I had the best long distance run today! Not only did I set a new personal distance record of 17 miles, but I ran at an overall quicker pace, I did not have to stop to walk, and I finished feeling as though I could have run longer!! How great is that?!?
Interestingly enough, I actually finished this week's 17-mile run in the same amount of time as it took me to run last week's 16-mile run. I didn't necessarily run any faster, but I didn't have to stop for the bathroom, or to stretch, and I never hit any kind of "wall" - as I did last week. I finished my 17 miles in 2:57:15. Under 3 hours!!! :)
So, for both my own record, and for those who are interested, I want to break down the aspects of the run (both before and during) so it can be seen as to what might have been helpful.
- I went to sleep at a decent hour the night before, and slept nearly 9 hours before waking.
- I had a PowerBar approximately 2 hours before beginning my run. (Typical, but usually it is only 1 hour for me.)
- I ran not only with Starburst this time, but actually had 2 PowerBar Gel packs with me, and I ended up using both of them. Since I had not any other food besides the PowerBar that morning (and I went running at 12) - I found myself feeling hungry very early on in the race! So, I took a gel pack just after mile 3. Though my energy stayed high and strong... I do not attribute that to the gel pack, as my energy typically does not dip until around mile 9. I then took another gel pack around mile 11-12. I do think this choice was crucial for me, as I experienced no major struggles during this section of my run, as I did last week.
- It actually started to rain around mile 6, and rained for the remainder of my run! I found this very funny at first, then was actually quite grateful for it, as I realized I had yet to run in the rain until today! (I mean, what if it's rainy and gross on marathon day?? It's possible!) I ended up enjoying the rain quite a bit, as it kept me cool. However, by the time I had hit mile 17, I was quite grateful, as it had become a bit irritating running in a soaking wet shirt, bra, shorts, socks, etc...
- I started off the run using my mantra "I am a marathoner. I love to run. I am strong and I can do this!" but found that my mind quickly went to songs. At first, I found myself singing the German Oktoberfest songs I heard all weekend - but setting them to the rhythm of my feet! :) Then, about 5 miles in, I found myself thinking of "Dona Nobis Pacem." We are currently singing that song for Finale, so it's been on my mind. I found I could perfectly sing it to myself to the rhythm of my feet, and still stay focused on my running. Before I knew it, the miles were just passing by! It was the most spiritual, beautiful experience I have had while running. I ran the 12 remaining miles just thinking "Grant us peace.... grant us peace.... grant us peace...."
- Due to my peace mantra, when I finished the run, I found myself thanking God for just about everything: the successful run, the rain, my strong body, my feet, my shoes, the trees, the sky, my life, my boyfriend, my parents, my family... the list just went on and on. I teared up as I uttered these words of gratitude aloud. No matter what your spiritual background is, I'm realizing that pushing your body to and PAST it's previous limits just puts you in a more wonderful and surreal place than you could have ever imagined. It's incredible - and I encourage and support anyone else who would try this venture.
So all around, the run was a HUGE success. I now know, beyond all shadow of a doubt, that I will finish this marathon! I look forward to the soreness, to the stomach that turns in knots, to the sweat, to the tears.... to all of it! What an exciting adventure this has become!
Signed,
Your-dona-nobis-pacem'ing-it-up-runner,
Kelly
PS - Next week? 18 miles!
Monday, September 28, 2009
Wednesday, September 23, 2009
A test of speed...
As I did not have time to get in a full 5-mile run today, I chose to do a speed 2-miler. Not sure if that was necessarily the smartest decision or not... but I wanted to make sure I ran SOMETHING! I honestly was just curious as to how much I could increase my speed while still being able to maintain a steady pace.
Well - my first mile, which included two steep hills, finished at approximately 8:40! (If only my physical fitness test coach could see me now!) I finished the 2 miles in just under 18 minutes. Crazy, right?
I'm certainly NOT running the marathon for speed, but it was rather encouraging to realize that I'm in much better shape than I was a year ago!
We'll see how the next steady, easy paced run goes...
Signed,
Your-Speedy-Gonzales-runner,
Kelly
Well - my first mile, which included two steep hills, finished at approximately 8:40! (If only my physical fitness test coach could see me now!) I finished the 2 miles in just under 18 minutes. Crazy, right?
I'm certainly NOT running the marathon for speed, but it was rather encouraging to realize that I'm in much better shape than I was a year ago!
We'll see how the next steady, easy paced run goes...
Signed,
Your-Speedy-Gonzales-runner,
Kelly
Monday, September 21, 2009
New personal record!
Long runs. They bring pleasure and they bring pain. Either way, it is amazing to realize that one can set new personal records EVERY week!
Today, the goal was 16 miles.... and I OWNED IT! :)
The run was definitely an improvement overall... and what was exciting about it was that I actually had a running buddy! :) Ashley Rubisch, a friend of mine from college and a former PA Ren Faire actor, was in town and willing to run the long distance with me. We set a good pace, right around 10 minute miles, and did not stop or slow down until I had to stop for a bathroom between miles 8 and 9. We immediately picked back up with our pace and continued on.
What I have learned now, is that once I stop on a run - whether it is for a bathroom or to stretch, or for a quick relief for my heart rate - it becomes much more difficult to get back into a nonstop running groove. Case in point, after picking back up with the run after the brief bathroom stop, I was only able to run 2 more miles, then had to stop to stretch. I then picked up running again, but half a mile later, started walking due to muscle discomfort. This is where the running buddy SAVED me. She ran right up next to me, encouraged me to run, and I picked back up with the pace. I made a super brief stop again as we passed the parking lot between miles 11 and 12, only so I could grab my extra water bottle from my car.
As I picked up the run again at that point, I was really hurting. My arches were SO sore, one of my shins was really hurting, my hip joints were sore, my butt was even sore from the inclines I'd just finished... and I felt ready to puke. As I was running, Ashley had dropped just behind me at this point, I decided I was just going to make myself puke and get it over with. Then, something changed. I stopped myself from gagging, and made a decision: If I was going to puke, it was going to be because I EARNED it. I was only going to puke if my body had worked so hard that it had no other option to expel whatever was inside of me. (I apologize for being so blunt about all this.) I then visualized my coach (the man I work for in NYC) look at me straight in the eye and telling me to GO. Just go - run - move... earn the discomfort, earn the soreness, earn the puke if it decides to show up. And I did! I was able to continue running miles 12-14 at a full stride, quicker pace, and felt great!
Then, at my turnaround point, when I had 2 miles left... I felt the need to stop and walk. I mentally convinced myself to keep going. What happened next was truly surreal. My experience was based on what Pat, my NYC coach, told me: Pat said that my mind and my body were two different things when it came to running. No matter how much I train my body, it's possible, like a car engine that it will run out of gas. However, more gas can be added. If the mind runs out of gas... it's like a computer crash... there's no quick fix. So, if I can keep my mind active and fresh... I can fool my body into feeling the same way.
I took Pat's words to heart... and for the last two miles, I focused solely on my mental state. I made my mind "run." The surreal part was that I felt almost "out of my body." I was still conscious of my stride and my foot placement and breathing... but I still managed to feel like the only thing that was doing real work was my mind! My mind was refreshed and active... I didn't feel the pain or soreness in my body... but rather the excitement that my mind was running toward the finish! I got teary eyed when I saw the final mile marker just yards ahead of me. With Ashley running by my side for the last half mile, it made all the difference. It was so nice to have someone to celebrate with! I know I will carry that feeling with me on my next solo long run. :)
So all in all things are GREAT! I can't believe I completed 16 miles today... I'm still scared of the idea of the marathon... but I know believe with all my might that it is do-able! Next week: 18 miles! New York City marathon, here I come!
Signed,
Your-longer-and-longer-distance-running-runner,
Kelly
Today, the goal was 16 miles.... and I OWNED IT! :)
The run was definitely an improvement overall... and what was exciting about it was that I actually had a running buddy! :) Ashley Rubisch, a friend of mine from college and a former PA Ren Faire actor, was in town and willing to run the long distance with me. We set a good pace, right around 10 minute miles, and did not stop or slow down until I had to stop for a bathroom between miles 8 and 9. We immediately picked back up with our pace and continued on.
What I have learned now, is that once I stop on a run - whether it is for a bathroom or to stretch, or for a quick relief for my heart rate - it becomes much more difficult to get back into a nonstop running groove. Case in point, after picking back up with the run after the brief bathroom stop, I was only able to run 2 more miles, then had to stop to stretch. I then picked up running again, but half a mile later, started walking due to muscle discomfort. This is where the running buddy SAVED me. She ran right up next to me, encouraged me to run, and I picked back up with the pace. I made a super brief stop again as we passed the parking lot between miles 11 and 12, only so I could grab my extra water bottle from my car.
As I picked up the run again at that point, I was really hurting. My arches were SO sore, one of my shins was really hurting, my hip joints were sore, my butt was even sore from the inclines I'd just finished... and I felt ready to puke. As I was running, Ashley had dropped just behind me at this point, I decided I was just going to make myself puke and get it over with. Then, something changed. I stopped myself from gagging, and made a decision: If I was going to puke, it was going to be because I EARNED it. I was only going to puke if my body had worked so hard that it had no other option to expel whatever was inside of me. (I apologize for being so blunt about all this.) I then visualized my coach (the man I work for in NYC) look at me straight in the eye and telling me to GO. Just go - run - move... earn the discomfort, earn the soreness, earn the puke if it decides to show up. And I did! I was able to continue running miles 12-14 at a full stride, quicker pace, and felt great!
Then, at my turnaround point, when I had 2 miles left... I felt the need to stop and walk. I mentally convinced myself to keep going. What happened next was truly surreal. My experience was based on what Pat, my NYC coach, told me: Pat said that my mind and my body were two different things when it came to running. No matter how much I train my body, it's possible, like a car engine that it will run out of gas. However, more gas can be added. If the mind runs out of gas... it's like a computer crash... there's no quick fix. So, if I can keep my mind active and fresh... I can fool my body into feeling the same way.
I took Pat's words to heart... and for the last two miles, I focused solely on my mental state. I made my mind "run." The surreal part was that I felt almost "out of my body." I was still conscious of my stride and my foot placement and breathing... but I still managed to feel like the only thing that was doing real work was my mind! My mind was refreshed and active... I didn't feel the pain or soreness in my body... but rather the excitement that my mind was running toward the finish! I got teary eyed when I saw the final mile marker just yards ahead of me. With Ashley running by my side for the last half mile, it made all the difference. It was so nice to have someone to celebrate with! I know I will carry that feeling with me on my next solo long run. :)
So all in all things are GREAT! I can't believe I completed 16 miles today... I'm still scared of the idea of the marathon... but I know believe with all my might that it is do-able! Next week: 18 miles! New York City marathon, here I come!
Signed,
Your-longer-and-longer-distance-running-runner,
Kelly
Sunday, September 20, 2009
When the going gets tough... the tough go running!
Question: What do you do when the job that you love unexpectedly comes into direct conflict with your planned marathon date??
Answer: You stay true to yourself and follow through on a goal that you have had for 2 years.
What has happened is this. My current job, portraying Queen Elizabeth I at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, has been extended for one week longer than its initial planned run. The Faire was scheduled to run for 12 weeks, but due to several financial losses as the season opened (poor turnout, bad weather, etc, etc) the decision was made to open for an additional weekend. The dates of that extra weekend? October 31st and November 1st.
Yup, November 1st. Marathon Day.
As you can see from my answer above, I made the decision to stick with the marathon... but it is killing me that I will be "abandoning" my job early. I know this is not the case, and NO ONE other than myself is making me feel guilty or wrong for making this decision. Nevertheless, I hate the idea of not finishing out the season. :(
Nevertheless, I press onward and continue to run. I made the decision to work toward this marathon during November of 2007. I will finish, holding my hands up high! I can only hope that my decision to stay true to myself will inspire those I'm leaving behind... rather than disappoint them that I'm gone.
Signed,
Your-sad-but-still-running-runner,
Kelly
Answer: You stay true to yourself and follow through on a goal that you have had for 2 years.
What has happened is this. My current job, portraying Queen Elizabeth I at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, has been extended for one week longer than its initial planned run. The Faire was scheduled to run for 12 weeks, but due to several financial losses as the season opened (poor turnout, bad weather, etc, etc) the decision was made to open for an additional weekend. The dates of that extra weekend? October 31st and November 1st.
Yup, November 1st. Marathon Day.
As you can see from my answer above, I made the decision to stick with the marathon... but it is killing me that I will be "abandoning" my job early. I know this is not the case, and NO ONE other than myself is making me feel guilty or wrong for making this decision. Nevertheless, I hate the idea of not finishing out the season. :(
Nevertheless, I press onward and continue to run. I made the decision to work toward this marathon during November of 2007. I will finish, holding my hands up high! I can only hope that my decision to stay true to myself will inspire those I'm leaving behind... rather than disappoint them that I'm gone.
Signed,
Your-sad-but-still-running-runner,
Kelly
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Who can run a Half-Marathon? I CAN!!!
Today is a monumental day!
Not only is it 9/9/09... but it's the day that Kelly McMahon Morris ran her first ever Half-Marathon! (13.1 miles)
(Actually, it's the first day she's run 14 miles, but it sounds exciting to mention the Half-Marathon turning point.)
Yes, indeedy! I did it. 14 miles, for better or for worse. After last week's disastrous run, I was hesitant to head out for another long run this week. But I knew that if I didn't run this week, I certainly wouldn't want to run next week, and the cycle would just continue.
So, after my PowerBar breakfast, lots of hydration and stretching, I headed out. The weather was perfect today! High of 70, overcast, with rain predicted for later in the day. Nice and cool, not too sunny... it was heaven. :) I started my run, as I usually do, right at mile marker 10 on the trail. Ironically, by the time I'd run about half a mile, I realized that I desperately had to go to the bathroom!! I couldn't help but laugh. My plan had been to run from mile marker 10 to mile marker 3, then back again. However, the ONLY bathroom is just before mile marker 10! So, I ran my first mile, turned around, and ran right back to that blessed Porta-Potty. I suppose it was about time for me to have to interrupt a run for a bathroom break! :)
Since I had to change up my mapped out run, I continued running (after my pit stop) back to mile marker 11 - which turned out to be quite pretty! It runs right behind a quaint little neighborhood, so that was nice. I looped back from mile 11, then headed down to mile 5, then back to 10. (Crazy, but it all totaled out to 14 miles!) I did have to walk a few times, but instead of viewing it as a failure, I thought of it as a smart athletic move. For I only walked when my knees felt stiff or a cramp had become to sharp - and I would stop to stretch, breathe deep, walk a few strides. Then, I would refocus my mind, and start running again.
The big success of this run for me, was the use of positive self-talk. It's something I learned from the book I've been reading: "The Non-Runner's Marathon Training Guide." It's the idea that you create several sentences and/or ideas that you can say to yourself over and over again as you run. Some people sing songs to themselves, some remind themselves of how good they have it... but no matter what you do, it has to be said in the first person. This was a revelation for me, as I typically coach myself through a run by saying things like "You can do it!" or "You got this, Kel. Finish it!" or "Don't you stop now!" So, to translate this... you have to say it in the first person. "I can do it!" or "I've got this!" and instead of the negative "don't stop" it's the idea of "I can finish!" So today, my sentences went as such: "I am a marathoner. I love to run. I am strong and I can do this!" Over and over and over again I said this to myself. I started saying it in rhythm with my feet. Every time I would stray away in my thoughts, I would quickly bring myself back to these words. As my pace slowed and the run was more difficult, I made them more concise: "I am a marathoner. I can run!" "I can RUN!" and honestly - it kept me focused and got me through! I didn't even use an iPod today. It was AWESOME.
Also, when I had to take a quick rest and walk for about 45 seconds around mile 11, I decided to throw myself self-talk in to overdrive and really give it 110% focus. As I started to run for the last 3 miles, I just said "I am a MARATHONER!" over and over again, really believing it - and feeling proud of it! Wouldn't you know it, that my stride got longer and quicker and I finished the last three miles stronger than I had been running for most of the run!! My heart rate was going at about 10 clicks higher than I usually try to keep it - but I was in a ZONE. It was incredible!
So... things I've learned:
- One bad long run doesn't mean the next one is doomed.
- I do not need an iPod if I focus on my positive self-talk.
- If I have to walk for a few seconds, it is completely fine and NOT a failure.
- I don't need to drink as much water as I did last week (during my run) - for I stayed hydrated and DIDN'T puke or cramp!
- And most importantly... I CAN RUN A HALF-MARATHON!!!!
What a glorious day it has been! :)
Signed,
Your-kicking-ass-and-taking-names-runner,
Kelly
Not only is it 9/9/09... but it's the day that Kelly McMahon Morris ran her first ever Half-Marathon! (13.1 miles)
(Actually, it's the first day she's run 14 miles, but it sounds exciting to mention the Half-Marathon turning point.)
Yes, indeedy! I did it. 14 miles, for better or for worse. After last week's disastrous run, I was hesitant to head out for another long run this week. But I knew that if I didn't run this week, I certainly wouldn't want to run next week, and the cycle would just continue.
So, after my PowerBar breakfast, lots of hydration and stretching, I headed out. The weather was perfect today! High of 70, overcast, with rain predicted for later in the day. Nice and cool, not too sunny... it was heaven. :) I started my run, as I usually do, right at mile marker 10 on the trail. Ironically, by the time I'd run about half a mile, I realized that I desperately had to go to the bathroom!! I couldn't help but laugh. My plan had been to run from mile marker 10 to mile marker 3, then back again. However, the ONLY bathroom is just before mile marker 10! So, I ran my first mile, turned around, and ran right back to that blessed Porta-Potty. I suppose it was about time for me to have to interrupt a run for a bathroom break! :)
Since I had to change up my mapped out run, I continued running (after my pit stop) back to mile marker 11 - which turned out to be quite pretty! It runs right behind a quaint little neighborhood, so that was nice. I looped back from mile 11, then headed down to mile 5, then back to 10. (Crazy, but it all totaled out to 14 miles!) I did have to walk a few times, but instead of viewing it as a failure, I thought of it as a smart athletic move. For I only walked when my knees felt stiff or a cramp had become to sharp - and I would stop to stretch, breathe deep, walk a few strides. Then, I would refocus my mind, and start running again.
The big success of this run for me, was the use of positive self-talk. It's something I learned from the book I've been reading: "The Non-Runner's Marathon Training Guide." It's the idea that you create several sentences and/or ideas that you can say to yourself over and over again as you run. Some people sing songs to themselves, some remind themselves of how good they have it... but no matter what you do, it has to be said in the first person. This was a revelation for me, as I typically coach myself through a run by saying things like "You can do it!" or "You got this, Kel. Finish it!" or "Don't you stop now!" So, to translate this... you have to say it in the first person. "I can do it!" or "I've got this!" and instead of the negative "don't stop" it's the idea of "I can finish!" So today, my sentences went as such: "I am a marathoner. I love to run. I am strong and I can do this!" Over and over and over again I said this to myself. I started saying it in rhythm with my feet. Every time I would stray away in my thoughts, I would quickly bring myself back to these words. As my pace slowed and the run was more difficult, I made them more concise: "I am a marathoner. I can run!" "I can RUN!" and honestly - it kept me focused and got me through! I didn't even use an iPod today. It was AWESOME.
Also, when I had to take a quick rest and walk for about 45 seconds around mile 11, I decided to throw myself self-talk in to overdrive and really give it 110% focus. As I started to run for the last 3 miles, I just said "I am a MARATHONER!" over and over again, really believing it - and feeling proud of it! Wouldn't you know it, that my stride got longer and quicker and I finished the last three miles stronger than I had been running for most of the run!! My heart rate was going at about 10 clicks higher than I usually try to keep it - but I was in a ZONE. It was incredible!
So... things I've learned:
- One bad long run doesn't mean the next one is doomed.
- I do not need an iPod if I focus on my positive self-talk.
- If I have to walk for a few seconds, it is completely fine and NOT a failure.
- I don't need to drink as much water as I did last week (during my run) - for I stayed hydrated and DIDN'T puke or cramp!
- And most importantly... I CAN RUN A HALF-MARATHON!!!!
What a glorious day it has been! :)
Signed,
Your-kicking-ass-and-taking-names-runner,
Kelly
Thursday, September 3, 2009
11 miles... 12 miles.... and it just keeps going!
It's hard to believe I'm now logging double digit runs every week. It seems like only yesterday I was worried about running 6 miles.
So, to update on the last week: When it came time for me to run my 11-mile run, I actually found enough adrenaline at the end to crank out an extra half-mile! So I ran 11.5 miles in just under 2 hours. It was AWESOME. The new development though, was that as soon as I stopped running and started walking, my legs just ACHED! I mean, serious discomfort from overworking my muscles. I went home and took some ibuprofen, drank my chocolate milk, and kept hydrating... but I stayed sore for the next 4-5 days. It was crazy! I'm realizing now that I should consider taking those ice-baths... but I honestly have nowhere to submerge legs in water right now. I might have to get creative.... (put some ice in the horse trough, anyone? eh? eh?)
I kept trudging though, however... stretching every day and was feeling really great as the weekend arrived. I was fighting a sore throat in the mornings, but was able to alleviate it with Airborne, lots of tea, and rest. I spent Monday with my folks, as they were in town for the Faire, and then headed out for my 12-mile run on Tuesday. (Mind you, at this point, I was fighting my sore throat ALL day, not just in the mornings.)
So, after having my PowerBar, and stocked up with two bottles of water and some Starburst for extra energy if needed during the run, I began my run. Honestly - the first 9 miles were great! I kept a good solid pace, which actually seemed a bit quicker for me without any extra effort. Around mile 9 however, I noticed that my knees were feeling a little stiff. To try and loosen them up a bit, I decided to run a few strides where I would be "kicking my butt" so-to-speak. I wanted to flick my legs higher up in the back to help stretch out my knees a bit. I've done this before without any issue... but as soon as I did it on this particular run, I involuntarily yelped "Ow! OW!" It felt like I just overstretched a muscle that I wasn't supposed to stretch. So I slowed my pace a little, until I finally decided to stop and stretch. As soon as I went to do a quad stretch, hoping it would loosen my knees a bit... my hamstrings cramped up! I then stretched those muscles and just took a few minutes to stretch my legs and feet overall. I mean, I see runners doing this all the time during races - so I figured this was totally fine. I walked for another minute, then picked up my jogging pace again.
About 3/4 of a mile later, my arch in my left foot started cramping up. I tried to focus on just relaxing my foot a bit in my stride... but no dice. Within a few strides, I once again, involuntarily, yelped "Ouch!!" I had to stop. I worked out my foot a bit, walked a bit more... but at this point, I had started to cry. I was so frustrated. The entire run I was coughing, spitting out phlegm (which was far more than usual due to my cold) and now I was having to stop due to random body pains. Of course, the crying only made things worse, since it caused my throat to close up... preventing me from taking a deep breath. (NOT a good thing when your heart rate is elevated!) To prevent further damage, I began to walk slowly, forcing myself to calm down. When I reached a calm enough place, I started to jog again. I fought through the discomfort and the frustration - and I finished that freakin' run!! What's worse... I'm not sure if I pushed too hard, or I drank too much water, or I ate the PowerBar too soon before the run... but as I'm walking to my car, I found myself feeling incredibly nauseous. Sure enough, by the time I reached my car... I puked. I've read stories about runners puking after long runs... I was just sort of hoping it wouldn't be me. I suppose it's badge of honor though. I just want to make sure I don't have to do it again!
After the run, I was so cold and uncomfortable that I had to wrap myself in blankets and just sleep for a solid hour when I got back. My temperature was still a little elevated 2 hours after the run, so clearly I didn't hydrate enough. (I think!) The cold that was only in my nose, has shifted into my chest... but I'm still fighting it! Hopefully, it will be gone by the weekend.
What I've learned? That running isn't always easy. It isn't always "fun." But it is, in the end, rewarding, and I will feel like an entirely new, empowered person when I finish this marathon. I'm a little scared, a lot excited... and I can't wait.
Signed,
Your-puking-but-persevering-runner,
Kelly
So, to update on the last week: When it came time for me to run my 11-mile run, I actually found enough adrenaline at the end to crank out an extra half-mile! So I ran 11.5 miles in just under 2 hours. It was AWESOME. The new development though, was that as soon as I stopped running and started walking, my legs just ACHED! I mean, serious discomfort from overworking my muscles. I went home and took some ibuprofen, drank my chocolate milk, and kept hydrating... but I stayed sore for the next 4-5 days. It was crazy! I'm realizing now that I should consider taking those ice-baths... but I honestly have nowhere to submerge legs in water right now. I might have to get creative.... (put some ice in the horse trough, anyone? eh? eh?)
I kept trudging though, however... stretching every day and was feeling really great as the weekend arrived. I was fighting a sore throat in the mornings, but was able to alleviate it with Airborne, lots of tea, and rest. I spent Monday with my folks, as they were in town for the Faire, and then headed out for my 12-mile run on Tuesday. (Mind you, at this point, I was fighting my sore throat ALL day, not just in the mornings.)
So, after having my PowerBar, and stocked up with two bottles of water and some Starburst for extra energy if needed during the run, I began my run. Honestly - the first 9 miles were great! I kept a good solid pace, which actually seemed a bit quicker for me without any extra effort. Around mile 9 however, I noticed that my knees were feeling a little stiff. To try and loosen them up a bit, I decided to run a few strides where I would be "kicking my butt" so-to-speak. I wanted to flick my legs higher up in the back to help stretch out my knees a bit. I've done this before without any issue... but as soon as I did it on this particular run, I involuntarily yelped "Ow! OW!" It felt like I just overstretched a muscle that I wasn't supposed to stretch. So I slowed my pace a little, until I finally decided to stop and stretch. As soon as I went to do a quad stretch, hoping it would loosen my knees a bit... my hamstrings cramped up! I then stretched those muscles and just took a few minutes to stretch my legs and feet overall. I mean, I see runners doing this all the time during races - so I figured this was totally fine. I walked for another minute, then picked up my jogging pace again.
About 3/4 of a mile later, my arch in my left foot started cramping up. I tried to focus on just relaxing my foot a bit in my stride... but no dice. Within a few strides, I once again, involuntarily, yelped "Ouch!!" I had to stop. I worked out my foot a bit, walked a bit more... but at this point, I had started to cry. I was so frustrated. The entire run I was coughing, spitting out phlegm (which was far more than usual due to my cold) and now I was having to stop due to random body pains. Of course, the crying only made things worse, since it caused my throat to close up... preventing me from taking a deep breath. (NOT a good thing when your heart rate is elevated!) To prevent further damage, I began to walk slowly, forcing myself to calm down. When I reached a calm enough place, I started to jog again. I fought through the discomfort and the frustration - and I finished that freakin' run!! What's worse... I'm not sure if I pushed too hard, or I drank too much water, or I ate the PowerBar too soon before the run... but as I'm walking to my car, I found myself feeling incredibly nauseous. Sure enough, by the time I reached my car... I puked. I've read stories about runners puking after long runs... I was just sort of hoping it wouldn't be me. I suppose it's badge of honor though. I just want to make sure I don't have to do it again!
After the run, I was so cold and uncomfortable that I had to wrap myself in blankets and just sleep for a solid hour when I got back. My temperature was still a little elevated 2 hours after the run, so clearly I didn't hydrate enough. (I think!) The cold that was only in my nose, has shifted into my chest... but I'm still fighting it! Hopefully, it will be gone by the weekend.
What I've learned? That running isn't always easy. It isn't always "fun." But it is, in the end, rewarding, and I will feel like an entirely new, empowered person when I finish this marathon. I'm a little scared, a lot excited... and I can't wait.
Signed,
Your-puking-but-persevering-runner,
Kelly
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