I had this great idea that I was going to take short videos during my run today so I could share my glorious 20 miler with you.
I was going to be peppy and cute, share some thoughts on running, you know - happy running stuff.
The rain this morning was my first clue that things were not going to go to plan.
It was one of those cold, nasty rains - 40 degrees and sloppy. Dark. Dismal. As I drove back from dropping the kids off, I strongly considered running 20 on the treadmill. But knowing that would suck, I opted to bundle up instead. My high point was trying out new gear (a Nathan vest and a hand held - I'll report on those later this week), but not even the satisfying pop of removing tags could not get me excited about this run.
Right off the bat, my hands were freezing. Ugh.
I had planned out a route that sounded good on paper. A figure eight for 12 miles, then a repeat of the first half of the route, which was a convenient 8 miles. Maybe on a beautiful day I would have been okay, but my mental game was off. Even when it stopped raining, I couldn't get past my discomfort.
Those miles were slow. A lady passed me, and I desperately wanted to run her down, but I was only at mile 8. Would have been a stupid move. I thought about asking how far she was going, but I knew this was just me being snarky. I stayed silent.
I decided to stop by home. Walk the dog, who had been cooped up, and then my brilliant plan was to watch "Spirit of the Marathon" and do the last 8 on the treadmill. I took in my second bit of food while walking the dog.
Back inside, I made it 3. I was too tempted to go fast, and I was bored. I decided to finish up the last 5 on the road.
A quick map, and I was on my way.
Only I didn't eat first. Or bring water. Because it was "only 5 miles". Um, how long have I been running? I know better.
I was obsessed with food within a mile. I thought about what I would eat when I got home. I re-checked my empty Honey Stinger pouch in case I left one behind. I wondered what plants I was passing might be edible. I even got to the point that I reasoned with myself that if I were to find an unopened food item on the ground, I would totally eat it. I felt light-headed. Had to walk up the hills.
Total nutrition bonk.
It was, in every way, an ugly run. They can't all be pretty.
So needless to say, there is no happy video. Not even a little bit of sad, starving, and cold video either. Maybe next time.
It may not have been your ideal run but I'm still impressed with your perserverence to keep going. Once I got home to walk the dog I would have been done. Good job!
ReplyDeleteSorry it was a rough 20 but at least you finished!! What did you refuel with? Your sugar must have bottomed out if you were that hungry. Way to go, congrats!
ReplyDeleteYou finished the run and that is what matters. Like you say, they can’t all be pretty, but they do count, every single one of them.
ReplyDeleteI had a packet of Honey Stinger chews and a Larabar, which are both in the 150 cal range. I needed at least one more fuel source. I also didn't eat well the night before, so I think I came in to it hungry. I had breakfast, but probably could have used more.
ReplyDeleteah your poor hands :( good for you for keepin on though!
ReplyDelete