There were two new things with my run today: (1) Backpack and (2) Energy Gels. Let's talk about the backpack first. Now it isn't an ordinary backpack, it is a running backpack. I felt so good having my water, energy gel, keys, and ID on me throughout my run. I have never really thought about it, but it is really important to run with your ID, especially in a different country! I mean, what if you fall, break your leg, and blackout all at the same time?!? If an ambulance comes to get you, at least they will have your name, and if you can (I need to do this), carry an emergency contact number in your bag. The more I think about this, the better it sounds! Back to the pack. The runner's backpacks are surprisingly light weight. The one I bought even has a "mesh back," to allow for more breathing room for the pack. I will say, my back was still a little sweaty where the pack was even though it said it had breathing room.
Now for energy gels...they are definitely different. At first I was very surprised by the taste and texture. I mean, it was really gel-ly. The first one I had was "mocha" flavored. And to my shock, they didn't do a bad job with getting the flavor right. I mean, it wasn't like I was sipping a mocha right before my run...and the gel-factor was a good indication that it wasn't a real mocha. I drank/ate that about 15 minutes before leaving my apartment. I don't know if it was a mental thing or an actual energy giver, but I felt great throughout the first part of my run. A little after my fifth kilometer I had the second energy gel (lime). I also refreshed with some water at this point. The gel leaves a weird feeling in your mouth. You definitely want to wash it out of there. And once again, I don't know if it was mental or pure energy erupting from my stomach, but I had lots of energy to complete my run! I even got faster in my ninth, tenth, and eleventh kilometers. My twelfth kilometer was a little slower, but that's OK, it was still under 6 minutes. Based on today's performance, I will say the energy was actually there and not mental. Maybe I need to have a bad run while sucking on those things to prove me otherwise.
At the end of my run, I actually ran into another runner in front of my building. We talked for a bit about our runs. He looked like he had run a lot today, but he ran 4 kilometers....I hate to say it, but I felt a little boost to my ego there thinking, "I ran farther than you!" Isn't that a terrible thought? It just kinda popped into my head before I had time to censor that!
Also on the run, I noticed they are building a new apartment complex/row of houses (maybe) along my running path. Now I have always been impressed with how fast Japanese builders construct buildings. I mean literally, nothing is there in the spring and by fall they are renting out the first places. So, as a little side project on this blog, I am going to document the speed of the construction. Picture one!
.JPG)
Follow my run~
No comments:
Post a Comment