Today I ran my longest distance ever, approximately 15.4 miles. I say approximately because I started tracking my miles about a mile out and then at 13.4 (which was actually 14.4) I stopped it accidently. I blame myself because I didn’t check the battery on my Polar so no distance was given on my training computer but I’ll remember for next time! I’m giving myself a break on that one because I did have everything set out and ready to go for my 4:15am wake-up so forgetting one thing (two, I left my earphones at home too) is not so bad. Anyhow, the route was already mapped out by Darlene, marathon and ultra-runner extraordinaire! A group of about 10 from Black Girls Run! ran between 12-20 miles today.
Despite my early rise I felt great when we started to run. I stayed with Miya for the first 8 miles or so and then my adrenaline kicked in and I took off. It is amazing how different running a large loop is than doing my usual out and back. If you are not in Atlanta, you won’t appreciate this but I ran from Colony Square to Buckhead and back. I ran over the highway twice and was amazed by the distance I covered.
But shortly after mile 9 or 10 my calves started giving me serious problems. They were knotting up and although I stopped by Chick Fil-A for some salt, it didn’t seem to help. I think I need to start carrying salt with me on my long runs, the last time I cramped like that was last November during the Thanksgiving Half. Cramps are the worst – especially when you have 6 more miles to go! But like a champ, I ran/walked/limped my way to finish the distance. As much as I wanted to complete the 16 miles I figured it was better just to finish up and not injure myself when I reached our starting point. After the run I came home, showered and used my stick to roll out my cramps. I’m still cramping but it is much better than earlier. I took a 20 minute nap and just finished cooking the most delicious meal – Shrimp fried “rice”
In this instance, the “rice” is actually cauliflower. I have to say that this dish is really delicious. I have been having a ball in the kitchen trying out new recipes. Several of the books and blogs I read utilize cauliflower as rice and I’ve been wanting to try it out. It felt so good to eat a heaping plate full without the guilt of loading up on rice and feeling guilty. For this recipe I adapted the Asian Fried Rice recipe on Nom Nom Paleo a GREAT resource for paleo recipes!
I guess for the rest of the day I’ll just lay about and enjoy doing nothing. I do this so infrequently that this is a special treat!
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Try drinking nuun the ay before and eating some salty snack the night before as well, pretzels, popcorn, ( its my excuse to eat chips) I am a very sweaty runner and cramp easy, but I notice if I hydrate with nuun and water prior and eat some chips to get some good salt, I cramp very little if at all
Thanks for the tip chica! I don’t generally cook with much salt so the idea of chips or something salty makes sense. Guess I’ll find some sweet potato chips (sticking to Paleo) for next week!
Thanks for sharing this website! I’m following her..this looks so yummy. I’m gonna try to incorporate some paleo in my diet. Now, I just got to get my kids and hubby on board ’cause I don’t have time to make a lot of meals.