First, a little catch up since the June 2nd 5k: 5 miles on June 4, and 4 miles on Tuesday, June 5.
That's it, until this Tuesday. As I said in my last post, my running has been sporadic, if at all.
I set out for 12 miles that I was supposed to have done Saturday. I was kind of amazed at how comfortable running a 9:00 pace was for 5 miles. I knew I would get slower at the end, but felt good knowing I was able to do this. It was 83 degrees when I started at 5:30 pm, so the temperature may have dropped a degree or two by the time I was approximately 5.5 miles into the run. That is when I had a few moments of feeling a chill. I also began to feel myself push trying to keep that 9:00 pace. Mile 6 was 9:10.
I would be running by the Xterra that was parked in the Salem United Methodist Church parking lot at around 6.5 miles. I thought I should sip some PowerAde. As I neared the vehicle, I stepped it up a little - I was wanting to keep near 9:00, and stopping for a drink was going to hurt that. I had the keys in my hand as I neared the Xterra, popped the lock, opened the door, and felt like I was about to vomit. The feeling quickly passed and I gulped a little PowerAde. I took off with a new spring in my step and trying to make up for lost time. I didn't make it - Mile 7 was 9:32 - and the it all fell apart. By Mile 9 (14:28), I was having to walk! I thought maybe the break in Mile 9 would propel me for a better finish. Mile 10 was better at 10:10, but then Mile 11 saw more walking and was at 13:38. After walking into Mile 12, I decided to try to make it respectable by trying to slowly jog the whole thing. I did pretty good, even sprinted - well, the best I could - the last 0.2. 11 Minutes. Total time: 2:03:00. Pace 10:15.
But that's not the end of the story...
When I opened the Xterra door, I gagged a little as if I was to throw up. My tank was empty, so nothing. (The Atkins diet is not for running. No, I'm not on the Atkins diet. It just kind of happened that way. I grilled some cheap steaks on Friday night, ate at Longhorn on Saturday night, grilled cheeseburgers Sunday night, and then ate a leftover hamburger Monday night.) The next thing I knew was that I was having to hold myself up. My left arm was on the door armrest my right hand was on the seat keeping me upright. I was staring at the floorboard that seemed to be moving in slow circles. My peripheral vision seemed to disappear. I felt like I was about to pass out. I stood there for a couple of minutes. I was then able to make my way to the back of the Xterra with a towel. I was too queasy to think of taking a drink. I sat on the back of the Xterra. If you've ever hit your head hard enough that it felt as if the inside of your head enveloped the outside of your head, that is how I felt - out of my head - but without the pain, which was a good sign, I guess. I felt sickly and thought I would pass out any moment. I wished Lainey's car seat, a couple of lawn chairs, and a few other things were not in the back of the Xterra so I could lay down.
Several people had arrived at the church while I was running. I thought about going in to get help, but wasn't sure I could make it across the road and into the church. Maybe DeWain Harris would walk out on his way back to the parsonage, and I could get him to take me home or call Sherri. Why didn't I bring my phone!? I thought about just laying in the gravel parking lot until someone came out. I just sat there staring at the gravel, which seemed to be moving like a kaleidoscope, with the previous sentences running circles in my out-of-my-head mind. I got some relieve for awhile. I don't know if it was 10 seconds or 10 minutes, because I had closed my eyes and guess I dozed off. When I awoke, I was still dazed. With my mind floating just above me, the awful sickness in my stomach, and the flu-like feeling the rest of my body had, I was hoping that I would pass out.
After 30 minutes or so, no one had came out of the church. My peripheral vision had somewhat returned and my mind was back in my head, although it was still foggy. I decided to drive home. I tried not to move to quickly to avoid a more nauseated feeling. I drove home without my seat belt, because I was partially slumped over the steering wheel and did not want to move anymore than I had to. I was happy to see my driveway. I had dreamed of lying on my porch, but I was freezing now, so I went inside. Slowly, I made my way upstairs. I had about 8 oz of PowerAde with me. It had been about 45 minutes after the run, before I took my first sip. I sat on the side of the tub, taking little sips until the PowerAde was gone. Forcefully, I got myself into the shower. I was still a little dizzy, but feeling a lot better.
After the shower, I went back downstairs and poured a small cup of chocolate milk down my throat. Probably not the best thing for how my stomach had felt. It probably added to the feeling that I could not stomach any food, but I read that chocolate milk after long runs could help relieve soreness. After the chocolate milk downing, I grabbed a 32 oz PowerAde and went to my living room chair. I sat there for at least 30 minutes before I was able to open the bottle. I finally took a big sip. I nursed it about an hour, before I got the energy to go to bed. I made myself finish off the last 6 oz or so, because I sure didn't want it, before I headed upstairs.
It is two days later and I am still feeling the effects. I don't know how to explain it, but my mind still has a weird feeling. My legs are quite sore for running/walking 12 miles. I don't think they were this sore after my first half marathon. My lower back and across my chest are also sore. I don't know why.
I think I may not run again until Monday and back off the mileage. I don't have anything planned coming up soon, except the Muddy Buddy on June 23 (9 days) - sure glad it's not this weekend.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
Monday, June 11, 2012
June 11, 2012 - Some Catching Up
Yes, it's been awhile, and my running since the Country Music Marathon has been sporadic. Now that I have been following the "Dr. Sykes Training Plan" of sporadic running, he has taken a more traditional approach of running four times a week and has added some cross-training. :)
My legs, especially the knees, have been killing me. I have had knee pain for over ten years, so the running (on pavement) did not bring it on. I think it has made it more constant, though. I believe years of other sports are the culprit - sliding, diving, cutting - with no type of workout or stretching in the latter years. We would drive somewhere, roll out of the car, and play softball until we lost two games or won the tournament. We would play two games in one night in a local league. And that was it - no practice or anything. In the early years, it was all out all the time even if it was backyard football, without any thought of injury, especially long-term effects. Some nights I just want to cry. Some nights I can't sleep well, because I can't keep my legs still. Some nights I go to bed a little earlier than usual, hoping that I will fall asleep and not feel the pain. Every night lately, I have been taking something for the pain - aspirin, ibuprofen, Aleve, Tylenol. I try to mix things up so not to build up an immune to any one type. Sometimes I will take one thing, and if that doesn't knock it, I'll take something else. I may go six months without any problems. That's why every night for about three weeks has me on edge.
As I said, running has been hit or miss since the CMM on April 28. I ran the Dash to Ditch Lymphoma 5k on June 2. I wasn't feeling it. I ate Papa John's pizza for supper Thursday night, had leftovers for lunch Friday, and the rest of it Friday night. Of course, I had other "junk" - cookies, candy, etc. in between. At least, I did spread a large pizza over three meals. The morning of the 5k my stomach was in knots. It usually is any morning I'm going to a race, though. This morning, however, I felt stuffed, too. I barely had enough room to get down some toast. I began to feel a little better on the drive out to the race. Once the race was on, I felt even better. I took off faster than I should have and ran Mile 1 in 7:19. I wanted to then keep everything under 7:30. That wasn't going to happen! I got realistic and hoped for them all to be under 8:00. That didn't happen either. I think Mile 2 was in like 7:55 and Mile 3 in like 8:05. Plus the tenth-mile. My overall time was 23:45 (7:40 pace). I thought this would be my second (possibly 3rd) best time. I knew one of the HC Fair 5k's was faster, but I wasn't sure if there were any others, so I was surprised to see that this was my 5th best. I don't remember the pain of those other 5k's, but I sure thought I worked hard in this one. I was 2nd of 5 in my 40-44 age group. 14th of 49 males. 17th of 154 overall.
I may have done better if I wasn't so heavy. Since I have been doing the "sporadic plan", I've put on a few pounds. On the Monday after the 5k, my weight hit its highest point since September (that's about 8.5 months!) I even survived the winter without packing on so much!
My legs, especially the knees, have been killing me. I have had knee pain for over ten years, so the running (on pavement) did not bring it on. I think it has made it more constant, though. I believe years of other sports are the culprit - sliding, diving, cutting - with no type of workout or stretching in the latter years. We would drive somewhere, roll out of the car, and play softball until we lost two games or won the tournament. We would play two games in one night in a local league. And that was it - no practice or anything. In the early years, it was all out all the time even if it was backyard football, without any thought of injury, especially long-term effects. Some nights I just want to cry. Some nights I can't sleep well, because I can't keep my legs still. Some nights I go to bed a little earlier than usual, hoping that I will fall asleep and not feel the pain. Every night lately, I have been taking something for the pain - aspirin, ibuprofen, Aleve, Tylenol. I try to mix things up so not to build up an immune to any one type. Sometimes I will take one thing, and if that doesn't knock it, I'll take something else. I may go six months without any problems. That's why every night for about three weeks has me on edge.
As I said, running has been hit or miss since the CMM on April 28. I ran the Dash to Ditch Lymphoma 5k on June 2. I wasn't feeling it. I ate Papa John's pizza for supper Thursday night, had leftovers for lunch Friday, and the rest of it Friday night. Of course, I had other "junk" - cookies, candy, etc. in between. At least, I did spread a large pizza over three meals. The morning of the 5k my stomach was in knots. It usually is any morning I'm going to a race, though. This morning, however, I felt stuffed, too. I barely had enough room to get down some toast. I began to feel a little better on the drive out to the race. Once the race was on, I felt even better. I took off faster than I should have and ran Mile 1 in 7:19. I wanted to then keep everything under 7:30. That wasn't going to happen! I got realistic and hoped for them all to be under 8:00. That didn't happen either. I think Mile 2 was in like 7:55 and Mile 3 in like 8:05. Plus the tenth-mile. My overall time was 23:45 (7:40 pace). I thought this would be my second (possibly 3rd) best time. I knew one of the HC Fair 5k's was faster, but I wasn't sure if there were any others, so I was surprised to see that this was my 5th best. I don't remember the pain of those other 5k's, but I sure thought I worked hard in this one. I was 2nd of 5 in my 40-44 age group. 14th of 49 males. 17th of 154 overall.
I may have done better if I wasn't so heavy. Since I have been doing the "sporadic plan", I've put on a few pounds. On the Monday after the 5k, my weight hit its highest point since September (that's about 8.5 months!) I even survived the winter without packing on so much!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
April 28, 2012 - St. Jude's Country Music Marathon
My second marathon. My second Country Music Marathon.
After the success of my 20 mile run a couple of weeks before, I felt pretty confident of breaking the 5 hour mark, but it did not happen. I started in the 5 hour corral, which I will never do again. I will put on my form that I expect to run it an hour faster than I really expect. I spent most of my energy maneuvering around other runners for about the first 10 miles. They started the half and full marathons together. I guess the half marathoners in my corral were expecting 2.5 hour finishing times, because it included slow runners/walkers. I would get hemmed in and have to walk. I even had to walk downhill
during the first 3 miles!
If I could maintain a pace of 11:25, I could finish in 4:59:06. After running that 20 miler at a 9:52 pace, I thought I had a really good chance. According to the watch, I was at a 10:15 pace after 3 miles. However, when I crossed the 5k mat, the watch had almost 3.5 miles. The CMM website had that my 5k time was 33:23. Okay, the watch is off about a half-mile, and I'm 23 seconds behind what I thought I would be at this point. I wanted to keep a slow pace, so I wouldn't lose all my energy early, but still be under the 11:25 pace.
At the 10k mark, my official time was 1:06:55. Still slipping. I was hoping for 1:06, but hey, I'm close. I cannot find the paper where I wrote down the times from the watch, so I can't give a comparison. (I'm sure you don't want even more tedious numbers).
I believe it was during Mile 10 that I had to stop to pee. It was to be in the 80's, so I tried to drink enough to stay hydrated. I drank too much. I had to wait in a short line. Of course, when I came out, there was no one in line. It cost me about 5 minutes.
Somewhere after Mile 11, the half and full courses split. I saw about 10 people in front of me. In the half marathon lane, the runners were still jam packed. I was happy to be out of the traffic jam, but was thinking "I could almost be done, but have twice as much plus a few more miles to go". Oh, well.
My half marathon pace time was 2:23:13. For a half, that is bad, but with another half to go, I was happy with it. I was just under an 11:00 pace at 10:55. This allowed for even slower miles at the end.
Somewhere between Miles 17 to 20, I began doing some walking that wasn't because I had to. It was the beginning of the end. By the time I hit the 20 mile mark, my pace was 11:35. That is officially. The watch was almost a mile off now. Somewhere between miles 21-23, the GPS battery died. I thought Shane said he had put a new battery in it, because when he brought his watch to me, the watch battery was dead. It didn't really matter at this point. I was over 20 miles in. The time was correct on the watch. I just had to finish the last few miles in..... What? I have to run 9:00 minute miles to finish in 5 hours? It's over! I began walking more. I didn't want to push and not make it under 5, so I didn't push. Pushing was only for a guarantee.
Then I came upon a station that had Coke. The first little cup was gone in a blink. There was only one more Coke cup on the table. I asked if I could have it, too. "Yes, we have more under the table." Then they offered me a whole bottle. It was so tempting, but I declined. And I'm glad I did. Two cups made my side hurt. The pain went away about after a mile.
I tried to keep cool by running through water people were spraying and dumping water on my head at each water station. I saw a four people down, one being golf carted out of an area, 2 ambulances heading into an area, and EMT's pushing a gurney to get another. One of the guys at work said he talked to someone that ran and her running partner went down around Mile 12 of the Half Marathon. He was in ICU for awhile. There is no way he should have been running after 10 o'clock. It wasn't even the heat of the day.
Well, anyway, I finished in a disappointing 5:20:51, a 12:15 pace. It was around 40 minutes faster than last year, but 20 minutes and 52 seconds slower than I wanted this year. I was 2803 of 3925 overall; 1620 of 2125 males; and 247 of 325 in the 40-44 age group.
I was hardly sore at all. I got sleepy on the drive home, but got my second wind and stayed up past 10:00. I was a little tired and sore the next day, but not enough to say I ran a marathon. I felt I could have actually done another the next day. I guess my body was more prepared than I thought, even though I was off about 3 weeks of training. It was my mind telling me I wasn't ready. My mind was telling me, during the last few miles, that I would never do another marathon. The next day my mind was saying, "Let's do another!"
After the success of my 20 mile run a couple of weeks before, I felt pretty confident of breaking the 5 hour mark, but it did not happen. I started in the 5 hour corral, which I will never do again. I will put on my form that I expect to run it an hour faster than I really expect. I spent most of my energy maneuvering around other runners for about the first 10 miles. They started the half and full marathons together. I guess the half marathoners in my corral were expecting 2.5 hour finishing times, because it included slow runners/walkers. I would get hemmed in and have to walk. I even had to walk downhill
during the first 3 miles!
If I could maintain a pace of 11:25, I could finish in 4:59:06. After running that 20 miler at a 9:52 pace, I thought I had a really good chance. According to the watch, I was at a 10:15 pace after 3 miles. However, when I crossed the 5k mat, the watch had almost 3.5 miles. The CMM website had that my 5k time was 33:23. Okay, the watch is off about a half-mile, and I'm 23 seconds behind what I thought I would be at this point. I wanted to keep a slow pace, so I wouldn't lose all my energy early, but still be under the 11:25 pace.
At the 10k mark, my official time was 1:06:55. Still slipping. I was hoping for 1:06, but hey, I'm close. I cannot find the paper where I wrote down the times from the watch, so I can't give a comparison. (I'm sure you don't want even more tedious numbers).
I believe it was during Mile 10 that I had to stop to pee. It was to be in the 80's, so I tried to drink enough to stay hydrated. I drank too much. I had to wait in a short line. Of course, when I came out, there was no one in line. It cost me about 5 minutes.
Somewhere after Mile 11, the half and full courses split. I saw about 10 people in front of me. In the half marathon lane, the runners were still jam packed. I was happy to be out of the traffic jam, but was thinking "I could almost be done, but have twice as much plus a few more miles to go". Oh, well.
My half marathon pace time was 2:23:13. For a half, that is bad, but with another half to go, I was happy with it. I was just under an 11:00 pace at 10:55. This allowed for even slower miles at the end.
Somewhere between Miles 17 to 20, I began doing some walking that wasn't because I had to. It was the beginning of the end. By the time I hit the 20 mile mark, my pace was 11:35. That is officially. The watch was almost a mile off now. Somewhere between miles 21-23, the GPS battery died. I thought Shane said he had put a new battery in it, because when he brought his watch to me, the watch battery was dead. It didn't really matter at this point. I was over 20 miles in. The time was correct on the watch. I just had to finish the last few miles in..... What? I have to run 9:00 minute miles to finish in 5 hours? It's over! I began walking more. I didn't want to push and not make it under 5, so I didn't push. Pushing was only for a guarantee.
Then I came upon a station that had Coke. The first little cup was gone in a blink. There was only one more Coke cup on the table. I asked if I could have it, too. "Yes, we have more under the table." Then they offered me a whole bottle. It was so tempting, but I declined. And I'm glad I did. Two cups made my side hurt. The pain went away about after a mile.
I tried to keep cool by running through water people were spraying and dumping water on my head at each water station. I saw a four people down, one being golf carted out of an area, 2 ambulances heading into an area, and EMT's pushing a gurney to get another. One of the guys at work said he talked to someone that ran and her running partner went down around Mile 12 of the Half Marathon. He was in ICU for awhile. There is no way he should have been running after 10 o'clock. It wasn't even the heat of the day.
Well, anyway, I finished in a disappointing 5:20:51, a 12:15 pace. It was around 40 minutes faster than last year, but 20 minutes and 52 seconds slower than I wanted this year. I was 2803 of 3925 overall; 1620 of 2125 males; and 247 of 325 in the 40-44 age group.
I was hardly sore at all. I got sleepy on the drive home, but got my second wind and stayed up past 10:00. I was a little tired and sore the next day, but not enough to say I ran a marathon. I felt I could have actually done another the next day. I guess my body was more prepared than I thought, even though I was off about 3 weeks of training. It was my mind telling me I wasn't ready. My mind was telling me, during the last few miles, that I would never do another marathon. The next day my mind was saying, "Let's do another!"
Friday, April 27, 2012
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Ran 3 miles. Still a little sore. Time: 31:06. Pace: 10:22.
As of today, I have 99 miles for the month. If my last run for the month goes as planned, I will have 125.2 miles for April.
As of today, I have 99 miles for the month. If my last run for the month goes as planned, I will have 125.2 miles for April.
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Wednesday, April 25, 2012
My legs were a little sore from "hurrying" yesterday. I would like to say I took it easy, but it wasn't easy. Time: 38:57. Pace: 9:44.
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
I didn't run Monday, because I didn't like the weather. The temp was around 60, and it was windy. I had planned on running Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, to have two days off before the marathon. Now, it looks like I will be running Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday.
I ran 5 miles - kind of in a hurry, because of the threat of rain. Time: 43:27. Pace: 8:41.
I ran 5 miles - kind of in a hurry, because of the threat of rain. Time: 43:27. Pace: 8:41.
Monday, April 23, 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2012
Last long run before the big day. Funny how 10 miles doesn't seem that far a week after running a 20 miler. That's a lie! 10 miles is a long way no matter when!
After a warm March, in which some temperature records were broken, April has been somewhat cool. Today's high was to be around 60-65, but we had some things to do in the afternoon. I was running at 8:00 am. It was 47 degrees with a 90% chance of rain. It was windy! Weatherman said 10 mph winds; it seemed double that to me. I can't complain about the wind, though. God held the rain back, so I finished before a single drop fell.
I ran 10 miles in 1:36:35. A 9:39 pace. Each mile's time varied quite a bit. I would have preferred a more consistent pace this being the Saturday before the marathon.
After a warm March, in which some temperature records were broken, April has been somewhat cool. Today's high was to be around 60-65, but we had some things to do in the afternoon. I was running at 8:00 am. It was 47 degrees with a 90% chance of rain. It was windy! Weatherman said 10 mph winds; it seemed double that to me. I can't complain about the wind, though. God held the rain back, so I finished before a single drop fell.
I ran 10 miles in 1:36:35. A 9:39 pace. Each mile's time varied quite a bit. I would have preferred a more consistent pace this being the Saturday before the marathon.
Friday, April 20, 2012
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Ran 5 miles. Felt some effects from yesterday. Tried to push some. Time: 44:23. Pace: 8:53.
Thursday, April 19, 2012
Wednesday, April 18, 2012
Today, I had 8 miles scheduled, but since I missed Monday's 5 miler, I ran 13. It was sunny and 70 degrees when I started, but felt cooler in the shade. It was even cooler once the sun went down. There was a breeze, but I won't complain about it today. The temp had dropped to 58 by the time I had finished.
I didn't run Monday, because we went to the funeral home after work. I had several opportunities to run Tuesday - after dentist and before funeral, then all evening after funeral - I just didn't do it, mainly because it was a dreary day. The temperature was to reach a high of 70, but it only got to 62 at our house. And it was cloudy all day.
I ran the 13 miles in 2:04:22. Pace of 9:34.
I didn't run Monday, because we went to the funeral home after work. I had several opportunities to run Tuesday - after dentist and before funeral, then all evening after funeral - I just didn't do it, mainly because it was a dreary day. The temperature was to reach a high of 70, but it only got to 62 at our house. And it was cloudy all day.
I ran the 13 miles in 2:04:22. Pace of 9:34.
Monday, April 16, 2012
Saturday, April 14, 2012 --- 20 Miles!
Saturday. What a day.
I was up at 7:00 am, but wasn't sure if I would have time to complete a 20 mile run/walk and have enough time to get ready for church directory pictures. I had essentially talked myself out of even trying it, when Sherri said I would have enough time to get in a run that would probably take 4 hours. I downed a quick cup of coffee, had a few gummie-like pieces of candy, and drank a little PowerAde. Then I was out the door by 7:30. I left a pack of gummies and the rest of the PowerAde at my truck in the driveway. I was to run four 5 mile laps, and the fuel would be there. I planned on needing it, because I didn't really fuel up beforehand.
It was 57 degrees and cloudy when I started. It also looked like rain may be moving in, but the weatherman had said nothing about that. After the first lap, I did not stop for a drink. I just turned around and kept going. About Mile 7, the sun finally won the battle and beamed through the clouds. What kept this from being perfect? The increasing wind speed. However, every time I was about to really get mad at the wind, it would die down. It had reached 71 degrees by the time I finished. So, it was really almost perfect weather (to me).
At Mile 10, I made a quick pit stop. I ate about 5 gummies and drank a little PowerAde. I also wrote down my time in case something went wrong. (I was using my cell phone to keep track of the mile splits. My watch is still "dead", and the last time I used my iPod, sweat-moisture got into the armband and has affected the on/off button. I do not want to risk damaging it any further.) And something did go wrong, I closed my phone - I have an old school phone that flips open - and when I did, I lost all my per mile times. After 10 miles, my time was 1:36:46, a pace of 9:41.
After 15 miles, I made another quick stop for a few more gummies and a little bit too much PowerAde, because it sloshed around in my stomach for a little while. I also wrote down my time, and it was getting faster. My total time was now 2:23:25 for a 9:34 pace.
As I headed into my last lap, I had two things I wanted to accomplish: 1. No walking; 2. Finish with a pace of 10:00 or less. No walking would most likely be a "mind over matter" dilemma. Finishing in under 10:00, would be "no walking". I could run it slow - I just had to keep running. I am proud to say I did both. It was very difficult, though. It took all I had just to run downhill. My final time was 3:17:16, for a pace of 9:52.
As I sat on the porch, finishing off the PowerAde and savoring my accomplishment, my heart and mind felt ecstatic to the brink of exploding. The rest of my body begged to differ; it was on the verge of imploding. Seriously, though, my body felt pretty good for having run 20 miles! I went upstairs to shower, when all of a sudden, I found myself in the floor hugging the commode. I gagged a little, but never got anything up. I think I would have felt better if I did, but not eating anything left my stomach empty, I guess. It wasn't too long before the feeling went away, though.
We went and had the pictures done. Then we went to Houston County. Sherri went with her sister to carry some food to a family that had a recent death. Lainey and I went to my mom's. I was tired and could have taken a nap, but I wasn't really sore. When Sherri returned, we went to the high school to eat hamburger steaks. (The baseball team had a dinner to raise money.) I ate my hamburger steak, about half of Lainey's, my roll, half of Lainey's roll, was able to obtain another roll, and a big cinnamon roll for desert. I was starved. Other than the gummies, I only had a Fudge Round at mom's all day. I had 3 Dr. Pepper's, a Pepsi, and some chocolate milk after the meal until bedtime. By Sunday morning, I had only lost 1 pound!
I thought I would be sore Sunday. Not so. I don't know if it was all the chocolate milk (I've read it helps keep down soreness) or if I was still on a high knowing that I ran 20 miles. I talked to Shane (a former runner - LOL) Sunday afternoon. He said the soreness usually hits him the second day. So far, so good.
I believe this 20 mile run is the best run in my life!
I was up at 7:00 am, but wasn't sure if I would have time to complete a 20 mile run/walk and have enough time to get ready for church directory pictures. I had essentially talked myself out of even trying it, when Sherri said I would have enough time to get in a run that would probably take 4 hours. I downed a quick cup of coffee, had a few gummie-like pieces of candy, and drank a little PowerAde. Then I was out the door by 7:30. I left a pack of gummies and the rest of the PowerAde at my truck in the driveway. I was to run four 5 mile laps, and the fuel would be there. I planned on needing it, because I didn't really fuel up beforehand.
It was 57 degrees and cloudy when I started. It also looked like rain may be moving in, but the weatherman had said nothing about that. After the first lap, I did not stop for a drink. I just turned around and kept going. About Mile 7, the sun finally won the battle and beamed through the clouds. What kept this from being perfect? The increasing wind speed. However, every time I was about to really get mad at the wind, it would die down. It had reached 71 degrees by the time I finished. So, it was really almost perfect weather (to me).
At Mile 10, I made a quick pit stop. I ate about 5 gummies and drank a little PowerAde. I also wrote down my time in case something went wrong. (I was using my cell phone to keep track of the mile splits. My watch is still "dead", and the last time I used my iPod, sweat-moisture got into the armband and has affected the on/off button. I do not want to risk damaging it any further.) And something did go wrong, I closed my phone - I have an old school phone that flips open - and when I did, I lost all my per mile times. After 10 miles, my time was 1:36:46, a pace of 9:41.
After 15 miles, I made another quick stop for a few more gummies and a little bit too much PowerAde, because it sloshed around in my stomach for a little while. I also wrote down my time, and it was getting faster. My total time was now 2:23:25 for a 9:34 pace.
As I headed into my last lap, I had two things I wanted to accomplish: 1. No walking; 2. Finish with a pace of 10:00 or less. No walking would most likely be a "mind over matter" dilemma. Finishing in under 10:00, would be "no walking". I could run it slow - I just had to keep running. I am proud to say I did both. It was very difficult, though. It took all I had just to run downhill. My final time was 3:17:16, for a pace of 9:52.
As I sat on the porch, finishing off the PowerAde and savoring my accomplishment, my heart and mind felt ecstatic to the brink of exploding. The rest of my body begged to differ; it was on the verge of imploding. Seriously, though, my body felt pretty good for having run 20 miles! I went upstairs to shower, when all of a sudden, I found myself in the floor hugging the commode. I gagged a little, but never got anything up. I think I would have felt better if I did, but not eating anything left my stomach empty, I guess. It wasn't too long before the feeling went away, though.
We went and had the pictures done. Then we went to Houston County. Sherri went with her sister to carry some food to a family that had a recent death. Lainey and I went to my mom's. I was tired and could have taken a nap, but I wasn't really sore. When Sherri returned, we went to the high school to eat hamburger steaks. (The baseball team had a dinner to raise money.) I ate my hamburger steak, about half of Lainey's, my roll, half of Lainey's roll, was able to obtain another roll, and a big cinnamon roll for desert. I was starved. Other than the gummies, I only had a Fudge Round at mom's all day. I had 3 Dr. Pepper's, a Pepsi, and some chocolate milk after the meal until bedtime. By Sunday morning, I had only lost 1 pound!
I thought I would be sore Sunday. Not so. I don't know if it was all the chocolate milk (I've read it helps keep down soreness) or if I was still on a high knowing that I ran 20 miles. I talked to Shane (a former runner - LOL) Sunday afternoon. He said the soreness usually hits him the second day. So far, so good.
I believe this 20 mile run is the best run in my life!
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