A while back I posted about 5-hour energy and Gels....well, I'm here to report that I am now up to 9 miles and using 2 gels during my long runs. The gel that works the best for me (since I dump) are the Cliffs brand...they are 90% organic and do not kill my stomach. So happy that these still work for me as I have a few half marathons planned and now I don't have to worry about losing fuel.

I thought I would test out my calf today and see just how far I could go on a long run. Considering the fact that I am catching up from not running for a while, it was a good run for me. Nice long and slow. 8.75 miles in 1:41:38. I've trained myself to not need water for runs of 6 miles or less, but I need to start carrying water and gels for these longer runs, that's for sure. I'm just a little tired now, and a little dehydrated.

Here's the link to the map of my run. http://www.runtastic.com/en/users/eric-dickey/sport-sessions/46395841

Nice morning to get out for a run today so I headed out. Lower 60's on the way to maybe 70 later. I'm really trying to work on my pacing. When I get into a race longer than 5K, I tend to try to run it at the 5K pace (which for me is about 8:30 - 9 mile pace). Slowed it down today and it felt really comfortable. 8.9 miles in 1:30. When you are older (like me) I don't have the endurance or speed of the younger runners physically but I still think I can do it mentally. Pacing is going to be my new motto...

For those of y'all running on treadmills....I hope the weather clears up enough soon so you can get outside and run some trails. I've gotten where I don't even like to run on the street anymore. Running trails is just too much fun. And I live in the Houston area' date=' not exactly the outdoor trail running mecca, but still there are enough trails around with enough scenery to keep me happy. It's harder than running on the street, a little slower...but the miles fly by and the scenery just makes you forget you're exercising.[/quote']

I coach track and I can't wait to run alongside the kids. They inspired me to better myself so I can continue to encourage them. Taking the shortcut through the trails just to meet them at the end is killing me. I wanna run!

Not a distance run, but I did a PB on a 5 k today. Finished in 24.5 min and did not feel at all tired at the end. Nothing like power chords, a driving beat and a personal desire to break personal barriers. My goal in a few months is to break 20 minutes.

Not a distance run, but I did a PB on a 5 k today. Finished in 24.5 min and did not feel at all tired at the end. Nothing like power chords, a driving beat and a personal desire to break personal barriers. My goal in a few months is to break 20 minutes.

All I can say is WOW! One of these days I hope to be able to run the fast.

All I can say is WOW! One of these days I hope to be able to run the fast.

It is definitely getting easier the more HIIT I do. I feel like it is my lungs holding me back more then anything

. Running HIIT once a week helps to increase my lung capacity and efficiency. I like to start at 6.0 mph, average 6.5 mph and peak my HIIT at 7.5 mph every 5 minutes before dropping down to 6.0 mph.

Did a 10.5 mile trail run this morning. It was supposed to be 8 miles but I took a wrong turn on the trail. Didn't matter though' date=' I had a great time.

[/quote']

Great Job BTB! My 10miler was enjoyable as well, had to do it on the treadmill though. I am truly missing running outdoors. Love the new profile pic too!

Here's a little something to toss out... anybody else have 'runner's toe' or what I see as black or removed toenails? As I increased my miles, I've got some some of the ugliest toe nails around, which I show with great pride.

Here's a little something to toss out... anybody else have 'runner's toe' or what I see as black or removed toenails? As I increased my miles, I've got some some of the ugliest toe nails around, which I show with great pride.

Not yet. Now I'm looking forward to getting disfigured!

Here's a little something to toss out... anybody else have 'runner's toe' or what I see as black or removed toenails? As I increased my miles' date=' I've got some some of the ugliest toe nails around, which I show with great pride.[/quote']

I lose toenails. I have to out polish on the skin just to look like I have a nail. Lol.

Well that's something to look forward too.

I am wondering if black toenails have anything about the toe hitting the front of the shoe way too hard or the fit is not right, causing toes to move back and forth. If so, I do not think you will develop it BTB as you run with 5 finger shoes. Isn't it true your toe either sticks out or your toes do not have any space to move back and forth? Just wondering.

As an aside, I got a black toe when I came down a hike too fast with loose boots. My toes hit the front of the boot and blackened the big toe.

At this weekends expo they were selling toe covers to prevent the loss of toenails

I am wondering if black toenails have anything about the toe hitting the front of the shoe way too hard or the fit is not right, causing toes to move back and forth. If so, I do not think you will develop it BTB as you run with 5 finger shoes. Isn't it true your toe either sticks out or your toes do not have any space to move back and forth? Just wondering.

As an aside, I got a black toe when I came down a hike too fast with loose boots. My toes hit the front of the boot and blackened the big toe.

I doubt it would be a problem wearing the Vibrams, but I alternate between those and my Merrell Trail Gloves so who knows. But I once played in an all day softball tournament in shoes that were slightly too small, and both big toenails fell off 3 days later. I didn't feel anything wrong until I took those shoes off that night and they were sore...next day turned black and then were gone. I read about an ultra runner who had his surgically removed to save the trouble. You don't need them anyway.

Okay, I ran the Form Follows Fitness 5K in Downtown Dallas this morning. I have a new PR, but I am trying to figure out which time is the time I use. My Runtastic App has me at 24:26.04 at the 3.1 mile distance. My official time is 26:35. Now, I started my app as soon as the horn went off, so I had not crossed the start line yet. Either way it was my best run ever and fastest continuous pace ever. http://www.runtastic.com/en/users/eric-dickey/sport-sessions/47755227