Earlier this month I signed up to participate in another Gone For A Run Virtual Race, the Faster Than Boo 10k. I'm sure you've heard of it by now, right? I have been pretty busy lately maintaining my higher mileage for my upcoming 50k, that I have been neglecting shorter runs and speed work. Since Halloween was this weekend, I knew I needed to get my virtual run in. Lately when I have been going out for runs, I don't anticipate going as long as I do, so I don't properly hydrate and fuel the way I should. So this run I knew that I had to get at least 6.2 miles in and was going to continue to run if it felt good. I made sure I took water and a few gummy bears with me.
I did this Faster than Boo 10K race the day after Halloween.
For all the days I didn't bring anything with me and wish I would have, this could have been the day. As I was running I noticed there was so much candy left along the side walks in town. There were smarties, laffy taffy, and bubble gum. Doesn't a runner love the sugar? I continued on my way and it wasn't until I saw a Frozen theme pack of gummies that stopped me in my tracks! After all, it wasn't open, and I have been training with gummies, why not? I decided to eat them half way through my run and felt just fine. Towards the end of my run I found a pack of pretzels. Between the sweetness of GUs and Gatorade I consume during my long runs, sometimes I crave the saltiness of something such a pretzels, so I picked those up too! I had reached the 6.2 mark but had a bit further to go to make it home. I ended up with a total of 8 miles and a few snacks.
I wanted to tell my sister about my run, but I thought the first thing she would say would be, Gross, you picked up candy on the street and ate it? So I just kept it to myself, until we were discussing our runs that evening and I ended up telling her. She thought it was hilarious! I just tried to think of it as a scenerio. If you were out for a long run and you didn't have anything else and that was your only option, would you? I'm sure people have picked up things along races to use such as sweatshirts and gloves (I've done that too). I suppose food is a little different since we consume it. Are you a risk taker and would try that? Or would you say no way José and keep moving along? We are all runner and have our on quirks, right?
Have you ever picked up something during a run to use or eat? Don't judge! -L