I run for Pizza

True story.

So I've got this race next month.  And I'm trying new things.  I'm running later in the morning trying to get acclimated to running in the heat.  have mercy it is hot in Texas in June!  But I'm also fussing with nutrition while running.  I just don't think that Shot Bloks alone give me enough calories and fuel to run 5+ hours.  Dean Karnazes, ultra runner extraordinaire, eats pizza and burritos on his long runs.  Of course, his long runs can be upwards of 200 miles.  I polled a few ultra runners on Twitter and I got a varied response.  Donuts, pizza, chips, pretzels, grilled cheese!  (now, that's MY kind of fuel!)  High calorie, high fat foods that you can down quickly and easily. Foods that will stick with you for a bit.  So I decided to give it a try. 

Usually, the night before a long run, I'll scramble and egg (or 2 if I'm really hungry) and have that with a Bocca "sausage" and some salsa.  Maybe throw in a few green chiles if I have them.  Got fresh tortillas?  Wrap 'em up, make a taco!  And that works well for me.  Friday night, in the spirit of trying new things, I picked up a $5 Hot-n-Ready from Lil Caesar himself.  See?

Okay, not the best pizza ever but the price certainly is right.  I must say, I enjoyed my 2 slices tremendously.  I carefully packed away another slice in my Camelbak pack and put the whole shebang in the fridge.  No worries, before I left this morning I threw in a frozen cold pack too.  No sense messing with rancid cheese!

This would either be greatness or a horrible mistake. Could my usually iron stomach handle pizza during a run?  I would soon find out. 

I'd love to say that the first 12 miles just flew by with the knowledge of my yummy pizza traipsing about town with me. Sadly, that is not a true statement.  Good golly Pete it was hot.  I mean, duh, it's Texas and Summer and all, but still.  I put in 3 miles getting to our meet up.  Another 3 miles with 4 friends and then 6 after that with just Jill. She was so patient and let me walk plenty.  (did I mention that it is HOT?!?!) 

Mile 12 rolled around and it was time to bid my buddy farewell.  But not before whipping out my slice and gobbling down some cheesy goodness.  Let me just tell you, it was delicious.  Much better than a Shot Blok!

We spotted Elizabeth, she and Raechel had gone to Starbucks after we left them and sweet, generous Elizabeth dumped what was left of her ice in my pack.  Thank you!  Nervously, I headed out for 6 more miles.  I wasn't sure how friendly that pizza would be bouncing around in my gut. 

I needn't have worried.  Not a problem one.  I will def be trying pizza again!

My one problem was water.  As in, I ran out of it.  My pack bladder holds 50 ounces.  I was trying really hard to remember to drink.  When it's as hot as this, heat injury can sneak up on you.  Well, about mile 14 I realized I was out of water.  I was pressing on that pack bladder as I hard as I could, trying to squeeze out a few more drops.  I knew that I could make 4 more mile without water, but that I shouldn't.

My scathingly brilliant plan was to stop at the firestation if the firemen were out.  Surely they wouldn't deny on Pink Girl some water?  I figured they'd have a water fountain or faucet that I could use.  Plus, it's like a law that all firemen have to be cute so, bonus.  If they are outside of the station I always wave.  They wave back.  We're tight like that.

Well, I lost my nerve.  They weren't outside when I went by (cause normal people avoid this heat!) so I kept on running.  I'm just a big Pink Chicken.  Fortunately, I spotted a woman working in her yard and she let me use her garden hose to fill my pack. 

Hydrating once more, I finished up my run.  Finally.  Gah, it was hot.  Next week is 20.  Next week I'm starting earlier. 

It is my habit to weigh myself before and after long runs in the heat.  It gives you an idea of just how much water weight you've lost due to sweating.  I was FIVE pounds lighter when I returned than when I left a few hours earlier.  Yikes.  That's a lot of sweating!  I've got to come up with a better plan so that I can drink more.  Running out of water will simply just not do.

Later that night, much later for a girl who woke up so early, I had the pleasure of spectating my sweet friends Lauren and Kathryn as they raced the Firefly 5K.  This was a nighttime race and the swag?  Light up, reflective bands - how cool is that?  Safety first!  They did a great job and I'm so proud of them both!  Way to go ladies!!!