Caffine Crash

Less than 4 weeks till race day. Last week I had some amazing runs with lots of power and confidence. I felt like yup I really am a strong runner, and it almost felt too natural. I felt excited about all my runs before, during and after.. all except that Saturday run...
It was my "recovery" week where I get to do easy 45 minute runs and then 1 long 90 minute run. I am working on my re-fueling strategy for the race and thought I would try a gel packet ( I have tried them before but not before a 90 minute run). Well I had this while tying up my laces- sugar & carbs great except this packet had caffeine. I have espresso or coffee everyday and I usually run no earlier than 2 hours post- caffeine. Rumor has it NEVER have caffeine on race day or right before a run- it will make you crash, thirsty and really throw you off balance. I of course thought what’s the worst  that could happen I bet I will be super wired and fast. Wrong. After the first 45 minutes I was done, I was so thirsty but had to conserve my water, my head was weak , my legs were over it.. I kept running and didn't stop but I learned my lesson. I was sad because I wanted to kill the run and what I thought would give me more energy just made me week. I now understand why professionals know more than me .. ha blow to the ego. No caffeine right before the run, maybe hours before or none at all.

However I did travel far in that run. I went over the Memorial bridge, into the Arlington Cemetery and up to Rosslyn and back down and then all the way home. It was 8.22 miles- not my best time.. last night I did 5.24 miles in 50 minutes.. so it has a lot to do with the heat, refueling and how my body is prepared. That is what I have really been working on in my runs, is preparing it- loving it- feeding it- drinking lots of water etc. I have to be ready to run for over 2 hours without stopping. I get a preview this Saturday with a 2 hour run. Hopefully the rain/winds and hurricane Irene won't get in my way. I have been doing 3 intense runs in a row- which might not be the “best” for me but this is so I can keep my core and hip-hop class in my workouts. I think I may have to really only run a week or 2 before the race so I can just focus on that. I also want to try to sleep more, Jeremiah and I stay up late.. Glee and Checkers might have to be saved for date nights only, not midnight social hour.