16.5 Miles on a HUMID Sunday Morning

After yesterday’s fiasco at the 10k, I wasn’t going to run my long run this morning.  However, when I woke up I felt considerably better; so, I made a pact with myself to run at a very easy pace with the understanding that I wouldn’t push my body to run the distance if I felt too tired. 

With an attitude of gentleness, I set out for my run.  The first two miles from my home to the Canal Path are all downhill and it’s always tempting to run these miles too quickly.  Today I ran them easy (a break through for me!).  In fact, I took the entire run slowly and was very conscientious of taking my Enduralyte tablets every hour and Hammer Gel every 45 minutes along with plenty of water. 

Although I didn’t break any speed records today, I ran my 16.5 and felt pretty decent at the end.  My time was 2:29:44. 

Don’t Try This (Unless You’re a Complete Idiot)

Today I pulled one of the most idiotic moves in my life as a runner:  I ran a race with the stomach bug.  That’s right, I ran a 10k on one of most humid days ever this morning with severe stomach cramps and after getting sick twice before I left home.  No, really, I’m not kidding.  Yes, you read correctly.  Let me repeat:  I’ve never done anything (related to running, that is) as brainless before. 

The first mile was okay, not great, but I was holding my own.  Then, around the two mile mark I felt like I was going to drop.  My legs cramped up, my stomach hurt, my body felt like a dishrag.  But, there was no good place to exit the course and get a lift back to the finish.  So, I kept plugging along, all the while feeling like I was about to collapse.  With each mile marker I said, “Please God, let me get this over with quickly.”  However, the race seemed anything but quick, especially when everyone began passing me.  People I typically beat by 3 or 4 minutes spanked me today.  It was so demoralizing.

Finally, the finish was in sight.  I literally crossed the line and begged for water.  I felt like passing out but, thankfully, I didn’t.  Then came the chills.  So, I left the race totally embarrassed and sicker than a dog.

What was my time, you ask?  A humiliating 52:44.  Learn from my stupidity:  never EVER run with a stomach bug!!

Harborfest 10k

One of my favorite races in Rochester took place Sunday morning:  the Harborfest 10k.  This race starts and ends (in the sand, I might add!) at the scenic Charlotte Beach.  The atmosphere is festive, fun, and relaxed; the course is beautiful and challenging; the cost is a very reasonable $10.  I just love this race! 

 

This is a tricky little course with lots of twists and turns and one very steep but short hill.  Of course, the sand finish slows you down significantly just when you’re really picking up the pace.  Needless to say, this is not a PR course, but it’s a gorgeous course.

When I woke up Sunday morning, my legs were as stiff as boards and a bit achy.  I think the 90 minute deep tissue massage I had late Friday evening caused the heaviness in my legs.  So, when I got to the beach I decided to just let go of the idea of “racing”, opting instead to run at a comfortable pace and enjoy the day. 

With my mind fixed on fun rather than time, I lined up to begin the race.  I smiled at and chatted with many runners and ran an easy first mile in 8:00 flat.  With heavy legs and an eager mind, I plugged on and started passing a few people, one of whom was a man who really didn’t want me to pass him.  In fact, he pushed me and then said, “Pardon me, Madame.”  Boy, was I glad that I beat him by a good 4 minutes! 

 Just before the half way point there’s a very steep short hill that most people opted to walk.  Then, came a nice, long down hill that allowed me to make up some time.  Around the 4 mile mark, I began to pick up my pace and get my stride.  Before I knew it, there was the sign for 5 miles and my friend, Pete, yelling out my time – 40:45.  I realized that I had indeed been running slowly, but, oh well!

The above picture of me was taken with about 3/4 of a mile to go.  At this point I was feeling excited and ready to finish.  But a challenge still lay ahead.  I could see the finish and Ibegan picking up the pace, but, wait!  I had to run around the bath house?  I forgot about that!!  Oh well!  I told myself to shut up and run.   Thankfully, my friend Darren was strategically positioned to encourage me to “move my feet” and then, a wonderful surprise.  My new friend, Charlie, was standing right by the sand finish and cheered me on. 

My time was a slow 50:44 but I had a ball.  Sometimes it’s good just to go to a race and have fun.

 

Skinny Again and Running like Crazy

Just a quick update on the weight issue.  I’m happy to report that I’ve lost 6 lbs. already and I’m feeling fit and thin.  (Thank God!)  The trick was cutting out the junk and sticking to my usual healthy diet.  Trust me, I didn’t deprive myself of food, but, instead, ate foods that count nutritionally.

I’ve also been working hard on my running, even with the temps soaring into the mid 90s.  Now, when the thermometer says 85° at 8:00 in the morning, you must adjust your speed and drink lots and lots of water.  In fact, Sunday I ran a little 5k at my YMCA and the temperature was 87° at 9:00.  Needless to say, my time was slow but I still managed to place 2nd in my age group and 6th woman overall.  After the race I ran finished my long run, logging a total of 13 miles for the day.  But I ran very, very slowly and drank lots and lots of water.  I can’t stress strongly enough the importance of hydrating in the heat and humidity!

I’ve also been incorporating more speed work into my running routine.  Speed work not only helps you run a little faster, it also burns more calories than an easy run.  However, I know that I can’t make everyday hard (neither should you!), so I’ve been careful to alternate the hard workouts with easy, short runs.

Physically, I’m feeling great.  Now I just need to improve my attitude!

 

Buffalo Half Picture

Hi Friends.  Life has been busy, so blogging has taken a back seat.  While I’ve thought of posts I’d like to write and longed to read your thoughts, I haven’t had the luxury of doing so.  My loss!

Just wanted to publish a picture or two from the half marathon I ran in Buffalo.  Again, it was a terrific day of running and traveling with my friends.  Pictured below is my buddy, Dan.  Really, he’s like the brother I never had.  This picture was taken before the race by the president of the Greater Rochester Track Club as we scurried around like the Little White Rabbit to get to the start line.  (Of course, there’s always time for a photo op!)

Hope all is well in your corner of the world!