Running log: 2008/09/07

This morning was a really kind to me. Prior to my run I downed a bowl of oatmeal in which I mixed apple sauce, cinnamon, and flax seed. I also microwaved a sweet potato and crammed that down as well. I was intent on getting my carbs in. Thing is, it had potential to be too much. About half an hour before leaving I was curled up in bed, hoping to digest faster just so that I wouldn’t be running on such a full stomach.

Anyway, I purchased 3 gels: vanilla, some raspberry flavour, and mocha. I decided that I was going to eat one every 5K or so, even if I was feeling mildly decent, just to replenish my stores. It was a nice cool breezy day. I was wearing a tank, so the weather was feeling nice and fresh. I fell behind early due to some bad timing with stop lights, but that was fine. I only went as fast as my legs dictated.

Unlike last week when the sun came out and basically scorched me, today was pretty even temperature-wise. Actually, come to think of it, that’s not exactly true. At around 10K the skies opened up a little bit and light rain started to come down. As time passed, the light rain became a full-on shower. At first I welcomed the rain because it had the effect of cooling me down; however, over time I noticed that my clothes were getting heavier from being soaked. Despite that, I definitely still prefer running in the rain to being under overbearing sunshine. Even in the rain, with every person I passed on the sidewalk I managed a smile and a “good morning” to each one. I absolutely love getting smiles back.

When 15K rolled around, at my break I took out my last gel: mocha–very thick. When I started up again, I was a bit surprised. I was beginning to feel a lot of aching in my left upper thigh/glutes. My left side was mildly cramping up, but I could still move so I kept going. At 17K I looked at my watch and came to the realization that I had made it to the point where I hit the wall last Sunday, and by comparison I felt fantastic! I had enough energy to complete it. The only thing that was really making things difficult was the cramping. By the end of the course, I had completed 18.9K. Woohoo!

Wall? What wall?

I think I’ve figured out what works for myself. It took a long time to get to this point, but that’s OK. What’s important is that I have a better idea of what’s going on with my physiology. That’s just awesome. I was freakin’ giddy for at least an hour or two after I got home. What’s left for a half marathon? 2.2K? No worries!

Anyway, I’m off to recline for a few hours. The cramping will fade, but right now going up and down the stairs is a mini adventure. I need to be horizontal.

Possibly related posts:

1. Running log: 2008/12/28
2. Running log: 2008/07/20
3. Running log: 2008/10/28