1.28.2008

Lunchtime 5k

Another week, another challenge. I've decided (and have had it suggested to me) that I should try running some 5k events after I train a bit more. Keeping this in mind, I decided that from here on out (unless I have more than a 1/2 hour to run), I'll try to do roughly a 5k run every session. Because our treadmill at work only goes one decimal point, I set my goal at 3.2 miles (a little overkill, but having that little extra bit can only help).
The run went fairly smoothly, but the gym was stupidly hot today; I guess that is a good wakeup call for when summer begins and I start running outside again. I was able to finish the run in 27:20, but cramped up a little in the middle; I guess when it's hotter I need to try to hydrate even more. I just find it hard to run while the ground is rapidly moving under me while trying to drink out of my travel mug - perhaps I need to get myself some kind of sport bottle that is a little more user-friendly. All in all, it was a good run. I have hockey tonight, so it'll be interesting to see how my run inpacts, if at all, my energy level while skating. One thing I learned from this weekend is that I really need to find a way to increase my speed on the ice; I get by, but when I'm skating the puck up from the defensive zone, I always feel like I'm going in slow motion. If I didn't have decent puck handling skills and didn't know how to protect it with my own body, I'd get picked off every time. I'd like to get to the point where I can actually make a move and blow past forwards (defense are easy, they're all slow like me!).

4 comments:

julie said...

Great job!
regardless of heat you should be able to run a 5k without drinking. drink in the AM before your run to make sure you don't go into it dehydrated, but your body can sustain for 30 min without.

yeahdog said...

Right on. I generally get through a whole brita pitcher before my run, but I always bring some water with me in case I get dry. I ran without sipping the first couple times and cramped, so my brother told me to drink during. That cleared things up, but, as I mentioned, the cramping returned. I'm just worried if I drink too much, I'll have to pee while I'm running (and yes, I take care of that before I head down!)

julie said...

too much water can cramp you too! there are lots of reasons for cramping- it's possible that you're low on electrolytes - potassium shortages will cramp you right away. the other thing is i find the cramps go away as you get in better shape- it might just be from pushing too hard.

yeahdog said...

I think that might be it; I increased my pace yesterday. I don't think my body liked that. At least, unlike that other time, it was only a faint cramp that went away quickly.