitness goals?