Long Run

OK, I will be honest - I have no interest in doing this whole blog thing right now. My computer is finally back from California, having been fixed by HP. Bruce is in the midst of updating it and such. Although I can't get on my own computer quite yet, I'm still anxious to see how it is going, so this will be short.

Ran my long run yesterday - 12.5 miles. I ran it in 2:26, which is not bad for a training run at all. I ran a course with rolling hills, working on keeping my intervals at 3:1. The temp wasn't too bad - about 74 or 75 in the sun - but it was all sun. I ran the length of Route 7 from Latham to just about where I work, in Niskayuna - 6.25 miles there and then back. It was a good run in that it was interesting and having traffic around me (I ran on the sidewalk, of course) gave me something to watch and look at. Being in the sun the whole time wasn't all that fun.
I completely bonked at mile 10 (bonking is the fun term for no longer being able to run). My legs seized up and I had to walk until mile 12.45 - I ran the final .05 mile as I vowed I would finish running! Silly, yes.
I think I bonked because I didn't hydrate and eat enough early enough in the run. I did drink and eat my jelly beans (I like the Luna Gels better though, I realized) when I thought it was time, but I think I should have either eaten more or drank more, or both. I had to get a Gatorade from the Rite Aid on the way back because I knew I wasn't going to make it on what I had consumed. It definitely helped, but it was too late to recover my legs to be able to run the final stretch.
I didn't start to feel the running until about mile 8....miles 1-5 were really no big deal and felt really good....6-8 were pretty good, but 8-10 started the degeneration of both my legs and my spirit. I did some positive pep talking through mile 9, but when I got to 10 and my legs started to feel like complete stones and seized up, I figured I'd rather stop then risk injury or passing out. Maybe I'll rethink trying a marathon next year and just go for another half...
So, lesson learned - that is what training is for!
And frankly, if I bonk on the big day, I bonk - I know I can finish - even if I have to walk it in, I'll finish! :)
After the run, Bruce asked me how I felt and I told him - my legs were achy and sore but they had this tingly sensation flowing through them that was just energizing and fun. Kinda weird - but I liked it! I've noticed the same feeling on the last two long runs - kinda makes me eager to do it again. Bizarre.

So, that was the long run. This week I have some hill training and drills....Friday I'll do my speedwork. No long run this weekend as it's a speedwork weekend. And, this Saturday is my cousin, Amy's 30th birthday party in NJ, so I will be out of town partying! :)

I'm not feeling the update of my weekly training schedule tonight (I have it written down on my pad next to the couch) so I'm going to log off now and do it another night.

Later!