(not) running on empty
Today's schedule called for my third 20-mile run. I felt like I was ready for this run and had even contemplated turning it into a 22 or 24 mile run, thinking that any miles after 20 would give me a huge psychological boost in confidence for the real thing. Two weekends ago I had that great 30K and today's intended training pace was a minute-per-mile slower than that race pace. Monday and Tuesday I had done a 10x800 workout and a 5-mile tempo run in good times. I felt strong on Wednesday night, running up some tough hills. So I was ready and eager to get another 20-mile run in and the accompanying bragging rights.
The day was crisp and absolutely perfect for running. Clear sky, dry air. Beautiful fall day. After 5 miles, I shed the outer cotton long-sleeve t-shirt and left it on my bike. Felt much lighter during the 2nd 5-mile loop. I felt horrible after 15 miles. There was no specific physical pain I could point to. My butt was kinda sore. My left shoulder felt pretty tight. The soles of my feet felt tired of all the pounding. But the biggest problem was that mentally I couldn't summon the will to keep running. Gave in to the urge to walk after about 17 miles. I called Michael and asked him to mix up a pitcher of Gatorade for me.
I had been feeling so strong and athletic Wednesday night and then this truncated run came along and dashed that self-image. The weirdest part was that afterwards, it took a long time for my breathing to return to normal. Usually, I'm breathing easily after a cooldown walk around the block. But I was still panting 30 minutes after returning (even after having walked the last 3 miles). I just lay down and watched tv for a few hours. Watched the Red Sox lose to the Yankees (thankfully Cleveland lost so our playoff hopes are alive). Watched and suprisingly enjoyed the movie Starsky and Hutch. (no idea how it compares to the original tv series).
Next weekend is only a 10 mile run. Maybe I'll bump that up to 15 to try to soothe my ego. I have my last 20-mile run scheduled 2 weeks from now so I'll try again then.
The day was crisp and absolutely perfect for running. Clear sky, dry air. Beautiful fall day. After 5 miles, I shed the outer cotton long-sleeve t-shirt and left it on my bike. Felt much lighter during the 2nd 5-mile loop. I felt horrible after 15 miles. There was no specific physical pain I could point to. My butt was kinda sore. My left shoulder felt pretty tight. The soles of my feet felt tired of all the pounding. But the biggest problem was that mentally I couldn't summon the will to keep running. Gave in to the urge to walk after about 17 miles. I called Michael and asked him to mix up a pitcher of Gatorade for me.
I had been feeling so strong and athletic Wednesday night and then this truncated run came along and dashed that self-image. The weirdest part was that afterwards, it took a long time for my breathing to return to normal. Usually, I'm breathing easily after a cooldown walk around the block. But I was still panting 30 minutes after returning (even after having walked the last 3 miles). I just lay down and watched tv for a few hours. Watched the Red Sox lose to the Yankees (thankfully Cleveland lost so our playoff hopes are alive). Watched and suprisingly enjoyed the movie Starsky and Hutch. (no idea how it compares to the original tv series).
Next weekend is only a 10 mile run. Maybe I'll bump that up to 15 to try to soothe my ego. I have my last 20-mile run scheduled 2 weeks from now so I'll try again then.