Good news: I ran 6.2 miles!
Bad news: It was a really rough run.
The combination of heat, humidity, and lack of hydration really did me in. I even ended up walking a few times. It was just not a good run.
I’m actually kind of surprised how thirsty I got during my run. I mean, it was nearly 90 degrees outside, so, of course, I was thirsty, but I’ve run 5 miles in similar weather and been totally fine. I guess I need to get one of those water belts? Or a Camelbak? Any recommendations?
Here are my splits:
- Mile 1: 8:35
- Mile 2: 9:01
- Mile 3: 9:08
- Mile 4: 9:14
- Mile 5: 9:34
- Mile 6: 9:26
Total: 56:45
As you can see, my pace got slower and slower with each mile. My body was so hot and dehydrated, it just would not move any faster. Next time, I definitely need to bring some water. Lesson learned!
Dinner
For dinner tonight, I tried a new recipe from Rachel Ray magazine. It was one of her 5-ingredient recipes for Peanut Chicken, but I made it with shrimp instead.

I have to admit, this dish was a bit bland. I used unsalted peanut butter, not realizing it would make a huge difference in the flavor of the sauce. Salted peanut butter would definitely taste better in this recipe.


Even still, Mal and I really enjoyed this meal. It’s a keeper, but next time I’ll use salted peanut butter.

After dinner, I whipped up a batch of banana soft serve with two Carrot Cake Cookies thrown into the mix. It ended up being quite carrot cake-like with the cookies blended in. Delish!

I got so much accomplished today, I am taking the rest of the night off to relax. Wahoo!
Enjoy the evening!!










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I highly recommend the camelbak. I got one earlier this summer after a similarly tough run in the heat. I love mine! It has a 1.5 liter capacity, is very light, and doesn’t bounce around when I run. Plus it’s awesome having the straw right there for me to sip from at any time.
Definetly definetly get a camelback – mine is a lifesaver! You won’t do yourself any favours without one
even like, 1% dehydration causes a massive drop in performance, and you don’t want to damage yourself!
That dessert looks truly lovely
Funny how minor adjustments can change a whole meal! I’ve learned that the hard way myself a lot of times!
That’s still a pretty great run considering the conditions and how you were feeling! Good job, I bailed on the outdoors and ran on the treadmill today.
Love Camelbaks! I recommend a 3 liter one – I went on a 12 mile run/walk on the beach with a friend and we were able to stash plenty of extra necessities in there (Clif bars, apples, almonds). Plus, it’s a lot easier than carrying a bottle in each hand in case you stumble and need to catch yourself.
Runs can be such a toss-up. Major props for finishing in spite of your thirst! I’ve read that it’s actually more important to hydrate properly BEFORE the workout, rather than during. I think it’s 16 oz in the two hours leading up to it?
That shrimp dish sounds delicious. Even without the salted PB!
Wow, I have to applaud you for even attempting that run at 90 degrees outside. That would have scared me off!
I would never think that salted vs. unsalted peanut butter would make that much of a difference, but I suppose this is why I am not Rachel Ray and she is not me
We have the same anniversary! Well, almost…I got married this past Saturday and was so surprised when I saw your post about your anniversary this weekend. I had a GREAT wedding day, and it looks like you had a good anniversary. I’ve been reading your blog for about a year, and I love hearing your balanced take on food and life. Keep it coming!
I bet the carrot cake cookies were SO good in there. I love adding cookies and muffins to banana soft serve.
A run’s a run and you did good! It’s been awful these past weeks. I wish the rain would clear the humidity already
I can’t run in the humidity like that either but a Cameback would probably help a lot. A little Gatorade in there would probably help too. I am thinking of finally getting one!
I hate it when runs are tough. Don’t get me wrong I love running, but when it’s hard its seriously the worst period of time ever!
Good job on your run in the heat. At least you finished! I just got a Camelbak recently and I love it. Here is the one I got, it’s 1.5 L. http://eatscraprun.com/2010/06/21/hydration/
i have a subscription to rachael ray’s magazine (and i watch all her shows) but i rarely make her recipes. i guess i just like to be inspired by her instead.
I like my Nathan hand held water bottle. It basically has a cloth strap around it that you just stick your hand through and also has a zip pouch for gu, keys, etc. I know Kath and Anne like their Camelbaks. I don’t have one. I’ve tried the fuel belts w/ small water bottles attached and they seem too annoying to me.
LOVE the camelbak. Highly recommend for the heat
Flop or not, anything peanut buttery would be amazing!!! And you definitely need water for a run like that. I can’t even make it a mile without a few swigs..and that’s inside! Ive seena few people recommend a CamelBak- you hardly even feel the weight!
I just had ice cream for dinner with a little mixed nut butter on top. Sometimes ya just gotta go for it, right? Sorry the run was so bad on you, Tina. I hope you are feeling better now. Enjoy a little rest tonight!
Wow, that recipe looks great! I’ve never looked to Rachel Ray’s stuff for ideas before but, you may have just changed my mind on that!
Also, I’ve heard great things about camelbaks as well. I’ve recently seen a water bottle belt contraption at Lululemon, which is also a winner with some people. It doesn’t look as though it holds as much water however.
Congrats on your run! Definitely bring water next time.
Camelbaks look really nice, I would love to have one.
That banana soft serve looks ah-mazing! <3
I use a Nathan handheld waterbottle for shorter runs during the summer (3-7) miles an use a camelbak for any run over 10 miles
Great run! I was wondering how you didn’t talk yourself into cutting it short b/c it was so hot out. Do you run far from your house or stay within your neighborhood? I live in a smaller neighborhood so it’s easy to just say “I can’t do one more lap (especially when I’ve already done 2 or 3)”. Thanks!
Have a wonderful evening off!
Kudos for continuing to run!!! That’s rough when your body gets hot like that
You want to keep pushing yourself, but not push to much…. I’m learning that fine line! http://www.non-existentcolors.com/2010/06/one-of-those-days.html
Good job on sticking with the run! I’ve recently made it up to five miles, but they’re hard, hard miles for me – I only recently started running again and I’m also recuperating from a long bout with pneumonia. My legs feel dead after a mile or two, but I”m convinced it’s making me stronger, Rachael-style.
Enjoy your evening off
Funny- I just bought that blue Anthropologie bowl
Congratulations on the run! I’m sorry it wasn’t a good one, though. I wear a Camelbak backpack (ladies’ fit) when I run any distance longer than 6 miles, especially in warmer temperatures. I highly recommend it! There’s a special small pouch for keys, phone, ID, and sports beans (my energy snack of choice!). It distributes the weight very effectively over my back, too. Good luck finding a good solution to the hydration issue!
I LOOOOOOOOOVE my CamelBak. My boyfriend and I each have a 100-ouncer for long hikes and long bike rides in the heat. The “bladder” is kind of a bitch to wash, but it is SO convenient.
I don’t know whether the CamelBak would bounce around on you while running — it is kind of like wearing a small backpack. Some of the smaller sizes do fit closer to the body, and most come with a waist strap, too.
Only drawback? Sweaty back syndrome, big time!
I bought a camelbak, but did not like the extra weight on my back. It was not comfortable on a 8 mile run. I wanted to throw it in the street after 5 miles. My advice would be to borrow someone elses to try first. I actually just bought a helium fuel belt, and I absolutely love it. It’s light and didn’t make sore muscles at the end of the run. Hydration is so important! Good luck:)
@Rebecca: That’s a good idea. I definitely wouldn’t want to be running with something strapped to my back or waist without trying it out
That’s so funny about the peanut sauce! I too tried one for lunch today, but used Almond Butter (salted). My recipe called for almond butter, oil and soy sauce.. as you can imagine that was loads of sodium. I thought that next time I would use sodium free peanut butter. Maybe you could try adding soy sauce to the SF PB?
I had a tough run today, too! I took a new route today and although it was pretty (because I ran right along the lake shore), it was long and straight. Sometimes the curves and hills keep me motivated…ah well, you win some you lose some! Congrats on the long run, though!
Dear Tina, your rough run kicked my good run’s ass
Wpw – I thought your run was actually pretty speedy!
A camel back would probably make it an even better run!! Great for those hot days
I run with a GoLite Lumbar Belt (similar to this one. I like it better than a Camelback bc there are no straps over my shoulders and it does not cover my entire back/bounce when I run. If one bottle is not enough, they have several designs that carry two. I got mine super cheap through Sierra Trading Post.
Totally been there, 2 weeks ago in fact and I even took a bottle of water with me (which was a total pain to hold and I realized I need a water belt or camelback as well)………I took never had an issue at 5 but 6 was a total different story! I of course run much slower then you but felt the exact same way and ended with a terrible time and took 3 walking breaks……..it wasn’t 90 degrees but it was very hot and humid (Florida) and I was drenched in sweat & BEAT by the time I finished.
For 6mile runs I use the handheld Nathan brand. It’s perfect for sips of water and squirting your neck and chest. I used it today, it was SO humid but only 70 degrees at 6am. The shrimp looks great!
good for you for running! wow, it wwas way too hot out there for me to do no more than walk to the gym haha!
oh by the way Kirk from the bachelorette totally reminds me of Mal!
@Naomi: LOL! Totally!
Wow I can’t believe you ran in such hot weather. 6 miles ,yipppeeee.
I always change up recipes then when I taste them I’m like yuk, why’d I do that?
Shame about the weather ruining your run.
I know running on a treadmill is bad for joints & things but maybe in that stinking hot weather, it might be a better option.
Any time I run over 30 minutes I HAVE to bring water with me. On shorter runs I’ll just bring my little handheld running bottle (Nathan brand), but anything longer than an hour I definitely have my Camelbak. The only thing I don’t like about it is that I can’t wear tank tops with it because it chafes me like crazy!
I have found quite a few of Rachael Ray’s recipes to be bland. I gave away all her cookbooks, I mean I could add more seasoning, but I just found her recipes in general to be not great.
Please get a camelback, running more than 3 miles in this weather is ridiculous. Target has the Revel 8L version for $20-30 I believe, but that purchase was a while back so the price may have changed.
I understand that you might of felt bad during your run, but that’s still a great time!! Way to go!
I think it’s all about humidity, and how hydrated you are! Regardless, good run!
That sounds like it could be SO good! I bet salted pb would make a world of difference.
Great job on the run! Even though it was a tough run it was still a 10k in crazy heat! I highly recommend the 1.5L Camelbak. I bought one after Meghann’s suggestion and now love it!!
Sorry that you had a tough run! I do have to say, I’d love to have your rough run! Humidity and dehydration will get the best of you every time! Next time will be better!
I’ve been pondering a Camelbak also…I just cant’ decide if I’d use it enough!
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