Well.
I did it.
I ran 20 miles.
So strange. And fabulous! I can hardly think 20 miles, and somehow I ran it. It feels really good to say it, and I find that somehow, the more I run, the more I find I am naturally inclined toward doing it. That makes me quite happy.
So... here's how it went:
I didn't sleep very well the night before... The main reason being that in typical fashion of me, I was afraid I would oversleep my alarm, and would awake with a start multiple times throughout the night. About an hour before I needed to get up, I feel asleep quite decently. Too bad it wasn't much.
I needed to drive from Victoria, MN to Stillwater, MN for this training run, so that meant getting up at about 5 am to ensure that I had food, water, vitamins in me and leaving no later than 6 am. I did manage to get there a tad after 7 am (great music in the car along the way), and while I initially got a bit lost in Stillwater (I don't really know the place), I found my way and met up with some other runners.
The upcoming rain must have scared away a few, but right away I was noticing that the general vibe of the people at this training run... was about the best I have ever come across. It was was really wonderful... like stepping a bit into a family... great energy. Good feel. Definitely was thinking, "Wow. I could do this a lot. I like these type of people."
I was a bit nervous about completing this whole 20 miles, especially as I had never done it before... and so I started off in the slowest pacing group--the 10 min/mile and over. It seemed like a good idea initially so that I wouldn't wear myself out. But within the first few miles, and the other pacing groups were either passing or catching up, I stopped trying to stay with the 10 min/mile group, and aimed for a couple of people I knew were about a 9:30 min/mile pace. About half a mile from the first water stop, I noticed a girl passing the 10 min/mile group a ways behind me and as I saw her catching up, had to wonder if she was at my pace so that I wouldn't have to run by myself. There were some really awesome people on the run, but finding the right people in the running speed I could maintain for the full miles was a bit more difficult.
After stopping for a bit at the first water stop, and drinking some high fructose corn syrup drink--aka, powerade, but it was so helpful!--and asking the girl what her pace was, we set off with one another... at a pretty decent pace. It felt good. That really emphasized to me how important finding the right "fit" and pacing partner. Seriously, Rachel, it was amazing! I couldn't have made it so well without you!
Oh, and did I mention it was raining. Oh, and not just raining. In the first 5 miles it dumped. Seriously poured! I was drenched. It was not particularly warm, and so my hands got a bit stiff from the cold. But my feet stayed cool! I was still soaked even at the end of the 20... probably because it didn't completely stop drizzling, at least. When it was really raining hard, I was kind of wondering if I could run with my eyes shut... I could hardly see from how much it was raining.
During the run... Definitely felt the hills. I slowed down slightly (other than the water stops, which felt amazing on my legs as the blood and nerves went rushing back into place), twice--once when I had put my hair back in a pony tail. And once with a massive hill. But I caught up to Rachel again... ha... So glad!
I like hills actually fairly well... but I tell you... the hills in Stillwater and there around... they don't end. The downhills became my friends. And I loved the bursts of energy I was finding along the way.
Rachel and I had some good conversations along the way... Ha... We had about 3 hours. And granted, at one point, we missed a turn, and ended up going a little out of the way... but fortunately, there was a dead end before long... right after a wonderful enjoyment of going down a hill, which we then turned around and enjoyed less going up. Ha... oh well. We figured we did about an extra half mile. So... technically, we did 20.5 miles... or approximately there abouts.
Oh, and did I mention that at first Rachel had planned one of the shorter runs, but was feeling good and enjoying it so much that she kept going with me. It was the furthest she had ever run, too. I am so glad she was there! So VERY glad she was there! Thanks, Rachel!
Oh, the funny things we talked about... The "sloshy" feeling when you've drank too much water and have to keep going with that sloshy feeling in your stomach. The fact that the pain with running really does decrease the more you run over time. Granted... both of us had our hips and knees hurting in those last few miles. It was after the mile 16 water stop... yeah... those last 4 miles...
And that's really where the "runner aggression" came out. We had talked about that before it hit, but it's actually always amusing to me in retrospect.
What is runner aggression? It's the fact that you are so exhausted that if a car doesn't move over or stop for you, you have a very big inclination to flip them off. Suddenly any inconvenience or anyone in the way or making you stop or slow down when you're just really needing to finish those last miles... suddenly annoyances are MUCH bigger. Don't put a weapon in the hand of a runner finishing their last miles. Don't ask questions. And don't take it badly if they tell you to shut up. But just the same, you probably should shut up. (smile...)
We made good on the time... being a little over 3 hours... and every last surprising hill up or every last bit of pain was met with somewhat of a complaint by one and usually a comment or distraction or both by the other person. It helped. Suddenly saying lots of random words... and "oh look, the birds!" "nice house!" "Syracuse... or... I mean, Sycamore street..."
But we were there. 20 miles. And I felt good. Really good and happy! And I've been invited to do another 20 with the group in another couple of weeks. I think I will. I need to anyway.
In relation to food. I definitely need to put some food at the water stops that I can eat. And something besides poweraide. I need electrolyte drinks. So! Who's in for the water stops for me? (smile!)
Loving the running. Loving this marathon... I'm thinking already that this is a repeat.
Oh. And random. But I was talking to another runner about typical problems people have when running. Like blisters, chafing, dehydration, etc. I am trying to stay REALLY well hydrated during the week. Really important. And eating well. For me, like I've said before, staying away from any animal products helps so much for right before the run. Amazing.
The food and hydration has needed a bit of figuring out. I was able to run up to 12-13 miles without food and just water or tea. But I start feeling my limits around 10 miles. Or approximately in the 12-13 range. I also really feel the pull at 16 miles. After 18... amazingly, I probably could have finished an entire 26.2 Because I was zoning, coasting... cruising.
My toes do blister a bit. And my toenails bruise. But otherwise, I'm pretty much set and I feel good. I feel good doing 20 miles. How did that happen? Not that I could do it every day. I was REALLY tired. Loopy. Light headed. Even after the food. Sleep helped.
I REALLY like running. I'm just still needing people with me. Three hours can get long. So, I love the company! I love the activity of life. And I keep thinking about my bike. It's not an incredible bike. But it's mine. And I think it needs some company soon. June might be a bit far. So some Sunday, it's coming out for company. And I'll be climbing a bit more... as I can afford it. And keeping up with the yoga. Yoga is still great and wonderful and amazing. Such good stretches!
I ran 20 miles. And I wanted to flip off a couple of cars. But I am SO VERY HAPPY that I ran that. How did that happen?
P.S. I had a double serving of this last night... amazing... and zero muscle cramps. It's the Magnesium by Flora. Check it out. Tastes good, too!
Sunday, April 25, 2010
Friday, April 23, 2010
Burn-out and friends
It's been a while since I've written.
Why?
Life happens. And death.
Essentially, there is a lot that has happened in my life, but in addition to that...
I have found that being bound to a schedule can put a damper on the enjoyment factor of my runs. However. I am trying to look at the schedule as an "opportunity" rather than a frustration.
Apparently, being discouraged in running, and feeling a little burnt out isn't that unusual. Especially when, like me, a person finds herself (or himself) training pretty much entirely alone. Well, that doesn't need to be quite so much that way anymore.
I'm not really sure why I do that to myself. Go go go... and then realize, "dear me! I can't do this by myself anymore!"
But in training for a marathon... ahem... who would want to run with me all... 10... 12... 15... 20 miles? So... I'm asking for people to bike next to me. It's actually quite fun.
I'm also realizing the incredible importance of variety in my life by way of active things. Because the fact of the matter is that I enjoy being active. I run because I like it, and because it happens to be one of the least expensive sports to maintain.
So... out come me behaving more socially again. Sheesh... sometimes it's just a matter of ASKING other people. I find that there are those who are quite willing! Okay... so some of them I have to beg a little, but still!!! If I start promising ice cream at the end, my treat, would you come???
But as far as other activities, that is a much easier crowd to get myself involved in. For instance, climbing.
I can hardly say how much I love climbing. My brother and I used to do indoor climbing places quite a bit together when we were younger. I never did do anything outside... that has yet to come... But I went climbing with a good friend at Vertical Endeavors the other day... Wow. Amazing. I need chalk and to learn a bit, but yup. So incredible. The mind work, the almost living puzzle of getting yourself up the wall the best way... sweet amazingness. And the feeling. I don't even know how to describe the feeling, except that it is thrilling.
Running may have become my focus, but it had become almost too much. Too much the same... I compared it to eating the same fabulous meal too many days in a row. It still is "good," but I was getting tired of the same thing... So... switching it up a bit, getting others involved with me, changing my own perspective, and hooray! Not quite so burnt out.
I've also been told that I need to stop looking at my time so much as it is my first marathon. So help me, just gotta get across the finish line before the 6 hour time limit. Thank you... you're right. Time another day, another race. For now, do my best, but don't kill myself. Maybe. (smile...)
Also, I'm finding that raw foods before a good run are simply amazing. Raw nuts, fruit, (sometimes dried), honey, and seaweed! Raisins, too. And Mejool dates. And raw (gluten free) cereal type mixes with yogurt for right after is probably one of the most amazing things.
I'm also loving sweet potato! And... how's this for odd, but does eating egg before running slow anyone else down? Seriously... it's weird. Slows me down... I feel like I can barely move. That and most any meats right before a run. Bison a couple of hours before in small quantities seems to be okay.
And... another note... but electronic things can interfere with my energy levels. Truth be told, I've known this for a while, but last night was a perfect example. The TV was on until late, and I'm just a tad slower moving today... So... just a thought... Want to keep your energy levels up? Avoid the electronics! Turn off the computer early. Don't watch TV. Allow your body and mind and energy to just rejuvenate and "flow" back into a restful state.
I may sound a little odd as I say that... and I could talk more about it, and perhaps I will. But not today. (smile...) So... for now, enjoy! Live well, have fun with friends, and keep your perspective up!
Why?
Life happens. And death.
Essentially, there is a lot that has happened in my life, but in addition to that...
I have found that being bound to a schedule can put a damper on the enjoyment factor of my runs. However. I am trying to look at the schedule as an "opportunity" rather than a frustration.
Apparently, being discouraged in running, and feeling a little burnt out isn't that unusual. Especially when, like me, a person finds herself (or himself) training pretty much entirely alone. Well, that doesn't need to be quite so much that way anymore.
I'm not really sure why I do that to myself. Go go go... and then realize, "dear me! I can't do this by myself anymore!"
But in training for a marathon... ahem... who would want to run with me all... 10... 12... 15... 20 miles? So... I'm asking for people to bike next to me. It's actually quite fun.
I'm also realizing the incredible importance of variety in my life by way of active things. Because the fact of the matter is that I enjoy being active. I run because I like it, and because it happens to be one of the least expensive sports to maintain.
So... out come me behaving more socially again. Sheesh... sometimes it's just a matter of ASKING other people. I find that there are those who are quite willing! Okay... so some of them I have to beg a little, but still!!! If I start promising ice cream at the end, my treat, would you come???
But as far as other activities, that is a much easier crowd to get myself involved in. For instance, climbing.
I can hardly say how much I love climbing. My brother and I used to do indoor climbing places quite a bit together when we were younger. I never did do anything outside... that has yet to come... But I went climbing with a good friend at Vertical Endeavors the other day... Wow. Amazing. I need chalk and to learn a bit, but yup. So incredible. The mind work, the almost living puzzle of getting yourself up the wall the best way... sweet amazingness. And the feeling. I don't even know how to describe the feeling, except that it is thrilling.
Running may have become my focus, but it had become almost too much. Too much the same... I compared it to eating the same fabulous meal too many days in a row. It still is "good," but I was getting tired of the same thing... So... switching it up a bit, getting others involved with me, changing my own perspective, and hooray! Not quite so burnt out.
I've also been told that I need to stop looking at my time so much as it is my first marathon. So help me, just gotta get across the finish line before the 6 hour time limit. Thank you... you're right. Time another day, another race. For now, do my best, but don't kill myself. Maybe. (smile...)
Also, I'm finding that raw foods before a good run are simply amazing. Raw nuts, fruit, (sometimes dried), honey, and seaweed! Raisins, too. And Mejool dates. And raw (gluten free) cereal type mixes with yogurt for right after is probably one of the most amazing things.
I'm also loving sweet potato! And... how's this for odd, but does eating egg before running slow anyone else down? Seriously... it's weird. Slows me down... I feel like I can barely move. That and most any meats right before a run. Bison a couple of hours before in small quantities seems to be okay.
And... another note... but electronic things can interfere with my energy levels. Truth be told, I've known this for a while, but last night was a perfect example. The TV was on until late, and I'm just a tad slower moving today... So... just a thought... Want to keep your energy levels up? Avoid the electronics! Turn off the computer early. Don't watch TV. Allow your body and mind and energy to just rejuvenate and "flow" back into a restful state.
I may sound a little odd as I say that... and I could talk more about it, and perhaps I will. But not today. (smile...) So... for now, enjoy! Live well, have fun with friends, and keep your perspective up!
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
all in a night's... run...
This morning I was cold for some strange reason. I had had creepy dreams again--particularly disturbing--but had awakened from them, and upon quoting Psalm 91:1 to myself over and again, I was able to fall back into a sort of sleep where I just had weird dreams. In any case, my thoughts toward running this morning went to being, "hmm... I think I'll try after work."
So before work I went to the chiropractor... which was REALLY helpful. Seriously. I don't know what I would do without my chiropractor. (I see Dr. Chadd Burckhardt the majority of the time.)
Off to work I went, wondering if it was such a good idea after all to wait until after work when it started raining. Oh well. Too late now!
When I get home, I enlisted my mother's help--specifically to help me put some bandages on the scabbing areas of my back and collar bone from the hydration pack on Saturday. Why? Because I needed to get used to the thing.
As the sky was already darkening, and for some reason company just sounded really wonderful, Quinn (the dog) came with me. That can sometimes be... a particularly challenging thing... But he was looking at me with those pleading eyes... ha... And I wanted him with me.
So, I attach the pack, tie my shoes, put the leash on the dog, and off I went... with the light fading on the gray, rainy day. The light along the horizon was something close to hot pink or red or orange... Little glimpses of the sun as it faded. Quite lovely. And I was thinking that it really did have it's pleasantness to run in the evening. For all my complaining about how the mornings are better to run in, this evening proved me wrong. It was WONDERFUL. Perfectly cool-esk. Rain still in the air, but not raining anymore... Lovely.
It did get dark really pretty quickly, and as the terrain I chose was a bit "rugged," and sometimes sticky from the rain, I tried to run lightly with higher steps. The nice thing I've always thought, though, about running when it's darker, is that when you come to a hill--even a significant hill--it just doesn't seem so bad. Why? Because I can't see it. Ha.
I did have a little more trouble with the ground and the connection between my feet on the way back, but I never did actually fall. Didn't even so much as almost twist anything.
And I came back, checked my time, and I had managed to complete 4.23 miles in 41 minutes, and I wasn't too worn out.
THAT made me quite happy. It's not amazing yet, but I had the dog with me, and I was carrying a pack. I doubt it was quite the ten pounds it was on Saturday (that's what happens when you drink some of the water), but it was still hefty.
I felt pretty good, and still I knew I REALLY could do better... It's actually a really good feeling.
Hmmm... eight miles tomorrow. Let's see how I'll do it...
So, it was shower first, and then food. Two scrambled eggs and some carrot juice with a little beet. Really quite fantastic. And as it is getting late and I'm tired and must be off to bed, I'll take my tea and brush my teeth, and bid you all a fabulous good night.
And try running when you can't see your feet very well. It's fun!
So before work I went to the chiropractor... which was REALLY helpful. Seriously. I don't know what I would do without my chiropractor. (I see Dr. Chadd Burckhardt the majority of the time.)
Off to work I went, wondering if it was such a good idea after all to wait until after work when it started raining. Oh well. Too late now!
When I get home, I enlisted my mother's help--specifically to help me put some bandages on the scabbing areas of my back and collar bone from the hydration pack on Saturday. Why? Because I needed to get used to the thing.
As the sky was already darkening, and for some reason company just sounded really wonderful, Quinn (the dog) came with me. That can sometimes be... a particularly challenging thing... But he was looking at me with those pleading eyes... ha... And I wanted him with me.
So, I attach the pack, tie my shoes, put the leash on the dog, and off I went... with the light fading on the gray, rainy day. The light along the horizon was something close to hot pink or red or orange... Little glimpses of the sun as it faded. Quite lovely. And I was thinking that it really did have it's pleasantness to run in the evening. For all my complaining about how the mornings are better to run in, this evening proved me wrong. It was WONDERFUL. Perfectly cool-esk. Rain still in the air, but not raining anymore... Lovely.
It did get dark really pretty quickly, and as the terrain I chose was a bit "rugged," and sometimes sticky from the rain, I tried to run lightly with higher steps. The nice thing I've always thought, though, about running when it's darker, is that when you come to a hill--even a significant hill--it just doesn't seem so bad. Why? Because I can't see it. Ha.
I did have a little more trouble with the ground and the connection between my feet on the way back, but I never did actually fall. Didn't even so much as almost twist anything.
And I came back, checked my time, and I had managed to complete 4.23 miles in 41 minutes, and I wasn't too worn out.
THAT made me quite happy. It's not amazing yet, but I had the dog with me, and I was carrying a pack. I doubt it was quite the ten pounds it was on Saturday (that's what happens when you drink some of the water), but it was still hefty.
I felt pretty good, and still I knew I REALLY could do better... It's actually a really good feeling.
Hmmm... eight miles tomorrow. Let's see how I'll do it...
So, it was shower first, and then food. Two scrambled eggs and some carrot juice with a little beet. Really quite fantastic. And as it is getting late and I'm tired and must be off to bed, I'll take my tea and brush my teeth, and bid you all a fabulous good night.
And try running when you can't see your feet very well. It's fun!
Saturday, April 3, 2010
ouch. learning experience.
I went for a 15 mile run today. Sort of. It was SLOW for me. But... let's consider the factors against me... factors that I have learned things from as a result. And now that I've eaten an entire pizza from Biaggi's... ugh... so stuffed... I shall sit and write about the things I learned today, but not in any particular order.
I went from being capable of running about a 9 minute/mile (occasionally less) to doing a little over an 11 min/mile today. (I would tell you more exactly, but I'm a little unsure of the exact time I started.)
I wore my new hydration pack today. The pack really is quite nice, but with a full water bladder and the weight of the pack and then my keys and wallet, it's pretty close to ten pounds, which I'm not exactly used to having on my back. Wearing it is an adjustment in and of itself, not to mention the pounds. I was expecting my time to be affected a bit by my wearing it, but not quite as much as it did. Perhaps I should've attempted a shorter run with it first.
Running attire. Oh sigh. This warm Minnesota March is throwing me off. I started off with running pants that are intended for 50 degrees or cooler... because... well... that's what it was this morning. I also wore a spaghetti strap tank top over the sports bra, and then a long underwear half-zip pull-over type thing--my thoughts went, "moisture wicking" with that one. About 2 miles into the run, I had to stop and get rid of the half-zip pull-over... should've seen that one coming. Fortunately, of course, there was this nice pack I was carrying that I could stuff it into. Initially, I was trying to take it off with the pack still on and realized that that would perhaps take more talent than I was currently in possession of. So... wear shorts... or get used to weather better. Something.
Ah, but here's the bad part. That left my back and shoulders more exposed to the pack for the remaining 13 miles. And I was still trying to figure out how to adjust the straps, etc., for the proper tightness while running... So... it bounced. A lot. There is a patch in a sort of funny-esk shape on my right shoulder blade--about 2-3 inches in diameter--that is pretty much something the shade of "raw" and similar to the feel of a particularly bad rug-burn. There is a minor patch on my right collarbone that will probably heal much more quickly, and is much smaller and less bothersome. Note to self: wear a different tank top.
Also... It would have been helpful to have seen the chiropractor yesterday, as I should have. I have an extremely mild case of scoliosis, but it accounts for my right shoulder blade sticking out ever so slightly more than the other. Not to mention that what was some pain in my back is now MUCH more significant, due to carrying additional bouncy weight. So... yeah... see the chiropractor when I can.
And... I started after 11:30. Yeah. Dumb. Hottest part of the day... Running mostly on a trail with very little shade... I hear the sun can be draining. Heh. Maybe so, when it's that high. I'm just glad that I'm not prone to burn. I did get a bit of color, though. But... I should've gotten an earlier start. A lot earlier. Or, for that matter, later.
When I sweat, I tend to lose more electrolytes than water. I had water in the hydration pack. At one of my stops... because I'm still learning to drink out of the thing and would inevitably choke when trying to drink while running... sigh... gotta work on that, too... anyway... at one of my stops, I got out some homeopathic "cell salts" which seemed to help a tiny bit. I rinsed my face off with water once... it tasted REALLY salty. Uh oh. And even when I got home, there was a distinguishable line of dried salt on my forehead and even nose. That's probably really gross to read. Nonetheless, it proved the point to me that I SERIOUSLY need to get in more electrolytes, and bring it with me. Somehow.
Due to the extra weight, and even though I was slow-ish anyway, a bit past mile 10.5, I seriously hit a wall. Bad. I don't usually want to cry from tiredness, but I was pretty darn near tears, with a lots of prayers of, "God, help me get through this!" for the next 4.5 miles. Just past mile 12.5, I hit another wall where my body pretty much seemed to be very mad and sullen. And I wanted to cry more. I need honey with me. Hah... Seriously, "I need you, honey!" Okay... jokes aside, raw honey is one of the best sugars for me... gotta love the kick of energy... now, if I could just through in some B vitamins... and I just might... I may actually be set.
At one point, I was finally starting to do really well along the run. Get into the zone... you know... it was feeling good. And then... somehow I managed to kick a substantial pebble into my shoe. Tried to reach it without taking it off, but it was running away from my approaching fingers, so I had to take off the entire shoe, and remove the pebble. And that meant... sitting on the ground. Which is an odd feeling thing to do while going for a run. I sort of took a moment to stretch while down there. And then said to myself, "Get up!" Ha. I have no idea how that could be avoided. It just happens now and then.
Also, food. I'm still working on this, but I ate something like a "bird" this week... So I didn't have a lot of stamina/endurance built up in me at all. I'm trying to eat before I run. But I had a banana, apple, and an orange. Oh yes, and a cup of tea. And I didn't leave right after. I think I had better work on that.
My legs aren't too sore, and I got to see a friend this afternoon. I've had my honey... and a full pizza, if you remember... and I've texted and spoken to a few friends about advice for this day. There are so many encouragers, and I thank you so much! I so desperately need it. I hate feeling disappointed about my runs. I have high hopes for next Saturday's 16 mile run, with what I've learned... and more practice with the hydration pack.
And... here's what I've learned about food: EAT. Ha. Sounds simple, but it's true. I need to eat more during the week. A friend told me she loads up the carbs the night before a long run, and then a longer absorbing breakfast with carbs the morning of. Another friend says she does almond butter and banana. In any case, proteins... something that lasts longer. Also, a friend tells me that cucumbers help get the electrolytes back and replenished! I knew about coconut water, which is fantastic... But I think I'll definitely like the cucumbers added in.
Okay... Well. Learned a lot. I need to remember some other random things along the way, too... But most of those are mental notes. It's amazing... the more miles and training, the more I find that EVERYTHING seems a potential for affecting me. And... I'm ready for the summer... I think. I am certainly finding I actually rather like cold weather running. Hmmm... Lots of positives for both. Now. What to do to cross train tomorrow? Maybe Yoga. Probably could have used some stretching, before today, too.
Ah well, you live and you learn, eh? Today was a trip and a half. But... all the better to learn from. And improve. And keep learning more. I still love running. Just wishing that somethings didn't always take trial and error. I'll get in my groove!
It was a GORGEOUS DAY! Amazing blue skies! REALLY happy about that.
I went from being capable of running about a 9 minute/mile (occasionally less) to doing a little over an 11 min/mile today. (I would tell you more exactly, but I'm a little unsure of the exact time I started.)
I wore my new hydration pack today. The pack really is quite nice, but with a full water bladder and the weight of the pack and then my keys and wallet, it's pretty close to ten pounds, which I'm not exactly used to having on my back. Wearing it is an adjustment in and of itself, not to mention the pounds. I was expecting my time to be affected a bit by my wearing it, but not quite as much as it did. Perhaps I should've attempted a shorter run with it first.
Running attire. Oh sigh. This warm Minnesota March is throwing me off. I started off with running pants that are intended for 50 degrees or cooler... because... well... that's what it was this morning. I also wore a spaghetti strap tank top over the sports bra, and then a long underwear half-zip pull-over type thing--my thoughts went, "moisture wicking" with that one. About 2 miles into the run, I had to stop and get rid of the half-zip pull-over... should've seen that one coming. Fortunately, of course, there was this nice pack I was carrying that I could stuff it into. Initially, I was trying to take it off with the pack still on and realized that that would perhaps take more talent than I was currently in possession of. So... wear shorts... or get used to weather better. Something.
Ah, but here's the bad part. That left my back and shoulders more exposed to the pack for the remaining 13 miles. And I was still trying to figure out how to adjust the straps, etc., for the proper tightness while running... So... it bounced. A lot. There is a patch in a sort of funny-esk shape on my right shoulder blade--about 2-3 inches in diameter--that is pretty much something the shade of "raw" and similar to the feel of a particularly bad rug-burn. There is a minor patch on my right collarbone that will probably heal much more quickly, and is much smaller and less bothersome. Note to self: wear a different tank top.
Also... It would have been helpful to have seen the chiropractor yesterday, as I should have. I have an extremely mild case of scoliosis, but it accounts for my right shoulder blade sticking out ever so slightly more than the other. Not to mention that what was some pain in my back is now MUCH more significant, due to carrying additional bouncy weight. So... yeah... see the chiropractor when I can.
And... I started after 11:30. Yeah. Dumb. Hottest part of the day... Running mostly on a trail with very little shade... I hear the sun can be draining. Heh. Maybe so, when it's that high. I'm just glad that I'm not prone to burn. I did get a bit of color, though. But... I should've gotten an earlier start. A lot earlier. Or, for that matter, later.
When I sweat, I tend to lose more electrolytes than water. I had water in the hydration pack. At one of my stops... because I'm still learning to drink out of the thing and would inevitably choke when trying to drink while running... sigh... gotta work on that, too... anyway... at one of my stops, I got out some homeopathic "cell salts" which seemed to help a tiny bit. I rinsed my face off with water once... it tasted REALLY salty. Uh oh. And even when I got home, there was a distinguishable line of dried salt on my forehead and even nose. That's probably really gross to read. Nonetheless, it proved the point to me that I SERIOUSLY need to get in more electrolytes, and bring it with me. Somehow.
Due to the extra weight, and even though I was slow-ish anyway, a bit past mile 10.5, I seriously hit a wall. Bad. I don't usually want to cry from tiredness, but I was pretty darn near tears, with a lots of prayers of, "God, help me get through this!" for the next 4.5 miles. Just past mile 12.5, I hit another wall where my body pretty much seemed to be very mad and sullen. And I wanted to cry more. I need honey with me. Hah... Seriously, "I need you, honey!" Okay... jokes aside, raw honey is one of the best sugars for me... gotta love the kick of energy... now, if I could just through in some B vitamins... and I just might... I may actually be set.
At one point, I was finally starting to do really well along the run. Get into the zone... you know... it was feeling good. And then... somehow I managed to kick a substantial pebble into my shoe. Tried to reach it without taking it off, but it was running away from my approaching fingers, so I had to take off the entire shoe, and remove the pebble. And that meant... sitting on the ground. Which is an odd feeling thing to do while going for a run. I sort of took a moment to stretch while down there. And then said to myself, "Get up!" Ha. I have no idea how that could be avoided. It just happens now and then.
Also, food. I'm still working on this, but I ate something like a "bird" this week... So I didn't have a lot of stamina/endurance built up in me at all. I'm trying to eat before I run. But I had a banana, apple, and an orange. Oh yes, and a cup of tea. And I didn't leave right after. I think I had better work on that.
My legs aren't too sore, and I got to see a friend this afternoon. I've had my honey... and a full pizza, if you remember... and I've texted and spoken to a few friends about advice for this day. There are so many encouragers, and I thank you so much! I so desperately need it. I hate feeling disappointed about my runs. I have high hopes for next Saturday's 16 mile run, with what I've learned... and more practice with the hydration pack.
And... here's what I've learned about food: EAT. Ha. Sounds simple, but it's true. I need to eat more during the week. A friend told me she loads up the carbs the night before a long run, and then a longer absorbing breakfast with carbs the morning of. Another friend says she does almond butter and banana. In any case, proteins... something that lasts longer. Also, a friend tells me that cucumbers help get the electrolytes back and replenished! I knew about coconut water, which is fantastic... But I think I'll definitely like the cucumbers added in.
Okay... Well. Learned a lot. I need to remember some other random things along the way, too... But most of those are mental notes. It's amazing... the more miles and training, the more I find that EVERYTHING seems a potential for affecting me. And... I'm ready for the summer... I think. I am certainly finding I actually rather like cold weather running. Hmmm... Lots of positives for both. Now. What to do to cross train tomorrow? Maybe Yoga. Probably could have used some stretching, before today, too.
Ah well, you live and you learn, eh? Today was a trip and a half. But... all the better to learn from. And improve. And keep learning more. I still love running. Just wishing that somethings didn't always take trial and error. I'll get in my groove!
It was a GORGEOUS DAY! Amazing blue skies! REALLY happy about that.
Friday, April 2, 2010
Osprey hydration pack
It was time.
I needed a hydration pack of some sort, and had originally anticipated getting a Camelbak of some sort, but upon going to the Maple Grove REI, I found them to be less comfortable than I would certainly prefer, mostly due to the length of my torso. I wandered about the store, two different Camelbaks in hand, wondering if I would have to resign myself to getting one that fit decently well, when I came across the "actual" hydration pack section. "Ah ha!" and "These are a bit more expensive." and "They have Osprey? I like Osprey." were a few thoughts that went through my head.
Knowing from past experience that I fit into that med/lrg range by Osprey, I sought out one that looked feasible. I put it on, adjusted the straps, and LOVED the feel. Upon reading more tags and such, I found I could go down in both cost and cubic inches available. And I also went from a normal gray-taupe color, to a nice blue. Making sure with a salesman that I was correct in my own assessment of the fit (and I was), I kept it in hand, and wandered about the rest of the store to see what I could find.
I found a pair of shoes (in "charcoal," which looks like brown to me) and a new food bar by clif, which was particularly exciting to me in that there were "no gluten ingredients used." Yipee! And... it tasted really good... or, at least the blueberry one did.
It seems that people are starting to realize that those who are gluten-free are active, as well. Yes, thank you very much, I rather enjoy buying food and not just having to make all my own food.
In addition to realizing that I need to work on bringing hydration with me during my runs, I've also had to come to the clear realization that I really have to figure out food for before the runs. I think the key is fruit. I prefer morning runs, and so it can't be a lot, but it needs to be fairly easy to digest and certainly not heavy. While there are those out there who are capable of eating a pizza and then going for a good run immediately following, I really cannot do that.
So... with 15 miles to run tomorrow, it shall be my attempt to not only carry a hydration pack, but to start with consuming fruit, as well. I'm kind of curious how this will go for me, and how much my time may be affected one way or another.
I think the weather has turned quite lovely for the run. With the increasing warmth, and being so uncharacteristic of a typical Minnesota March, and the lack of shade due to the fact that trees have not fully bloomed yet, and the dry air besides, was making me quite hot during my runs. Four miles should not dehydrate me. Not in March in Minnesota. So. I'm quite grateful for the rain, besides the fact that I love the smell.
It is a good day for a run. So. For those of you NOT on a scheduled day of rest, I would highly encourage it.
Ah yes, and "note to self" in relation to runs: do NOT go for a run wearing lace underwear. It is exceedingly uncomfortable by the end of the run.
I needed a hydration pack of some sort, and had originally anticipated getting a Camelbak of some sort, but upon going to the Maple Grove REI, I found them to be less comfortable than I would certainly prefer, mostly due to the length of my torso. I wandered about the store, two different Camelbaks in hand, wondering if I would have to resign myself to getting one that fit decently well, when I came across the "actual" hydration pack section. "Ah ha!" and "These are a bit more expensive." and "They have Osprey? I like Osprey." were a few thoughts that went through my head.
Knowing from past experience that I fit into that med/lrg range by Osprey, I sought out one that looked feasible. I put it on, adjusted the straps, and LOVED the feel. Upon reading more tags and such, I found I could go down in both cost and cubic inches available. And I also went from a normal gray-taupe color, to a nice blue. Making sure with a salesman that I was correct in my own assessment of the fit (and I was), I kept it in hand, and wandered about the rest of the store to see what I could find.
I found a pair of shoes (in "charcoal," which looks like brown to me) and a new food bar by clif, which was particularly exciting to me in that there were "no gluten ingredients used." Yipee! And... it tasted really good... or, at least the blueberry one did.
It seems that people are starting to realize that those who are gluten-free are active, as well. Yes, thank you very much, I rather enjoy buying food and not just having to make all my own food.
In addition to realizing that I need to work on bringing hydration with me during my runs, I've also had to come to the clear realization that I really have to figure out food for before the runs. I think the key is fruit. I prefer morning runs, and so it can't be a lot, but it needs to be fairly easy to digest and certainly not heavy. While there are those out there who are capable of eating a pizza and then going for a good run immediately following, I really cannot do that.
So... with 15 miles to run tomorrow, it shall be my attempt to not only carry a hydration pack, but to start with consuming fruit, as well. I'm kind of curious how this will go for me, and how much my time may be affected one way or another.
I think the weather has turned quite lovely for the run. With the increasing warmth, and being so uncharacteristic of a typical Minnesota March, and the lack of shade due to the fact that trees have not fully bloomed yet, and the dry air besides, was making me quite hot during my runs. Four miles should not dehydrate me. Not in March in Minnesota. So. I'm quite grateful for the rain, besides the fact that I love the smell.
It is a good day for a run. So. For those of you NOT on a scheduled day of rest, I would highly encourage it.
Ah yes, and "note to self" in relation to runs: do NOT go for a run wearing lace underwear. It is exceedingly uncomfortable by the end of the run.
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