Sorry it’s been a while since my last post. I just completed a 24+ hour drive across the country by myself.
I’d like to thank y’all for being such dedicated followers, in just a little over a month I’ve had over 31,000 views, over 20 subscribers, and my posts have been featured on the front pages of LetsRun, RunnersWorld, Track and Field News, and Flotrack. ❤ y'all.
Before I get into today's post, here what to look for in the coming weeks:
– Interviews with some of the top collegiate runners/teams in the nation as XC gets ready to kick into action. If you'd like a certain question asked send me an email at ornelas@umich.edu and I will listen to suggestions!
– Interviews with some pros (hopefully I can sit down soon with Nick Willis before Worlds)
-A Prefontaine post
-Challenging people to run in public
-Swag
LASTLY: If you have any ideas for interviews/posts send me an email/comment on this blog!
SUMMER RUNNING IN HELL TEXAS
So I just spent the past 2 months and change building my summer base for XC in one of the most miserable places you could possibly choose to be in during the months of June/July.
Oh, it gets down to 104 Tuesday, that'll be a nice day!
I learned a lot about myself/my body this summer while training in that bullshit. In case you live in the Lone Star State, or plan on spending any time there in the summer, here is some advice on how to train during the blistering summer months.
WAKE UP EARLY AS HELL
10 more minutes, please..
Be up at 6/7am, every morning. Trust me, being tired as hell all day is way better than running at 9am. If you’re in the Austin area, head down to the main entrance to Barton Springs and it’s pretty likely you’ll see somebody you know/some elite runners about to start their run. Frequent meeting spot for the UT runners, collegiate runners, cougars, triathletes, and high schoolers.
STOP AT WATER STOPS
Those blue pants that chick has on...facepalm.
Notice the water to the left in that pic. Thats the main water stop at Auditorium Shores. If you are running on a trail that has water stops, FREAKING STOP for some water. Now, don’t spend 10 min. chugging water, get a cup or two and get back on with your run. When I first got back into town I figured “Pfft I never stop during runs in Michigan, thats for p*ssies”. Well several times in my first few weeks back I had to stop mid-run because I ran out of energy/”hit the wall”. Hydrate kids, because when you run out of water your run becomes worthless.
NEVER RUN FROM 12-6pm
NEVER for any reason run from 12pm to 6pm. NEVER. EVER. DONT EFFING DO IT. On my 2nd to last week in town I wanted to hang out with friends at night but I also needed to do a double. I decided to go for a 4mi run at 4:30 in the afternoon. Here’s how that run went:
800m in- “Haha this is funny I’ll be able to tell my friends I went running while it was 105 degrees out and they’ll think I’m a total badass!”
1600m in- “There is sweat pouring out of my eyes. My eyes. What the hell?”
3200m in- “Am I really only halfway done? I’ve lost at least 10 pounds in the past 13 minutes”
4800m in- “I’m dizzy, why can’t I produce saliva anymore? There is a puddle of sweat in my butthole I’m sweating so much.”
5000m in- “I don’t think I’m going to finish this run. I’d rather be raped by a dinosaur than try this again.”
5200m in- “What is the meaning of life? What does it mean to exist? If I die on this street how long before somebody picks me up?”
6000m in- “I’m going to die. It’s official. I’m chaffing so bad there is a drop of blood running down the inside of my leg, I can’t breathe normally, and I’d honestly rather watch a Carlos Mencia standup special then be running in this BS”
4mi (Home)- “Walking into this air conditioned home is more satisfying than winning the lottery.”
NAP, NAP OFTEN.
3-way nap
Being up early every single morning then exhausting yourself in the sun takes quite a toll on you. If you’re a lazy jobless bum like me and have enough time to spend 2-3 hours in the middle of your day napping, do it. You’ll feel better and you’ll recover better too. Just come to terms with the fact that you’re sleeping for a few hours while other kids are out there working. Ha, losers.
EAT AFTER YOU RUN
You need to replenish yourself after a run in 100 degree weather. I suggest the ‘Big Juan’ at ‘Juan in a Million’ in East Austin. Under 4 dollars and you probably won’t even be able to finish it.
EAT run swag
I’m sure there’s more stuff I could fit here but this post is too damn long and I’m tired from yesterdays drive. I’m gunna go nap and listen to “Watch The Throne”.
Until next time, EATRUNSWAG