So, today I ran 15 miles.
And I swear it almost killed me.
But let’s start from the beginning, shall we?
It was a cold, blustery day in Seattle, which was especially shocking coming back from several days in sunny, 85-degree California. I layered up. This would come back to bite me.
The first 7 or so miles went fine. I worked hard to slow down and not wear myself out. The route around Lake Union was lovely, as usual. But I got really sweaty really quickly in my long-sleeved top and had to take it off just 1.5 miles in. Throw some wind in there and you’ve got a cold, sweat-soaked, miserable girl.
I decided to stop off at my house 9 miles in to completely change clothes. By this point I was shaking from the cold-sweat situation. I drank a ton of Nuun, ate a chocolate Clif Shot, dried off, changed clothes and headed back out for 6 more miles.
Toughest 6 miles of my life.
There was quite a bit of walking, stopping to stretch, trying to ease little stomach cramps, etc. I think the combo of eating dessert at practically every meal in California and flying yesterday did me in. I also didn’t eat a good pre-run breakfast since I hardly have any food in the house and just scraped together a few scrambled eggs and some zucchini. My standard pre-run meal (Larabar and an apple with almond or peanut butter) usually takes care of me.
At mile 13, I realized I just needed more calories. I stopped at a 7-11 for a Clif bar, and as I stabbed my PIN number into the checkout screen, shaking and sweating, the woman behind the counter asked, “Sooo… do you run a lot?”
Me: “Well, I’m on mile 13 of 15.”
Her (in disbelief): “Are you one of those marathon people?”
Me: “Working on it!”
I ate half of the Clif bar and completed the trek home. Then I immediately collapsed on the floor of my room (cold and sweaty again) and chugged Nuun like my life depended on it. I changed into dry clothes, crawled into my warm bed and slept for more than two hours.
(I stretched and foam-rolled like crazy when I woke up. I hope my legs will be OK tomorrow.)
Every piece of clothing I wore today is soaked with sweat. Don’t worry, it’s all being washed right now!
Lessons from today:
– Don’t skimp on the pre-run breakfast, especially when tackling a new, long distance. I need that energy!
– Wear fewer clothes than I think I’ll need because I’ll warm up quickly.
– Take in more calories during long runs so I don’t end up shaking at a 7-11.
– The post-run nap is the greatest nap of all naps.
Next weekend, my long run will take place in CENTRAL PARK since I’ll be in NYC Friday through Monday! Luckily it’s “only” 10 miles, which sounds like a… walk in the park (sorry)… compared to today’s hellish adventure. I’ll be needing a big, fat NYC bagel afterward. Also: booze. Any suggestions?
Dev on Running 