New Experiences

This week I had a couple of new running experiences. First off, I ran my longest solo training run ever - 25 miles. Secondly, I tried a new electrolyte drink that actually did what it was supposed to and it helped me during my 25-mile run immensely. What drink you ask? Well, it's Steve Quick's home-brew recipe and I highly recommend you give it a try if you already haven't. It's tasty without being overly sweet or salty and really kept me properly hydrated, which I noticed by my lack of thrist pangs and the minimal amount of muscle tightness and cramping I experienced. In fact, when I completed my long run, I didn't even have the usual feeling of starvation. I'll definitely continue to use this magical mix from now on. Thanks, Dr. Quick! If you haven't read Steve's blog where you can find his recipe, here it is:

-1/2 tsp. baking soda
-1/2 tsp. table salt
-2 tbsp. sugar
-4 tbsp. orange juice

Mix ingredients in a one-quart bottle and fill up with water, mix, and enjoy!! Just a side note, Steve does make a more complex mix than this for his running. This is a basic one he suggested. If you want the recipe for his more complex one, check out his blog by clicking on the link on the right of my page entitled "Run, Race, Repeat - Steve Quick".

This week's training recap:

-Monday: 4.3 in 39:54; a quick recon run to check out the local trail conditions and stretch the legs out.
-Tuesday: Ambushed by the snow. I didn't get out since the roads were not plowed yet and I didn't feel like playing chicken with the snow plows.
-Wednesday: 9.4 in 1:27:06; Felt prety smooth and strong, but had a little right knee pain.
-Thursday: 6.6 in 59:28; Nothing special, but a quicker than usual pace. I've noticed my average training pace has dropped by about a minute in the past month or so.
-Friday: Rest and get ready for my longest solo training run. Mixed up some of Steve Quick's magic elixir.
-Saturday: 25.4 in 4:01:36; Woo yeah! Great run!! Steve's mix worked like magic and I felt strong the whole way through. I averaged 9:31/mile, which is faster than my best marathon pace. I'm feeling pretty confident now about being able to finish the Trail Mix comfortably. Only 2 weeks to go!