Energy!

The Marathon Guru (Marty) has advised me to have energy bars or the like ready to keep me sustained during my long runs. I have figured to this point that I haven't run long enough to need food sustenance plus I really don't have anywhere to put it (no pockets).

I have been running my long runs on the bike path at the beach so I have been able to drink from the water fountains there since between my iPod and box of Kleenex, I don't really have enough hands to hold a bottle of water. (Up to this point I have REFUSED to wear one of those water bottle waist belts. Unfortunately, as I learned on my long run on Friday night (12 miles!!!), I'm gonna have to add that "hip" fashion adornment to my plethora of geekcessories...NICE!)

Anyway, on one of my shorter runs this week I just ran around the neighborhood. So no need for fuel. I usually start my runs pretty slow. First, to warm up and second because I usually feel like I am never gonna make it past a mile. Once I get to a half mile or so, I get used to it and am able to get into my groove. Groove being about a 12 minute mile.

So I'm running along and all of a sudden, a bug flies into my mouth and down my throat. (I later realized that I was just about to pass the local Cold Stone. I must have had my mouth open and my tongue hanging out without knowing it. Note to self...keep mouth closed when passing the Cold Stone).

Now don't be grossed out, it's just a bug...protein if you will. But I gotta tell you....it must have been a SUPER ENERGY PROTEIN BUG because I found myself speeding up. I had energy. Lightness of step. I was haulin'!!! I ended up running that night at a pace that averaged an 11 minute mile. Amazing since my first half mile is run at about a 13-14 minute pace and my normal pace after that is usually a 12 minute mile!

So there is something to that sustenance thing! Not that I ever doubted the Guru!

I wish I knew what kind of bug that was...

Peace out