The only words I have to describe this week’s long run is messy. I think I was doomed at the start. After an insane week at work, by the time Saturday morning came along I was feeling a level of exhaustion I haven’t experienced in awhile. I got started way to late (8:30am) particularly considering the heat. Given it took me so long to get my butt out of bed, I ate very quickly and immediately went out the door. Within a few miles my legs already felt like jello and the sun was blaring down on me. Soon realizing this wasn’t going to be my best performance I just committed myself to finishing the run no matter the time. The final 6 miles in Rock Creek Park I went to every bathroom I found and poured cold water all over myself to help with the heat. I finished my final mile running (more like shuffling) uphill to our apartment and promptly crashed.
There were a lot of things that contributed to the worst run I’d ever had:
1) Pure mental and physical exhaustion that had built up over the week.
2) Waking up too late.
3) Not waiting to digest my breakfast.
4) Drinking way too much water during the run (I was so thirsty and wanted something cold down my throat – I couldn’t help it).
5) My allergies are getting on my nerves.
I’m actually not too bummed about it because the first 20-miler I did a couple week ago was awesome, so I know I’ve got it in me to push out a great race on May 6. In fact, I’m looking forward to tapering and resting this tired body.
Heading to Paris today isn’t going to help me rejuvenate, but at least I won’t have to bang out another 20 the day I get back like I had to last time. It’s the little things right?
This week’s numbers:
Total Runs: 3
Total Strength Workouts: 3
Total Mileage: 31.4
