December 22, 2013
Hello Sunday. Did you miss me and my long runs? I missed you. I miss my long runs too. After yesterday's revelation about my iron deficiency, I now know why you and I have drifted apart. I pledge to get healthy so we can once again be joined in the holy tradition of the Sunday Long Run! Are you with me!
Today, I ran a little longer, but just 10 minutes, so it is kind of a pathetic attempt at running long. I actually felt ok and I ran nice and easy, so I didn't feel tired afterwards. I supposed I could have run longer, but it was not necessary as I just want to ensure that I hit 1,000 miles for the year and I am pretty confident that I will now do that. I probably don't even need to run long next Sunday.
Here are my numbers:
Time: 40:00
Distance: 4.17 miles
Pace: 9:35/m
Max Pace: 7:43/m
Calories: 389
Avg HR: 121
Max HR: 130The long run is essential to running training. You don't even have to do it every weekend, just every other weekend at least. LSD (no, not the drug, although that would certainly perk up your run...I'm talking about long slow distance) runs build up various functions in your body like it increases mitochondria development and capillary growth, both of which will increase your endurance. They help your body convert fuel to energy and energy is what allows you to run for a long time. LSD will also strengthen your tendons and ligaments and your bones over time so you can handle more distance. The human body is a highly adaptable machine!
So, not only is my endurance affected by the low iron, it is affected by the lack of the long run. A doubly whammy! I knew this experiment would be hard and possibly take a toll on my body, I just hope that toll doesn't linger too far into next year. That would be unfortunate. Good thing I plan on running for the rest of my life, so I have plenty of miles to go, whether it is next year or in 2015!
Enjoy your long run if you went today. I'm all done and ready to lounge the rest of the day. Peace!
Run for Life!!
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