Beyond the marathon, imitating July~

Anticipating running events is somewhat of an art form. First, comes the conditioning, of course.  Running all those long miles should count for something.  Then, there is the nutrition and hydration one must consider.  Taking on fluids during the long runs to replace electrolytes and keep the body hydrated are all issues one must contend with in training for a marathon length event.

However, beyond the marathon, there are other components one must consider.  If you’re running more than six hours, which I plan to do for this upcoming 50k, you have to consider something to eat. 

There is a reason why stage cycling races, those races that have a week’s worth of daily stages in them, one stage race per day, have feeding zones.  The feeding zone is a section of the race where the cycling team crews hand out the little canvas bags (called musette bags) with food in them.  These bags have energy bars, gels, fruit perhaps and maybe energy drinks.  The point is that on these long rides, the riders need to eat to keep up their strength.

So, I’m planning on a similar station on my six, 5-mile loops at the Big Butts 50k.  I’ve heard that many runners have little tents set up with all their gear in them.  Right now, I’m just thinking ice chest.  More on that later as planning continues.

But one of the most important aspects of running a 50k in Mississippi in July is the heat and humidity.  One MUST be acclimated to that kind of heat to run that long a distance and survive.  So, here it is March and I’m imitating July in my training.  I’m running in long sleeve cotton shirts with a short sleeve cotton shirt underneath it.

As you probably know, cotton absorbs water (perspiration) into its fiber and holds it there.  That’s why when you’re wearing a cotton sock on a hot day, your foot feels like it’s surrounded by a warm wet rag, your foot’s skin becomes very soft and wrinkly.  Kind of like when you’ve been in the bathtub or pool too long.

By running in cotton shirts, my body feels the heat and humidity of July.  At least that’s what it feels like.  Thus, I’m becoming a little better acclimated to a hotter weather condition early on.

You’re thinking I’m a fool for doing this, but my guess is you’re not running a 50k in Mississippi in July!  No disrespect to meant to you, of course, but I’m trying to prepare in every way I know how so that I can finish the 31 miles in good form.

Maybe that’s what I like about running long events, the preparation. 

Life is the journey (preparation) not the destination.

Gotta run,

Chuck

The Vagabond Runner