Sunday, August 9, 2009

A week of Ups and Downs

Downs

-Failed to accomplish my first Long 6 mile run last Saturday.
-Was alone most of the week since my husband worked a gazillion hours an went away all last Sunday leaving me little time to run when scheduled to run.
-Had horrific pain in my right shin develop causing me to fear I had a stress fracture.
-Found out the inserts I had gotten from ALIGN were too hard and most likely causing my second round of shin splints.


Ups

-Learned from my mistakes from my failed long run.
-Bought two different hydration system, a hand held bottle and a belt and poweraid and GNU.
-Got myself a running buddy!
-Had x-rays done which were normal and saw an orthopod who said my exam seemed inconsistent with fractures and consistent with shin splints, told me to keep running and start taking Advil 3x 3 a day. That's a lot of advil!
-Got myself some new softer inserts.

Really Upity Ups

-Ran my fastest 5K yet in 38:18 at a 12:22 pace!
-Shins felt good afterward!
-Ran 6.2 miles Saturday AM and it felt awesome!

Accomplishing those 6.2 miles felt amazing, I really believe I can do this!

Sunday, August 2, 2009

Live and Learn

So,all week long I have been freaked out knowing Saturday would be my first long run or 6 miles, or was supposed to be. I had two good 3 mile range runs Tuesday and Thursday and had run 3 miles or so last Saturday so I was back on track. Shins have there moments on and off but overall healthy. I was nervous and tense, well freaked out about this impending 6 mile run all day Friday.


I mapped out a gorgeous flat course along the ocean and started mentally preparing myself. Whay am I so freaked out? I ran a 5 mile race and did it, 6 can't be much worse. Something in my head was causing me to have a mental block. A bock that was filling me with anxiety and dread.

I awoke Saturday morning and started freaking out about hydration. I had been learning all week long from fellow all ears team members about hydration strategies and replacing electrolytes and how important this is. So, I was drinking water and coffee, Saturday morning which then resulted in bathroom trips and then I was full so I did not eat anything, I was nervous and could not get my sneakers tied just the right way. I was feeling pressure and the "I can't do this" voice was having a party in my brain. Stupidly, I did not head out until 9ish. It was a warm beach day and was 80ish. I did not bring any water never mind electrolyte water, nor money. DADADADUM< the death noise, I killed my run with that step.

I started out with the usual first 10 minutes hard, sneakers, needed to be adjusted, shins sore, sports bra tugging, but after 20 minutes settled into a groove, I was running super slow on purpose to conserve energy, I was just about mile 3 the turn around point at the end of Nahant beach when it hit me. The nauseating feeling of heat exhaustion, face burning, stomach upset, feeling like I might pass out, I weighed continuing, but without water, was afraid of really hurting myself.

I have been spoiled by the races with water stops along the way and hoses. I admitted defeat and the frustrating part was that I knew I could do it, make it the whole way, had I had water.

After walking the last 3 miles, trying not to feel too defeated, but I did, I went to the running store and bought myself a hydration belt. I also bought the lemon lime flavor GU20 electrolyte powder mix and some GU energy gels.

Of course, I was painfully reminded that I am still a Heffalump after three months of hard work when the first two hydration belts would not fit around my waist, as if my self esteem had not already taken a hard enough hit today with my failed run.

Anyhow, the 6 mile run is rescheduled for Tuesday, Monday I am going to try a timed mile. Still need to get a Garmin, not sure if I should splurge on the heart monitor with it or not, can't imagine wearing the chest strap to be honest and the hydration belt and the Garmin while running.

Overall, I am in a bit of a slump I would say, too many long exhausting days alone with the kids. I have gained a couple of pounds which is annoying due to the numerous nights out and weddings and such we have been doing. I need to get this 6 mile run out of the way Tuesday and hopefully that will get me more confidence.