As the summer goes on, we are finally into usual Virginia summer weather. When I got out for my long run just before 7 am, it was a sunny 74 degrees with a 72-degree dew point.
I need to increase my mileage to prepare for a long race. So, I upped the distance from 11 to 14 miles. I ran my Belmont Ferry Farm, Falmouth Bridge, Heritage Trail course running the Heritage Loop Twice.
With the higher dew point, I’d prefer to wear 3/4 split shorts. Before starting, my side was hurting a little. So, I decided to add a compression short underneath.
Using my new Saucony Endorphin Speed 2 shoes and two bottles of Ucan, I set my countdown timer to 15 minutes and headed out.
I’m up to 15 minutes intervals before taking a 2-minute walk break. With each stroll, I drank 1/5 bottle.
Everything held together for most of the run. I had a few pangs around mile 6 that went away.
I ran consistently until I hit the bottom of the switchbacks on my way home. My 15-minute alarm went off as I was crossing River Road. So, I was able to walk for 2 minutes up the hill.
I hit the steep section after 2 minutes and started running in quick short strides. The rest of the way home, I was slower. I’ll be on the same course next week and see if the last 3 miles go better.
I didn’t feel overheated. I would have like to go to brohugger mode on my shorts.
The compression shorts did not allow the modification. I didn’t realize my shorts were saturated until I got home.
Another Virginia Summer long run in the books.