I ran 41 miles again this week. My runs started out very well. I rocked the speed (9 miler with 12X400 intervals @ 6:20-6:26) and tempo (8 miler @ 8:05, with 3miles @7:05), and survived the recovery run (you all know I hate those) by listening to an NPR podcast. I was very excited about the 18 miler since my last 20 miler went so well. But, the running Gods were not with me today. Enter hot and humid (even at 6:45am when I started my run). Enter...getting my period at 5:30am. Enter...cramps. Enter....me drinking too much water and puking at mile 13. Enter...me cutting the run short....15 miles@ 8:26, with last 2@ 8:20.
I was absolutely crushed and had a little temper tantrum in my head (have learned to keep those to myself). I am not a fast runner, but I am mentally tough and am used to pushing through. Not today, though. Between the cramping, and puking, water dripping all over me, and feeling nauseous...in a moment of weakness I decided to stop and not do the last 3 miles I had planned on adding from the corner of the street (where I hid a bottle of water).
As soon as I started feeling better (physically), I decided that I had to run 3 more miles today. Make those 5, as "punishment". Make them be fast miles, and during my son's nap when it's the hottest of the hottest. How much meaner can I get with myself? In all seriousness, even though running 20 miles/day in 2 separate segments (15 and 5) does not equal running an 18 miler without breaks, I think it certainly is better than running only 15 miles. Legs felt GREAT. We got some rain, and it was cooler than in the morning, so I ran the 5 miles @ 7:35, with negative splits - not too bad. This was the first time I ran twice in a day and....I loved it. Next week, I am running 20 with Katie, and I am NERVOUS. I mean, she is FAST, like a 1:31 HM PR fast. So, of course, I am worried about keeping up. Hopefully she'll take it easy on me:)
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I don't do much advertising here, so when Janny from POM asked if she could send a box of pomegranate juice my way, without asking me to review it on the blog, I said, sure, thanks. I knew about the stuff as my in laws have been using it for a long time. It's filled with antioxidants, has as many calories (or a tad more) as orange juice, and has a sweet tangy taste. I absolutely love it. It's too sweet (for me) to drink straight up, so I mix it with seltzer, or add it to my recovery shake - tasty and healthy. My 4 year old, on the other hand, hated it and spat it out right onto the floor...So, folks, go buy some POM. It's healthy, it tastes good, and it may cure (or prevent) some of your ailments.
Since we are on the topic of free stuff...Lindsay is giving away running energy (aka GU). Check out her blog - she is fast and funny - but DO NOT ENTER THE GIVEAWAY:)
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12 comments:
all this vomiting scares me, i don't like to be sick like that! it doesn't happen in races does it? thanks again for all your support through my little leg issues, i should be back on the roads soon. stay cool
I love POM. Your speed inspires me :)
Tami,
It's only recently that I started this vomiting - it's because I am pushing hard in the heat, and bc I tend to drink too much water, which does not get absorbed as fast as I drink it. I am hoping for a cool day and no vomiting during the marathon:) Glad your are getting back into running. Ana-Maria
Sorry your 18 miler didn't turn out to be what you wanted, but I'm certainly glad you had a much more positive experience on the second pass. You are very hard on yourself, but I have a feeling you are well aware of that already :)
Just curious to see if you ever tried the endurolytes (salt tablets?) If so, do you like them? I know you do Gu, but I can't remember if you do any other sports drink. I only do water and gels so I think that's why I love them so much.
I hope the cramps are already a thing of the past. Not cool! I can't belive you puked. Actaully, I can....
You are hard-core ... in the very best sense of the phrase. This toughness will get you through marathons (and anything else for that matter). Inspirational!
Wow, wonderfully fast paces, how inspiring! It's so nice to have it happening as you're progressing through your training, right?
Are you going to keep trying more two-a-days or was that just that one time? I'm asking because I have some coming up on my schedule and I think it might be challenging for me because I'm so busy and on my feet during the day.
Keep up the great attitude!
meg
haha, thanks for the shoutout and warning to others :)
nice running! do you not make a little 'deal' with yourself to slow down and try to stick out the last few miles? seems like your long runs are awfully speedy. i had a sucky long run this weekend too. must be in the air? :-/
love the "punishment" miles. i've done that before and i wanted to do it today after my 18-of-20 long run but i'm still feeling sick so i'll just accept the 18.
Lindsay, I am a sucker for pace. FIRST gives me target paces for each run, and I fight my way through making them, which typically works. This week, however...not so much. Ana-Maria
I see your 18M was as hard as my 13M run, but I was nowhere near as dedicated as you to actually go and finish the run.
what I have noticed is that my training is peeking at the 20M runs, which is a very good thing.
also, puking and running is awesome...always!
Nah I'm not that fast. My half marathon time is only 1:34 silly! And my longs are about what you've been running for long runs!
Speaking of, don't worry about a few difficult runs. You're training is going awesome! And we're only two months away from the big day! Oh yeah, and soon we'll be leaving this hot sticky weather behind! You'll see...It will be great!
I SO admire your mental toughness, Ana-Maria. The fact that you got back out there is pretty amazing. I can't imagine picking up the pace like that when I had already run 15 miles earlier in the day! Great job out there ;)
I've somehow never tried POM, but I've heard a lot of great things. Thanks for the review!
you have some serious mental toughness going on there... wow. and you are SO speedy!!! nice job on the week :)
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