Week 2: 8 Mile Long Run
Distance: 8 miles / Time: 1 hour 19 min. / 9:57 average pace
The run today was enjoyable, but a little difficult because again it was very windy. I felt strong, and I’m pleased to note that I’m getting faster as the distance increases. However, that could be due to the fact that I ran once instead of twice last week, and that I used my SaltStick caps for electrolyte salts as well as coconut water. I also ate a bigger breakfast and put honey on my cashew bread with lots of butter.
I cut out almost all fruit, nuts, and beans from my diet two weeks ago because I was eating a lot of them and I think all the sugar and carbs was making me gain weight. I decided that honey and fruit will be saved for big run days when I’ll burn it off. So far that seems to be working well. What I didn’t cut out was grass fed butter, coconut oil, and meat. In fact, I’m eating more of it than ever before because I’m trying to convert my body over to using that for fuel. I read everywhere that fat is the body’s preferred fuel source, not sugar. Interestingly, the weight is dropping off even as I up my fat intake; it is so contrary to everything I’ve ever been taught, but I’m trying it out. Seems to be a delicate balance, because if I don’t eat enough, I get really sluggish on my mid-week runs.
All you paleo people out there, what do you use to give you fuel for intense exercise? I know people like Mark Sisson advise against too many beans or fruits, so where do you get the long-lasting energy?
