Saturday 08/18/2018 was my third year running the Red Solo Cup 4k in Port Orange, FL. Two years ago it was my first race ever. This year I decided to run this as a race to see where I'm at for my fall schedule. I had a specific time range in mind but I did not reach that (by far). I'm okay with that though I know I will get there one day even if it's not as soon as I'd like. 

Mile 1  6:18
I have to post a disclaimer here: the course ran short. My watch clocked it at 2.42 miles instead of the 2.48 so we will go with my watch time over the official results.  I didn't feel particularly nervous or anything going into the race, but I just felt off when I started to run. I don't know how to explain it other than the feeling of being slower than I wanted. I didn't feel fast or confident and it showed. 

Mile 2  6:49
Since my first mile was slower than I anticipated I really needed to speed up for the second, but this did not happen. I still didn't feel fast and I knew this would be a bad mile even before I checked my watch. In other news, the course was very well marked and was very pretty. The volunteers here really do a great job. I also noticed there was less side-walk running this year which was appreciated. 

Mile .42  6:42
I had no final kick here. My thoughts going into this were to sprint like crazy after the second mile, but like everything else during my race that did not go as planned. It was just a bad day for some reason and I just need to assess where I am at and how to improve going forward. 

The Swag
Very pretty shirt and great finishers medals. The awards are actually solo cups which is the cutest idea. I really enjoy this race year after year despite not being happy with my times. 

Results
Time: 15:58
Pace: 6:36
Overall: 8 out of 208
1st in Age Group 30-34 women

How's training going? It's really good! I'm really enjoying my training plan and the mix of the running it provides. I feel like I have been training correctly this summer. I'm just really excited for racing season to start again! 

What are you goals for the fall season?   Breaking 19 minutes in the 5k and just becoming more consistent in it. 

Do you have any plans to run longer races?  I do have some half marathons scheduled in the winter, but I use them as a long run and just for fun. The half is a really fun distance for me and actually one of my favorite events. 

Favorite type of running in your plan? I'm loving the 14 and 16 milers. 

Favorite post run meal? I'd have to go with pizza. 

Who are some of your favorite elite runners? I've always been inspired by ultra runner Devon Yanko. She's so down to earth and just seems like a cool person. 

As you may remember I actually love running in the heat. However, it can be a challenge even for me. Luckily I've found the following problems are very helpful and can make that hot running a little easier. 

Anti Chafe Balm-I use the BodyGlide brand and let me tell you this stuff is amazing! I know it's no fun to talk or even think about but chafing is a big and uncomfortable problem among runners and it just gets worse when it gets warmer outside. The good news is that thanks to technology the problem can be prevented. 

Electrolyte tablets- When you sweat, you lose a ton of electrolytes that regular water does not replace. When running in the heat, you should add an electrolyte tablet to a bottle of water ( I prefer the GU brand or Nuun brands). Most are easy on the stomach and not too sweet like a regular sports drink. 

Energy Gels-
When I run in the heat, I tend to get hungrier for some reason. I don't know if that's a thing for other runners or not but, I like to take an extra energy gel for my long run when it's hotter than normal out. 

Sunscreen/ Hair UV Protection-
These are both so important, so it is crucial that you find a quality product that works good for your needs. Most hair UV sprays are the similar enough, but finding a good water resistant sunscreen can be tougher. Bullfrog is a good brand that's been around for a while. 

What are some of your must have summer running products?