T-minus two weeks! This weekend was an interesting one running-wise. I set-out on Saturday for my last double-digit long run (which when I actually looked at my long runs equates to running distances each weekend equal to 7+ half marathons-crazypants right?!!) No wonder why I am tired. I woke up on Saturday tired, but looking forward to spending some time outside because the weather was absolutely gorgeous- yeah if only I knew how is was actually going to be. This is why I love writing this blog because I am going to be honest about what happened rather than just saying "it was a good run" - that would be a lie in some senses. Ok so within the first 3 miles I realized that my GPS wasn't working and had to accept that I just needed to turn it off and keep running, rather then focusing on it lying to me about where I was on my run (which psychologically really messes with me). Made it to about mile 5ish and started to have some serious tummy troubles (due in part to the fact that I had half of a protein shake (i.e. dairy) before my run. Yes, I admit to this and am fully aware that this was not the best idea ever, but for some reason I thought everything would be fine. Ohhh wait did I mention that I also decided to break-in my new running shoes on this run as well (see photo below). Again, not the best idea ever but they need to be broken in, so the choices of how to break them in are kind of limited (on the up side I experience absolutely no knee pain on this run).
Back to mile 7 and every little step is moving my tummy in ways that I am just not equipped to describe. I finally give in and walk because it is just time to find a bathroom. I find a lovely little gas station with a dingy tiny bathroom and feel much much better after, not 100% or even 75%, but good enough to keep the trek going. I pull it together and get home with about 14 miles under my belt.
What I am proudest about is I didn't give up. I kept moving and finished the run. What may be even more important is that I didn't beat myself up because it didn't go the way that I planned. I saw the humor in it. I was miles away from home, didn't feel good and still did it (though that was partially because I actually needed to get home). The point is: 1. don't eat dairy before a run 2. carry tp with you (you never know) 3. just keep moving - who cares if you run - just put one foot in front of the other and eventually you will get somewhere AND 4. break-in your cute sneakers over a few runs.
I got home and took off my sneakers to find a disgusting blood blister, which needed to be operated on and then I passed out on my couch until the evening. When I finally ventured away from my couch I discovered that I was completely sunburnt. Fun times! Went to bed, got up and got dressed to do a trail run 5K in Esopus. I got there and was super excited to be around other runners in a beautiful setting in the woods on an amazingly clear and warm day. The running community is such a supportive one. It's all these people who most of the time are running by themselves who come together for a race and then you hear about what other people are going through (all the miles that they are putting in, aches and pains and numerous racing accomplishments - it is pretty inspiring).
This trail run was tough (i guess that's why it is called a trail run, but basically it is like going on a hike but running the entire thing). We ran up and down and around on trails with rocks and tree roots. Most of the paths were covered in leaves and we had to cross a stream. I met a woman at the beginning of the race and we ended up pacing each other which really helped. I think that hardest part of trail running is watching your footing while looking ahead to make sure you are on the trail.
It was pretty great and then all of a sudden we were in a clearing with the clock in sight. I picked it up, finished and was eating quinoa chili and cornbread and chatting it up in no time. The advice that a 61-year old runner (who just ran Boston) gave me was to not hurt myself in the next two weeks (fingers and toes crossed), to go to a track and run my marathon pace over and over until I get it down per mile, and to start my marathon running the first 3 miles slower then I want to (at least 10:40 splits). Sure, I'll take that. She also asked me where my watch was? I answered, "but this is for fun" (insert a giggle here). Finished out the weekend with some playground time with my sister and niece. Hello May!!
Back to mile 7 and every little step is moving my tummy in ways that I am just not equipped to describe. I finally give in and walk because it is just time to find a bathroom. I find a lovely little gas station with a dingy tiny bathroom and feel much much better after, not 100% or even 75%, but good enough to keep the trek going. I pull it together and get home with about 14 miles under my belt.
What I am proudest about is I didn't give up. I kept moving and finished the run. What may be even more important is that I didn't beat myself up because it didn't go the way that I planned. I saw the humor in it. I was miles away from home, didn't feel good and still did it (though that was partially because I actually needed to get home). The point is: 1. don't eat dairy before a run 2. carry tp with you (you never know) 3. just keep moving - who cares if you run - just put one foot in front of the other and eventually you will get somewhere AND 4. break-in your cute sneakers over a few runs.
I got home and took off my sneakers to find a disgusting blood blister, which needed to be operated on and then I passed out on my couch until the evening. When I finally ventured away from my couch I discovered that I was completely sunburnt. Fun times! Went to bed, got up and got dressed to do a trail run 5K in Esopus. I got there and was super excited to be around other runners in a beautiful setting in the woods on an amazingly clear and warm day. The running community is such a supportive one. It's all these people who most of the time are running by themselves who come together for a race and then you hear about what other people are going through (all the miles that they are putting in, aches and pains and numerous racing accomplishments - it is pretty inspiring).
This trail run was tough (i guess that's why it is called a trail run, but basically it is like going on a hike but running the entire thing). We ran up and down and around on trails with rocks and tree roots. Most of the paths were covered in leaves and we had to cross a stream. I met a woman at the beginning of the race and we ended up pacing each other which really helped. I think that hardest part of trail running is watching your footing while looking ahead to make sure you are on the trail.
It was pretty great and then all of a sudden we were in a clearing with the clock in sight. I picked it up, finished and was eating quinoa chili and cornbread and chatting it up in no time. The advice that a 61-year old runner (who just ran Boston) gave me was to not hurt myself in the next two weeks (fingers and toes crossed), to go to a track and run my marathon pace over and over until I get it down per mile, and to start my marathon running the first 3 miles slower then I want to (at least 10:40 splits). Sure, I'll take that. She also asked me where my watch was? I answered, "but this is for fun" (insert a giggle here). Finished out the weekend with some playground time with my sister and niece. Hello May!!
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