First Awful Training Run

It Happened

Of course, shortly after I was boasting over how well my training was going, I had one of the worst runs of my life. That all-out, I'm not gonna finish, I may call an uber/rescue or I might die, kind of run.

It was only 14 miles. 

I woke up Saturday feeling a little off. Dehydrated, maybe. I didn't sleep very well. Maybe eating cheese pizza was a bad idea. Either way, I chugged some coconut water and told myself everything was fine. Spoiler alert - it wasn't.

Since my bout with dehydration at the Hemlock Half last September, I've been terrified of experiencing anything like that again. I promised myself I would be better at listening to my body, and that I would not drink too many beers the days before a run. Since my kidney issues last fall, I am also prone to noticing how much salt is in my sweat or if I think my urine has a funky smell (more so than normal). Needless to say I've got a lot to keep track of, but I get annoyed. The little voice in my head taunts me " you just want to get out of this run", and partially, he/she/it is right. It's a fine line.

So I began the daunting journey of a 14 mile run. Here is the break down:

Mile 1 - This, Fucking, Sucks, I think I should turn around.

Mile 2 - Wow it's really hot for February. The sun is beating me down (even under layers of sunscreen and a visor). Well, it is really pretty out.

Mile 3 - Endorphins! I love running - I can do this forever. I love Roanoke - I can't wait to go back. Ah, love.

Mile 4 - I think my toe bone is out of place. My foot hurts. Damn I wish I wore shorts. It's too hot...

Mile 5 - Only 2 miles to go till half way. That's nothing. Ok I need Gatoraide now.

Mile 6 - A very 'voluptuous' woman is running right in front of me. We both stop at the cross walk, but she decides she can't wait for the walking man signal and darts into the road (nearly getting hit by someone making a left turn). That's why you wait... When the signal finally came I sped up and left her in my dust - wasn't worth stopping traffic to get ahead of me was it??!

Mile 7 - Why did I sprint like a goddamn idiot to pass her. OMG I'm going to die. Just get to the 7 mile marker...I'll eat a honey packet and then I just have to get home.

Miles 8 -11. Fuck my life. Salt was visible through my capris, and my arms, and I could smell it. I was actually starting to feel dizzy. Shit. I realized I'm dehydrated. I should call an Uber. I'm more than half way...

Mile 12 - Another runner (opposite direction) waved to me and he stopped. I pulled my earbuds out and he asked if I was OK. He said I looked very pale. Not good. Shit. I told him I was almost home (kinda true) and I was OK.

Mile 13. Less than 2 miles. 2 miles may as well had been another 12. I actually laid down in some grass and wanted to have a pity party. I wanted to scream and cry and curse the day I decided to train for another marathon. This is so stupid. Why can't I go to the gym for an hour like a normal person?

Mile 14- One foot in front of the other. Just get home. Just get home. Every step I took I felt like I would dry-heave. Just get home.

At the end of the day I got it done... even though it was miserable. Not really complaining about the 70* weather in the middle of winter tho...

Let's hope this is just a one time occurrence; I can't afford more piss poor long runs this training season. This upcoming weekend I'm running 15 miles, then on March 5th I'm running the Reston 10 Miler. 

Body Goals

On another note - have you seen Aly Raisman??? This is my new inspiration

Ok time to shake off the bad run and get my butt in the gym - I've got work to do!!!

Cheers and happy running!

India

Blueridge Training is a Success!!

Training - Done Right!

This is the best running -shape I have been in, in a very long time. The Runkeeper plan is working! At least, that is partly it. My experience is starting to build and I'm finally balancing my mileage and food without devouring excess calories or starving.

I have lost 8 lbs since new years (!!!). I never thought I would see my body hover around 130 lbs again. My mileage isn't significantly higher or lower from my last training plan (although I am doing more speedwork and sprints), and I'm not on a 'special' diet. But I am not eating nearly as much as I did last fall.

Instead of indulging in pasta and multiple helpings of rice, I am eating lean protein and veggies for every meal. I know - this is counterintuitive to the necessity of 'carb loading'. And it may not work for everyone - but I am getting faster too! 

The truth is we EAT TOO MUCH. It's OK to be slightly hungry while training (running is not easy on a full stomach; it can be a disaster). The night before my long run I'll add half a sweet potato to my dinner. The morning of maybe a lite english muffin or piece of toast with my eggs and spinach. That's it. I don't eat 2 lunches like I was before. I don't stuff myself and justify it by my 'rigorous training', We really don't need to (and really shouldn't) eat that much. 

I also think I've become better at burning calories; my body has become accustomed to the high training intensity and I no  longer feel like I'm starving. Most importantly - I can't believe how good I feel! My mood, health,  and physical stamina all have dramatically improved. 

Worst is Behind Us

Last night the sun set at 5:30. I left work at 5 and it was still light out (!!!). Only 5.5 more weeks until daylight savings. Around 4-5 PM is the most beautiful time of day to run right now. I love the pink and orange skies followed by the blue/lavender undertones... Thankfully I have had some flexibility with my job, so I have been able to run in the afternoon a few days a week. 

It's hard to believe that last time I trained for a winter marathon I was working 9 AM - 6 PM everyday (mandatory hours) and I was also finishing my bachelor's degree. No wonder things seem a bit easier this time around :)   

I'm running the For the Love of it 10K this Saturday....time to see how my training is paying off!!

Cheers and happy running

<3 India