September 4, 2012 (Updated November 25, 2022)

Matt’s New PDR: 9 Miles!

by Anne Mauney, MPH, RD

16 comments
Morning! Amidst our kayaking adventures, hitting the pool with my friend Heidi, a couple fun dinners out, and getting some things done around the house, Matt and I also made it out for a 9 mile run on Saturday morning — another new personal distance record (PDR) for him! IMG_0250

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Matt loves photos 😉

IMG_0251

That’s better!

As I mentioned before, Matt’s training for the 12 mile Tough Mudder race (on this coming weekend!) and wanted to make sure he was feeling confident with the distance. I offered to keep him company for the 9 miles and we headed over to the C&O Canal trail for a nice flat place to run.

Matt amping himself up for a new PDR:

IMG_0252 I wore my compression sleeves (and a cute running skirt from New Balance) for the occasion. We also both wore CamelBaks to stay hydrated! IMG_0253 And we were off! We settled in to a comfortable pace and stuck right around it for the whole time — we didn’t want to push it too much since it was ridiculously hot/humid out.
  • Mile 1: 9:28
  • Mile 2: 9:27
  • Mile 3: 9:30
  • Mile 4: 9:18
We stopped briefly at the midway point to stretch and refuel before turning back. I usually start fueling for runs for anything over about 9 or 10 miles; I wasn’t sure if we’d need anything but figured it was good to bring some fuel in case. I didn’t have any Hammer Gel’s at home so I improvised and brought these dates (pitted and coated in a sprinkle of salt) for us to snack on. Great running fuel, actually! We each had 2. IMG_0254 I also took off my compression sleeves at the half way mark — it was SO hot out (really sticky and humid) and being cooler won out over compressing my calves. 🙂 Back we went!
  • Mile 5: 9:29
  • Mile 6: 9:35
  • Mile 7: 9:19
  • Mile 8: 9:10
  • Mile 9: 8:38 —> finished strong! 🙂
I felt pretty good the whole way, especially on the way back. My legs were tired but once I made it through the early couple miles I started getting into a good groove. As you see, we picked it up for the last mile — I always like doing this to end on a high note. Gotta pretend it’s like a race and you’re sprinting to the finish! 🙂 IMG_0257 Total distance: 9 miles. Total time: 1:23:55. Average overall pace: 9:19 min/miles. Success! IMG_0255 I was very proud of Matt. 🙂 This is his “thank god that’s over but I do feel really bada$$ for doing that” pose. IMG_0256 Between the running and our Crossfit/weight training, I think he’s ready for this race! Any of you guys doing the Tough Mudder this weekend, too? Or have you done a Tough Mudder in another area? Any tips for Matt and his buddies? I was considering doing it with them but it’s a big group of guys and I was worried I’d get left in the dust on some of the obstacles. 😉 Have a great day, everyone!
- anne

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16 comments
  • Jessie
    What an exciting day for Matt, and so sweet of you to keep him company :). Good luck to him on the tough mudder this weekend!
    Reply
  • kim@hungryhealthygirl
    Way to go! That's a great time for his first time running that far. My husband was actually signed up to do the tough mudder last year, but ended up hurting his leg playing flag football. He's planning on giving it another shot in March. I'll be anxious to hear what your husband thinks and how he does. I'm sure with the combo of crossfit and running he will be well prepared. Good luck!!
    Reply
  • Laura
    Matt looks very Shawshank Redemption-esque in that last photo. Hope all is well in DC!
    Reply
    • Anne P
      We actually just watched that movie last week! I'd never seen it before - so good.
      Reply
  • Karen
    I'm doing the tough mudder this weekend too! Yikes! I have no advice since this is my first time as well, but good luck to Matt and hopefully we both make it through!
    Reply
  • Sana
    Yay! Good job to you and Matt :)
    Reply
  • Amanda
    I did Tough Mudder a few weeks ago. He'll be fine! Tough Mudder actually recommends crossfit as a way to train. My one recommendation would be not to use gloves. It was a big back and forth in my group as to whether we should bring them. A lot of us did in the end but ended up pitching them half way through. There is just too much mud for them to actually be useful. Good luck to him!!
    Reply
    • Jenny
      I second that. I did a Tough Mudder in WI earlier this year and people were leaving gloves all along the course. He'll be fine. I didn't train much and if I finished, he will do great! You should sign up, Anne!!
      Reply
  • Jill K
    Great run and way to go on his training! That photo of Matt gets me pumped! ;-) My friend did tough mudder and said he recommends fingerless gloves, Compression fit self wicking clothing (the Nike shiny clothing that dries faster) and light minimus sneaks Stay on it! And can't wait to see photos! :-)
    Reply
  • Carrie @ Fitness and Frozen Grapes
    Congrats to Matt on his new PDR! I've never done a Tough Mudder or a mud-run, but it's on my fitness bucket list. I just started using compression sleeves like yours, Anne, and I love them so far--they make running long much easier. :)
    Reply
  • Caroline
    Congrats to Matt on his PDR! I've never done a tough mudder, but always wanted to! They sound so tough!
    Reply
  • Sierra @ Posh Meets Pavement
    That first picture is priceless. Longer distances means he will have a new love and appreciation for how fit and awesome you are!
    Reply
  • Elle | nutritionella
    IMPRESSIVE! I still love how he accidentally signed up for a Tough Mudder... but he looks totally ready to rock. Can't wait to see you this weekend! xo
    Reply
  • Kris S
    Way to go, Matt!! :)
    Reply
  • Allison
    Looks like a great run! I'm running the Tough Mudder in Seattle at the end of the month! I hope you do a post about Matt's experience. I've never done an obstacle race before and I'm so nervous!!
    Reply