Monday's Abe's Army training session consisted of a 5-kilometer run, half the distance of the race I'm working toward - the 10K Abe's Amble on Aug. 22.
Thanks to a few helpful running hints I received from the training leaders, I found myself staying focused and doing more running than walking than I had in the past.
I ran the 5K (3.1 miles) in just under 41 minutes, which is about 13 minutes a mile. I was happy with my time and was encouraged that I was doing better.
As we went around the Grandstand on Monday's run, training leader Annie Baker worked with me on form.
"Land with the middle of your foot to keep movements light," she said.
The heat pounded on us as we ran. Baker suggested I splash water on my face to control the sweat. It felt great.
We went toward the main gate then into "Happy Hollow." It was far from happy. The sun made it strikingly hot, and this was where I really felt the heat. We came up Eighth Street, and I focused on getting to the next water station.
Baker provided other hints.
"You can take tension out of your arms by dropping them down, which also helps you to breathe," she said.
Also, if you angle from your ankles and arch forward you can take some weight from your legs and put it toward your upper body.
"Think of it as when you ride your bike and you push forward with your body to get that extra strength to get up that hill."
As we made the final stretch, I felt nauseous. I poured some water on myself and took two cups to help me stay hydrated until the end.
As a group, we discussed the heat and nausea. Temperatures on Monday evening were in the high 80s and the humidity was nearly 70 percent.
"An hour before the race you might want to drink some Gatorade, which will help fuel you before the run," said trainer Joni Stahlman, who provided us washcloths with ice cubes to help us cool down. "Or you could also drink water throughout the day to help you be prepared for the heat.
As far the nausea goes, she said I might want to eat earlier in the day. Next time, I'll snack earlier in the afternoon so I don't carry food in my belly.
I was tired and grabbed another cup of water as I left. The suggestions I learned will provide me more fuel for my brain and the best way to tackle my first race.
My earlier columns:
My training hits a rough patch
My debut in the Abe's Army training program
Preparing myself for the Abe's Army
Where to go to comment and keep up on my training?
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