Saturday, October 8, 2011

11 Miles

Today was a scheduled 11 mile training run.  It would be my 4th longest run ever.  When I was scheduled to run 10 two weeks ago, I was all nervous before hand.  Today?  Not nervous at all.  Strange.

Though, I wasn't feeling very good.  My stomach wasn't happy with me (note to self: last night's dinner not good pre-run meal) and I wasn't sure I should even attempt leaving the house.  Also, I've been coughing.  Which means, I'm getting sick.  Everyone has that first symptom; mine is coughing.  I think I must have coughed overnight because when I woke up, I just wasn't feeling all that refreshed.  But, I decided to head down to the Rail Trail anyway.  I know 11 miles was on the schedule, but I figured I could always stop if I wasn't feeling well.


This was the trail in front of me today.  It was really pretty with the leaves changing colors.  The temperature was gorgeous.  There weren't too many people out on the trail, though at times being the only runner thing made me think of crazed psychopath killers lurking in the trees (I'm happy to report, there weren't any...as far as I could tell).  My plan was to run 2.75 miles north of Brillhart Station, then back for 5.50 miles, which is exactly half the distance of today's run.  It went fine.  I wasn't feeling great, but eh.  I have felt worse in my life.  On my way out, I saw hubby as he was running his training route.  He had 19 today (and did them all!).  It was nice to see someone I knew as I ran.  I was thinking it would be fun to have someone to run with occasionally.  Sad thing, I run too slow for people.  I would really have to pick it up or someone would have to really slow down for me.

When I got to the half way point, I stopped at the port-a-potties.  There's one at Brillhart Station and while I HATE port-a-potties, this one was nicer than I anticipated.  Much larger than your average one, maybe it was handicap accessible?  But it was nice.  It could have used hand soap, but overall, not a bad port-a-potty.

At this point, I had the option of stopping or heading south on the trail to do the other half of my run.  I decided what the heck? and kept going.  Which I think was my fatal flaw.  My time got slower and slower, to the point that I think I could walk faster than I was "running."  I stopped a couple times to cough.  I talked myself into the 2.75 miles on the way out, then realized I would need to do 2.75 miles back.  As people passed me on their bikes, I wondered if they'd be willing to let me borrow their bike to get back to my car.  My internal decision was they probably wouldn't.  :-(


On my way back, I came to the tunnel.  The tunnel is one of my favorite parts of the trail actually.  I think it's pretty neat.  And it's usually cooler here than anywhere else on the trail.  Not that it mattered today per se, but in the summer it sure does!  But, as I approached the tunnel, all I could think of was come towards the light. And I did.  And nothing happened.  I just ended up on the other end of the tunnel.  Stupid tunnel...

At about 10 miles I was done.  I walked for about .3 miles, ran .2 miles, then gave up.  It was not to be.  My stomach hurt, my back hurt, my chest/throat hurt (from coughing), my legs hurt, my hips hurt.  It was just painful.  So, I shut Garmin off at 10.5 miles and walked the last .5 miles back to my car.  It was a bit humbling considering I came into this thinking I was all over this run.  I wasn't nervous.  I had this.  And then, hubris set in.  Why, oh why, do I let myself think I'm better than I am?

Next week is 4 miles. Then on the 22nd, I'm up to 12.  I'm back in fear of it.  Very, very fearful...

4 comments:

  1. You shouldn't have gone out, but then you would have missed out on all these jokes! Nice run!

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  2. Don't be too disappointed ....you listened to your body which is what matters. Being able to run 10 miles is something I can only do in my head right now. (and I'm REALLY FAST!!! Lol!)

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  3. I think if you stop thinking you're better than you are, you won't run any more. LOL, runners aren't the sanest people, though :]

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  4. I'm with Tracy! GO you for doing your best! And feel better!

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