When did running get so complicated? I used to just lace up my shoes, grab my ipod and head out the door. Oh, those were the days…
Look at all this stuff? Are you kidding me?
On long runs, I carry some of this stuff with me. I have a belt that holds water and “gu." The packets of "gu" are this gross, high energy, icing-like food. Yes, it's as yucky as it sounds. But, it gives me enough energy to keep running and the water obviously keeps me hydrated.
This stash also has stuff for post run recovery like Gatorade, protein powder, and an energy bar. I can’t even pack light to run! You should see me on vacation. I always need that extra pair of shoes.... but that's a story for another day....
So, I’m up and ready to go early. As I get out to run I notice the weather is perfect!
Does my car say 58? Really?
It’s been nothing less than 70 for all of my big runs!
Finally living in the mountains pays off!!
I head out and I feel strong. I know I’m going to be running for around 3 hours, so I start out slow. I take one "gu" packet every four miles to keep my energy up. My plan works, as I still feel strong at mile 8!
My goal is to have enough energy to run the second 8 miles faster than the first 8. I pull off a negative split!
I even find a running buddy for several of the miles. After running past the same person several times I realize we are both marathon training at the same pace. So we run a couple miles together. It is the perfect distraction to get through the time. Sometimes some company, perfect weather and the right "stuff" is all you need for an awesome run. It all comes together; my lucky day.
Near the end of my run I see some graffiti painted on a pole by the trail. Artists had drawn a cartoon runner with a quote below it. It says—”You’ve got this.” I had run past that pole dozens of times before and never noticed it. But today I do, and I take it to heart. Chicago Marathon—I’ve got this!
My post 16 mile run pic! Big smiles 
Questions for you--
How do you handle challenging assignments like a 16 mile run?
Runners—Do you ever have a long run where the stars align and everything falls into place?
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Rachelle Sorensen-Cox says
sport jelly beans are a nice GU alternative - give them a try. Nice work - 16 miles is a llooooooonnngggg way to run!
JulieWunder says
Yes it is!!! and I ran 18 this morning-- working on the post now. I tried the chewy things and found that chewing and running didnt work as well. I'll sometimes take the beans for 5-7 miles when I don't need a full package of gu. Thanks so much for the tip and comment!
Julia Dennis says
Hi, Julie!
I'm also in Asheville, training for my first marathon (Savannah, in November). I just made it to mile 17 this past weekend, and it was probably my best run yet. I think it was mostly because I accidentally ran right through the Dog Day Afternoon event they were having in the park--what a fantastic distraction! I totally identify with the part about packing a ridiculous amount of stuff to do the long runs, when it used to just be lacing up the running shoes.
Thanks for the great blog--glad I stumbled upon it on Facebook!
Julia
JulieWunder says
Julia,
AWESOME! Sound like we are close to the same training!!!! The dog day event must have been so cute.
Thanks for reading and let me know how your training and marathon goes!
julie
JulieWunder says
Hey Julia!! Are you who I ran into at the park today??? You were doing awesome and I loved your pink running skirt. Did you stay strong through the end of your 18?
julie
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Ben says
Enjoyed your post. I could easily relate to the partner bit. I truly find running with others to be enjoyable and distracting. As for the stars aligning, I've felt great or half marathons, but when I ran Grand Rapids I learned a valuable lesson...running is not just training your mind and body, it is also diet. Good luck Julie
JulieWunder says
I have had some AWFUL runs after not paying enough attention to food! I'll be watching what I eat carefully in Chicago. Thank you so much for the advice!
Kevin B says
Hey Julie, this my first time reading your blog and came across it from your facebook page. I look forward to reading it and journey going forward. I have been a fan of yours and News 13 @ noon for a long time even though I am from Greer and the news does not always relate to my local area. I love watching the weather segments and the cooking segments.
I am no runner by no means but do try to get out and walk and have huge respect for people that do run. I am curious about one thing, for your 16 mile run did you change your eating habits for that day or the day before, and the meal after your run? I hear people talk about eating pasta the day before just to build up their carbs and did not know if that is a myth or not.
JulieWunder says
Kevin,
Thank you so much for reading! I think walking is great! Exercise of any kind makes such a big difference in your life.
I do have to be careful about what I eat when I run. The day before a long run I try to drink lots of water. I have experimented with the best pre-long run dinner and do eat heavier carbs for dinner the night before. I don't overdue it though. I've found a nice bowl of pasta with some protein like shrimp works best for me. I don't go for seconds though-- because I've found too much can cause you problems. I've also had small meals the night before long runs and lost my energy mid-run. I know everyone is different though and it generally takes trial and error to find out what works.
I'll have to write a post about pre race food another day.
Thank you so much for commenting.
Julie