Since last week, I have recovered nicely from the flu. I had a couple of easy runs and a long run in the rain. My plan today was to set up a meeting with a client in QC at 3 p.m. so that by the time I am done I can go directly to UP for my long run. I needed to do 20 miles today. I was feeling okay. I had sinigang for lunch with lots of vegetables and bananas for dessert. I packed my stuff earlier. I had a jug of water, a cooler with 4 bottles of propel, my fuel belt, and GU gels.
My client cancelled the meeting. It was 2:30 p.m. and the sky was overcast so I thought why not start early so that I can get home early! I started my run around 3:20 p.m. I was very excited, running at a fast clip with the first 6 miles at a 9:40/mi pace. I didn’t realize that despite the clouds, the sun was still shining through and that it was very humid. I should have slowed down then, but I thought I had progressed enough to run through it. Besides I thought, I was hydrating like a madman, drinking 2 liters in the next hour and a half. The next 4 miles were still at 10:00/mi or faster, but after that I began to slow down to 11:00/mi on the next 3 miles. I should also have paid more attention to my heart rate which was averaging in the 150s 4 miles out. By the 13th mile, it was at 165 already and I was still running at a much slower pace. I knew it! I had overextended myself. Even if it was already 5:40 p.m. and the weather was much cooler I was already spent. I did something I never did before. I discontinued my long run.
Why did i do it? When I told D, an avid runner himself about what happened, he was surprised that I had stopped. I guess the heat got to me and I did not want to risk getting sick again or injured. Sometimes, I feel like I copped out, that I should have run through the pain but then again what does it prove? I would like to run a decent race on Sunday. I would like top continue until next week and the week after that and race on August 3. I just want to make sure that I could. I am sure this is not going to be the first long run I will discontinue in my life but the first time certainly feels very disappointing.
Total Distance : 13.42 miles Total Time : 2:16:41 Ave. Pace : 10:11/mi Ave. HR : 155
Think of this run, prometheuscometh, as one for experience. I’ve had a number of training runs like the one you had the other day. The important thing is that you realized what happened. Running is a lot more mental than physical! It’s nice to have a watch that will give you the time and the heart rate. Back when I started running road races (1972), they didn’t have anything but a regular wristwatch.
Regarding this Sunday, you’ll be fine. You’ve had two runs over 10 miles this week. Though 13 is not 20, the long ones will come. Sometimes, it’s best not to force it. Good luck on Sunday!
By: sfrunner on June 27, 2008
at 11:10 am
Thanks Wayne!
I realized that my long runs now require a lot of planning in advance. It is not as simple as before. All the more, I should plan my race. Unlike a 10k, so many things can go wrong because of the length of the race. The conditions will never be perfect all the time and I have to be ready to adjust even if it means slowing down. Unfortunately, as Amby Burfoot said in his book, slowing down is not easy for runners.
By: prometheuscometh on June 27, 2008
at 8:34 pm
That is the uniqueness about runs / races longer than 10 miles (in my opinion). They are so unpredictable. I’ve read Amby’s book and he’s so correct on that. There have been long runs that I’ve almost come to a walk. Looking back, it was indeed more mental than physical.
You are doing well, though, from the blog entries. Speaking of long runs, I have one tomorrow! Enjoy the experience on Sunday!
By: sfrunner on June 27, 2008
at 11:42 pm