Gearing up for another long run

Last night I prepared for my early morning long run. In recent weeks, I scramble to get things together in the morning. Logically it doesn’t make any sense. After searching for about an hour, I couldn’t find my iPod. Now if this had of happened at the crack of dawn, my run would have been thrown off even before I started.

I could handle running without my iPod for shorter distances but not for 20 miles. I went into back up mode. I dug out two of my former friends – purple iPod and pink iPod. You may remember the pink iPod went for a swim in my washing machine a couple years ago. And amazingly worked well.  

I gave this iPod to Sean to fill with music. It has some great stuff on it so I haven’t synched it with my new library. It hasn’t taken a full charge in a while so I hoped it would keep me company. (Ironically the iPod I lost is the one Sean surprised me with for Christmas. Maybe losing my device a sign that I need a new iPod)

I also charged up my iPhone 4. Since I upgraded to the iPhone 5, I have had little use for the old one. I don’t like running with my iPhone because it’s too big. I would make an exception today because I really wanted to listen to a few podcasts.

Fast forward to this morning… I admit I did not bounce out of bed with excitement. In fact I hit snooze for roughly 38 minutes before I slowly got out of bed. Let’s do this I thought! I quickly ate some oatmeal and a power bar. I gulped some water and got dressed.

I cautioned on the side of being too cold than warm. It was nearly 7:30 a.m. and it was already above zero. I set out at about 7:45 a.m. There was no sense waiting around to 8:30 a.m. (when I usually start my long runs). It was light out and I was ready to go.

My route was  mapped out in my head. I wanted to run in the 30k to 32k range. I knew if I didn’t plan something I would be doing a lot of looping or backtracking. Not a fan of that. A few hours later and I am done. I kept a good pace and I was well-fueled for the distance. My only complaint was right foot. Nearing the end of the run, it started acting up and I had to walk a bit. Knock on wood it’s nothing serious.

Every good long run deserves an ice bath. I like to throw in a couple ice packs while the cold water fills the tub. I drink hot tea or coffee to numb the cold. It’s not as bad as it seems. Seriously it does wonders for my recovery! I can almost feel the difference immediately.