Tuesday, October 21, 2008

Bonk! Bonk! Bonk!

I ran on Sunday, but didn't write about it because I bonked around the 1.8 mile mark. I ended up walking a lot and was lucky to get back to my car.

I ran on Monday, but didn't write about it because I bonked around the 1.8 mile mark. I ended up doing some tempo runs, but my time wasn't anything to write home about. Or blog about.

I ran tonight and bonked. You guessed it around the 1.8 mile mark. I'm a slow learner. I've been saying that when your big you don't need to carb load, because you've been carbing your whole life. But, as I limped home I wished I had a GU. What I did have was a Baja Fresh restaurant in front of me. So, I stopped on in and ordered two steak tacos and some chips.

Yep. I had a nice little meal and rested for about 10 minutes. I then ran home. The whole way. Maybe around 3/4 of a mile. My splits were 10:43, 12:12, 15:32 and 11:40, Yeah, 11:40 after my little carb load. And my body had cooled down, but I was still sweaty. So, the run home was kind of cold.

So, do you think the carbs helped? Or was it the rest?

Before the break I was contemplating not running the half marathon this Saturday. If I can't run a short run, can I really run a half mary? After the break I was thinking if I just have enough GU's and eat some carbs the night before I should be fine.

So, the second question is. Should I run the half this weekend?

13 comments:

J~Mom said...

I am not sure how the whole carb load thing really works. I would say eat regular(not diet specific) healthy food on Saturday and then run it with no time expectations. :>) Good luck!

Irene said...

I think it was a little of both,like you've said. I also agree with you -- A decent carb load and just enough Gu's and you'll be good to go for your half marathon!

Irene said...

PS
Carb loading has to do with building up your glycogen stores, which will keep you from bonking. :)

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Carbohydrate_loading

Unknown said...

I am a firm believer in the body's need for carbs for fuel. If you don't eat what you need for your activity, then your body breaks down other tissues to make it's own and it is not as quick or efficient, hence the bonk.

The trick is not overdoing overall calories. I did Atkins very successfully twice (losing 75 and 40 lbs), but as soon as I tried to transition to a more "normal" eating pattern, the lbs hopped right back on my hips..... :-)

Good luck with the half, Pat. Have fun!

Unknown said...

Your body needs the carbs for direct fuel when running. There is an old saying that fat is burned in a carbohydrate flame. The trick is to take in enough carbs for running without eating so much that your body starts converting it to extra fat. Since every person is different, it is something that you can only find through trial and error. It sounds like you have found the bottom end of the carb range for yourself. Now you need to add a few more carbs to your diet and see what happens.

TNTcoach Ken said...

I'm wondering what's 1.8 miles from your house? Last time I checked a 1/2 Mary is a little longer than 1.8 miles. You'll make the right decision.

Ax said...

Looks like you've got some good advice on the carb situation. If you decide to run the half (I assume you're referring to the YMCA half at South Mountain), stop by the registration table. I'm volunteering this weekend. It'd be nice to meet you. Good luck!

Pat said...

Thanks everyone. Great advice.

Ken - I ran in three different places, so there wasn't a Dairy Queen at the 1.8 mile mark.

Reid - I'll look for you. It'll be nice to meet you in person.

Chad -I do think I found the bottom of the carb equation.

My plan is to eat some carbs Friday and then make sure I have some fuel (not tacos) for the race on Saturday.

Jeff said...

So how has your weight been doing through this period? Are you concerned about how the carbs will impact your Atkins efforts?

Definitely think you're on the right track to run Saturday. If you follow your plan, you'll do great.

Pokey said...

Nope, I think you should not run the Half Mary and come run 9 miles with me instead.

:()

(end of selfish comment)


You'll do what feels right, youre a smartie! Just listen to your body and all is well.

E said...

I think if you take in some carbs, you should be OK. Good luck!

Darrell said...

Only you can really make that decision. But my two cents, you've been running well up through the 10K last week, maybe all you needed was a little rest. I say, get started and take it one step at a time from there.

Anonymous said...

You need a bit of gas in the tank is my experience. Just a quick 100 cal hit usually does it for me pre-run.

ON the half.. up to you. Can you live with yourself if you didnt'?