This morning bright and early we set out for a run. I have to say--it actually wasn't to bad when we started out--the downfall of the trail was that there was NO shade what-so-ever. :(
The first 4 miles I was feel really good-EXCEPT I had to go to the bathroom. Like...BAD. I tried to go before we started--but couldn't. SO I started--well about 4 miles in--there was no questions--I needed to find a bathroom. So, I detoured off the trail and went to the gas station not so far away. That's where things went downhill.
I ran to and from the gas station--stopped to take a drink at the car before heading out again. And I just COULD NOT find my groove :( To add to the groove-lessness of the run, my hip was starting to bother me.
However, I was determined come hell or high water to finish the distance. So--I slowed down to a walk. I figured covering the distance was better than just stopping! So--I continued. Every so often I would jog some and then walk. Jog and then walk. It was between mile 7 and 8 that I could feel my dizziness kick in when I was jogging. SO--I made the ultimate decision to walk the rest.
My real goal today was to just FINISH the distance. I wanted to assure myself that I COULD go that far...and that I COULD complete it under 3:30.
The good news: I CAN complete the 13.1 in under 3:30. The bad news--I didn't really complete the entire distance. But based on our stats--and how fast we were going we would have been in under 3:15! :) So that is re-assuring! Even walking over half of the distance! I completed just about 11 miles!
Justin (my husband) turned around with me when we met as he had about 2 miles to complete (and I had 7+!) and walked with me! It was so nice to have someone with me! :) It really did push me to walk faster and keep up!
I was the only one out of us 4 that didn't complete the entire distance :( My Dad actually got up and ran a 1/2 marathon this morning as well! How cool is that? What a great experience for all of us! A great learning experience that's for sure!
I learned a few things on my run:
1) Make sure to go to the bathroom before you leave. No questions asked...sit on the pot until it comes out! Stopping is dreadful!
2) I REALLY REALLY need to hydrate a LOT these next few weeks. The prep for hydration needs to start NOW. I REALLY need to get my water intake through the roof so that my body has proper hydration.
3) I REALLY need to log some road time. I am not sure if it was the pavement or what--however, the soles of my feet HURT. They are really super sore. To the point that that was the determining factor in me stopping. I feel like I just need to build up the calluses! LOL!
4) I need to figure out how to stretch my hip to give it some relief when it is getting tight.
5) I REALLY need a running buddy! Running long runs WITH someone makes ALL the difference! THANKFULLY--my Daddy and I will be running together--so I will have encouragement along the way!
6) My iPhone battery--despite being fully charged--will only last about 10 miles with Nike+ and Pandora running. Thankfully, when we run the Rock and Roll 1/2 I won't need either! As the path will be marked and there are bands every 1/2 mile!
7) Getting pooped on by a bird is not really cool. LOL!
So yep...it was a great learning experience and it makes me feel A LOT better about what's to come! Even if I didn't finish the full 13.1 distance!
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