Saturday's 18 miler

We were back in New Hampshire at my mom in law's house this weekend. I did not want to have a repeat of last week's 20 miler (I know, it wasn't really that bad, and I ran it faster than FIRST told me, but I just felt horrible during it). So I went to bed a little earlier (well, 11:30, but still), woke up at 6:00 am (thanks to my son, who hopped into our bed and gave us the wake up call early in the am - always looking out for mommy), took 3 gels with me (rather than 2), took one Endurolyte tablet with my oatmeal and coffee, and packed another one with me, along with salt packets. I felt ready - short tights on, Garmin charged, Ipod loaded with NPR podcasts - and out the door at 7:45, over one hour earlier than last week. The plan for the run was simple: Run 18 miles @ 8:45. Start at 9:00, and by mile 10 get to 8:45. Keep it there and see how I feel and if I can, get it down a bit more in the last few miles. Then, walk 2 miles for cool down, and to have more time on my feet. In terms of nutrition, the plan was to take 1/2 gel every 3 miles, for a total of 3 gels. I also planned to take 2 Endurolyte tabs, 2 salt packets, and drink 2 8 oz Nuun bottles, and to make sure I don't drink too much water (reason for last week's side stich and stomach issues, at least partly, I think).

During the first few miles it was hard to find a rhythm, and felt I was with my eye on the watch making sure I was not going too fast. Legs felt good. This was a relief, after Thursday's accidental mega workout. The podcasts kept me entertained (I just love to listen to them -this fits so well with my multitasking personality, bombard the brain with endorphins and knowledge) and I felt great. At mile 10 pace was 8:42. Good. I bought some water and refilled my bottles. I was feeling well, more than 1/2 way done. This continued until mile 13, when nausea again overwhelmed me. What's up with that? It was very hot again, I was sweating profusely, and my Asics were making squishy noises with every step. I pushed through, though, by reminding myself of the suffering mantra. It worked. The last few miles were hard, v hard, but my stomach did settle. Unfortunately, I was unable to take my last GU - the thought of more chocolate literally made me want to vomit ( I would have bet money that this would never happen - I am a girl, I love chocolate)! Next week I'll try a different flavor. Last mile was v fast, probably MP mile, for average pace 8:39 for 18 miles. The 2 mile walk was very pleasant. My legs appreciated it. I allowed myself to drink all my water, and really take in the beautiful views (something I can't appreciate when running hard and not feeling well). During the entire run, I craved a cold can of Coke. Now, I never drink Coke. Once in a while I drink a diet coke (I used to drink massive soda quantities in college and grad school, but pregnancy somehow cured me). Of course I did not have any, and did not want to go out and get some (I will for next long run, though). Still, interesting. I changed into my bathing suit and walked to the beach, where I swam for 15 minutes in the ocean (my legs got numb, the water never gets over 50-55 here) and built sand castles with my little guy!

It's so interesting how we forget the pain of the last few miles of a run, and keep wanting more. At least this is how I feel. Always. I am so excited for my next run. The memory of the hurt is gone, but the feeling of accomplishment is not. I am so thankful for humans' ability to remember the positives much better than the negatives.
*
41 miles again this week (2 walked, though)
9 with 3X1 mile @ 6:40 with 1 min RI
8 with 3m @ 7:14
4 recovery on trails @ 9:30
18 (+ 2 walked) long @ 8:39
Lots of biking and swimming, too!