The continued prayer is, “Lord keep me focused. Keep my mind stayed on You. Help me to bring You praise. I know You believe in me. Please help me in my unbelief. Amen.”
I knew tonight’s run was going to be a long one. I had been psyching myself up for it all day. It had to be a well executed run because I really felt like I injured myself after the last one. It felt good at the time, but the next day I was having some serious Achilles Tendon issues in my left leg. I don’t know if it was because I had adjusted my foot fall and been too hard on my heels when I went to plant them or if it was because I didn’t stretch afterward. If I haven’t already told you, I really hate stretching. Hate it. I rarely do it. If I were advising people, I would tell them to always be sure to stretch. Stretch during a long run, at about mile 7, after the run and do a serious stretching session on rest days. But I never do.
I did this run 4 minutes on and 1 minute off, as usual, and I knew I had to take it really easy. I’d just read the site for the Disneyland Half Marathon in September and it said that all the runners had to maintain at least a 16-minute mile pace. Typically, I would never worry about that. Even when I’m running a fever, I maintain a 12-minute pace, but now that I knew it was required, it was really stressin’ me out.
So mile 1 was as usual, just terrible. I decided that I would keep Country music on the iPod. I love the country music that I have but I wouldn’t call myself Country music fan. I am however a HUGE sucker for Patriotic Music and that ends up being Country Music more often than not. But I digress.
Let’s skip to Mile 5. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord…. Really. I’m going delirious so I take some GU and wait for it to kick it. It'some horrible citrus flavor that I can barely get down. I bought it when I was trying to find a favorite. I'll be sticking with Chocolate Outrage from now on.
Mile 7 is feeling pretty good and there is a slight decline so I am picking up some serious speed. I pass a lady like she’s standing still. I'm feeling good.
At mile 9, I know that I am a half mile from home. I'm exhausted and I have absolutely hit the wall but I need to figure out how to add an extra half mile to the run so I can get an even 10. Crap!
So I turn the corner and start up the street toward the school instead of crossing the street and heading toward home. Home!
I don't even remember what I did when I got home and I still can't find my Pepper Spray. The kids were still awake and I am so happy about that. I can't wait to give them hugs and kisses, but I can't because I am disgusting. I need to shower. So I keep them at arm's length and pray with them and listen to their day. I'm barely paying attention. Ten miles takes me to my limit and I am barely functioning. But I love these little people and they give me strength.
Now where the heck is my Pepper Spray? I gotta find it before one of the kids does. Zzzzzz........
Congratulations on the 10 miles--that's a long way. I also hate to stretch, but find it to be important after long runs. I don't stretch before a run. I let my legs warm up during the first mile. The Achilles tendon is something I've only recently taken notice of. The online "experts" all say that achilles tendon problems are associated with running hills, stride changes, or increased intensity. I rested for a week and cut out hill workouts. This seems to be helping. You don't have to worry about that Disneyland time limit. You'll be so full of adrenaline that you'll have to remind yourself to slow down. Isn't it funny how if you lose something that's dangerous, kids always seem to find it?
ReplyDeleteHi Frank! Thanks for the comment! Just in time too! I was thinking I would do some hill work tonight. I am only too happy to skip it and go ahead with my regular Friday night workout. But what do you do when you think there might be hills on the course of the race you're training for? It's not a trail run or any thing, but it's on the streets of L.A. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteAs for stretching, *sigh*, I knew I'd better stretch after the 10-mile workout so I did and I felt a million times better than I would have if I hadn't. I know it's important and it'll become more and more necessary as the birthdays continue to pile up.
Oh! and I did find the Pepper Spray before the kids did. Whew!
I would cut out any hill work until the achilles tendon is back to normal. I'd rather be unprepared for some hills on race day than go into the race with a nagging injury. Everything I've read says that achilles tendon problems shouldn't be taken lightly.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the advice. I really appreciate it! I hope to have a story like yours one day soon.
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