16k before breakfast

[JaySeeSkinny]

I set out to do 16k this morning and 16k it was. Nice and slow in pleasant temperatures of 18oC. Runkeeper told me it was my third longest run EVER but I'd like to get a few more long ones in and consolidate the HM distance I did in May (so far just a one-off). On the animal side I saw dogs, cats, crows, magpies and rabbits. The rabbit let me get really close before startling and dashing into the undergrowth. Maybe I'm not as loud and clod-hopping as I think! I was passed by cyclists, in-line skaters and super speedy, pony-tail swishing youngsters in bright red trainers. But I also got to encourage a rather overweight, lumbering man, kitted out with all the gear, who came staggering towards me in the middle of nowhere - with a big grin on his face. I gave him a beam of encouragement and wondered how far he had come, he looked pretty knackered, but good for him, I thought. Another super fit, mid-20s youngster loped towards me and we exchanged conspiratorial smiles. "We are runners" said our smiles "we are among the select few who go out for long runs in the countryside on Sunday mornings". I helped a group of Chinese tourists find their way to the aeroplane museum and sat on a log at 11k to have a cool drink of water and prepare myself for the final push.

The last 5k were covered without stopping, and the final km was really hard. But if you set out to do 16k you just have to, don't you?

The next long run will be 18k and then I want to do that HM distance again. Just to prove it wasn't a fluke.

[Sandraj39 Graduate10]

Well done JaySee! 16k - before breakfast?! Very impressive! I'm assuming you ate something (either before or during?) - I know when I was training for my HM I refuelled quite regularly on my long runs, but then I tend to refuel quite regularly when I'm not running too!! Rest up well and good luck with your next long one!🙂

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10 in reply to Sandraj39]

Actually I only had 2 biscuits (while sitting on my log) and I wasn't very hungry at breakfast. So no, I haven't really eaten much today and certainly haven't refueled properly yet. Might be hungry this evening though. I haven't really got the knack of eating for running purposes yet.

[Hidden]

16km! That's 10 miles in old money. What do you do to keep interested on long runs (apart from rescuing tourists, spotting wildlife and smiling at strange men?)

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

Think, ponder, plan my week (running and otherwise), wonder why my OH is always so tired, try not to fall over, look around, people watch, gasp, suffer ...... there's plenty to do, once you get into it.

[ancientrunner Graduate10]

Well done - strange all the little events that go on in a run. Unfortunately my last one was a spectacular flying header dive, luckily onto grass and no real harm done but I can think of better ways of distracting myself.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to ancientrunner]

No.... are you okay!!

[ancientrunner Graduate10 in reply to Oldfloss]

Fine thanks, couple of superficial grazes and was able to do another 5miles. Made myself laugh later as I realised my first thought was would it make the time really slow.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to ancientrunner]

Glad you are okay.. :)x

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10 in reply to ancientrunner]

I'm about due for my next fall - and every time I go past a place I've fallen in the past I think about it and count the months where I've been "fall-free". Last year I face-planted about every 3 months. This year it's only every 4 months - hopefully longer!

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10 in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

I dread falling... !

[ancientrunner Graduate10 in reply to JaySeeSkinny]

Lucky to have only hit the ground 2 or 3 times but I do trip and stumble quite a lot. I suppose it's to be expected, but I need to lift my feet up more when I am tired. Hopefully you last a long time yet.

[Oldfloss Administrator Graduate10]

Blimey... and I was pleased with my steady but not that slow 3K!!!!!

Go you...wow!!!! That sounds like a terrific run..Lots to see too on your run... and I bet you looked as good as the squishy haired youngsters too!

Terrific run and terrific distance! xxx

[Bluerockdragon Graduate10]

Talk about eventful!

[misswobble Graduate10]

I eat before and after my long runs. I eat as soon as possible when I get home. I take a snack with me too 😋

There's nothing worse than not being able to go another step because you've run out of gas 😩

I had a home made power flapjack when I arrived home, in the bath, with a mug of coffee. Bliss 🙂

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

I don't seem to need it. If I run out of gas, it's due to lack of stamina and being a relative newbie to longer distances. I don't feel weak, or shakey or have any of the classic symptoms of being hypoglycaemic. But it might be something I need to look into. I've seen pictures of your flapjacks - they do look good!

[aliboo70 Graduate10]

well done you! sounds like a really successful run all round, with lots to keep you amused

[skysue16 Graduate10]

Wow. Wonderful! I imagined you on the log sipping cool water......lovely run and fantastic distance (longest I have done is 13k but would love to run 10 miles one day.....)

[Hidden]

Ooh well done! I am supposed to be following my asics for a 10 mile distance but I am worried that I might not have the stamina for that far. 10.5k is my longest so far. I also find it difficult in planning longer routes living in a city......i know it is probably my inexperience lol. Keep up the good work, I am inspired.

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10 in reply to Hidden]

I'm getting quite a good feeling for the distances I need. By adding loops or connecting different routes I can extend them almost ad infinitum. I got this one spot on. And now need to think of where to find the extra 2k for the next one (I have a couple of ideas!).

[mfamilias Graduate10]

Ooh, a ten miler before breakfast, what dedication! I can't run with nothing in the tank. I have to get up early, have a coffee and breakfast, then wait till it's all settled before I set out.

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10 in reply to mfamilias]

I don't think I'd ever get out if I had to do that! It would just be too hot (and I'm not getting up at 6am at the weekend - not even for running).

[misswobble Graduate10]

I run at all hours, not just mornings,, but always after food. An hour to 90 minutes later 🏃‍♀️🙂

[JaySeeSkinny Graduate10 in reply to misswobble]

I've settled in to mornings. After work runs just don't happen - I never know when I'm going to finish work, so can't really plan. On the odd occasion when I do run in the evenings I'm so energized for so long afterwards I can't get to sleep! Mid-day runs are only possible at weekends (I'm not faffing around in my lunch hour at work!) and it's just too hot here in the summer in Munich. We're often over 25oC at 9am.