Definitely appreciating the value of proper fueling and hydration.
Previously, I don't think it mattered much for me since I never ran longer distances nor did I do much in the heat. After that difficult long run a couple weeks ago, I learned from it and had a much better run last week. Heading into my pace run yesterday, I didn't pay as much attention to it as I should have and suffered as a result, not being able to finish the workout as planned (not to mention the heat/humidity was brutal). So I made sure I got loads of carbs yesterday, drank plenty of water last night, got a good night's sleep, and then hydrated again this morning before heading out.
Despite this being my highest weekly total ever (37 miles for this week and 48 over the last 8 days) and finally doing the long run on the heels of a speed workout (even if only part of it), I felt wonderful this morning. Heat/humidity still there with an SI of 150 but I got out early enough to beat the sun and was able to just run comfortably. HR stayed below <155 for the first 6 miles and averaged 156 total for the whole run which is great for me. Legs felt good until the end when they were getting fatigued the last mile or 2 (especially on the hills). It's my biggest concern with this HM coming up as that 10th mile has a mile long uphill. But I think I'm getting more comfortable with these longer distances and how to manage them.
Drank 12 oz around mile 4.5 (both 6 oz bottles and refilled them at the same time), then drank them again over the next 3 miles and that seemed to work well. I probably could have stood to rehydrate once more towards the end as that may have led to the last couple miles feeling a bit tougher, but I otherwise felt really good for most of the run. Since getting home, I've drank close to 30 oz of water and the MM smoothie and I'm still down 6 lbs. It's nuts.
Anyway, time to cut down this week, enjoy Vegas for a few days later this week and see how the 10K goes in 1 week.
Next long run I'm going to try some fuel with water and see how that goes. Also going to try some Gatorade before the run as well.
Oh, and the new headphones were ultra comfortable. The sound was a little wonky halfway as it was changing as I stepped but I think I need to try the foam eartips that came with it. But still, really happy with them.