This training run was back on January 5 . . . so basically, forever ago.
I did this training run with a group of five other women. We drove into the city and ran along the river. It was a great location to run and nice to run somewhere different. Different scenery is always a good thing.
In preparation for this run, I joined Audible.com. I hardly ever, like ever, listen to anything while I run, but I thought it might be a good idea to start. Especially as my runs are getting progressively longer. I thought it might help take my mind off the pain.
I downloaded a book and got it started just as we were starting out.
I had a nice chat with myself on the drive out.
“You will not run another person’s pace. You will run your own pace. You will not be discouraged.”
That’s what I did. I was consistently at the rear of the group. Always a good 1/4 mile, or a little less, behind everyone else.
I ditched the audio book after chapter two. I just couldn’t do it. I felt like I wasn’t really listening to the book. My mind would wander and then I would be startled and think, “Have you been listening? What’s happening in the book?”
The wires from the earbuds were getting on my left nerve, too.
The route we took was an out and back. We ran 7 1/2 miles out and then turned around and headed back to the cars. I was the only one shooting for 18 miles this particular day. Everyone else was shooting for 15.
I took a GU at miles 4.5 and 9, then switched to Clif Shot Bloks. I started chewing on one per mile around mile 11 or 12. I took a salt stick about every 45 minutes. I ran out of water around mile 13 and I was seriously dragging butt. I just focused on getting back to the van. Putting one foot in the front of the other. Forward motion.
As soon as I made it back to the van, I took a water bottle out of my cooler and poured it into my camelbak. I took another salt stick and forced down a GU. I didn’t want to. Just the thought of it turned my stomach, but I had no energy and I still had 3 miles left to cover.
At this point, I put my earbuds back in and just listened to music. I let my mind focus on the music and my feet hit the pavement with the beat. I thought the last three miles would be pure torture. I was all alone. Everyone else was done with their training run. My body hurt. I was beyond tired . . . . BUT those last three miles were some of the best miles of the entire morning.
When I got back to the van (for the second time), I downed an entire bottle of water and started eating right away. I’ve learned the hard way that if I don’t refuel after a long run I crash. And it’s ugly. The night before I made a sandwich with mashed avocado and turkey, sliced up some block cheese and grabbed a banana.
As soon as I got home, I went straight to my bathtub. Before I had left early that morning, I had filled it with warm water. It was c-c-c-c-c-cold water at this point. I took my shoes off and sat down in the water with my clothes on. My daughter and my man dumped ice over my legs. I set the timer for 15 minutes. It was awful the first 2 to 3 minutes, but then it eased up.
I followed that up with a long hot shower, donned my sexy compression socks and iced both knees for awhile. I had zero soreness the next day. Score!
amazing, Ruthanne. as i look ahead to long runs like these, i’m bookmarking your fuel & recovery technique. what kind of salt sticks do you get? i know i need those!
these are the salt sticks i use:
http://www.amazon.com/Saltstick-Electrolyte-Capsules-100-bottle/dp/B002IY96B0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1358441746&sr=8-1&keywords=salt+sticks
some people use nuun hydration. they’re tablets you drop in your bottled water. i used them for awhile, but just prefer the taste of water.
regardless of what you choose, you definitely need an electrolyte replacement.
Wow. You are so inspiring!! Way to go, girl!!
What is the purpose of the ice bath? My runs are starting to get longer and I see several runners doing this and wondering if it is something I need to consider.
basically, they are supposed to help speed muscle recovery.
http://running.about.com/b/2012/09/08/take-care-of-yourself-after-running.htm
What a nightmare! This all horrifies me.
your comment literally made me laugh out loud
Oh, you are just SO amazing and inspiring!
Shockingly to me….I have had a glimpse into what you mean. Good for you.
I have not even reach this so called “runner’s high”, but I certainly get the “stretching high” after! LOL My favorite part.
Way to go, Ruthanne! I love your running recaps and I can relate so well. I have found that I have learned so much through this running adventure. I still haven’t had an ice bath and I am not sure I could make myself even though you make it sound bearable. 15 minutes. Crazy!!
I wish I could run with you! I do love my music to keep me going when I fade.
I have had to cut back my running this week with the hopes of warding off injury. I am feeling some unwanted pains. I will not be doing my 20 miler this week as planned. I actually cried about it last night. I would have never imagined that I would ever cry about not being able to run 20 miles. It is really about the fear of not sticking to my schedule. I know I will look back on this and laugh at myself!
You are an inspiration! Keep running!!
what kind of mileage are you getting in during the week? i’m intentionally keeping mine low. i don’t do anything over five miles and i only run three days during the week.
i’m sorry about the 20 miler. don’t beat yourself up!
I am following Hal Higdon’s novice program. My weekly mileage is as much as my long run. I think that is my problem. It has been a bit much. I was supposed to run 10 last night and ran zero. I am going to try 3 tonight and see how I feel. My hubby has me running 12 Saturday and if I feel better I am going to try my killer week next week with the 20 miler. I was hoping to get up to 23 before the race but I don’t think that will happen. I may be lucky to fit 2, 20 milers in. I know that is more than recommended, I just want to feel sure. You definately get more cross training in than I do. Are you getting excited about the race? I am so happy your blog is back!!
you keep finding new ways to torture yourself. when i think you can’t do anything worse, ice baths.
and i keep reading salt stick as salt lick.