Rough couple of weeks since the last time I posted. I completed my longest run ever on Halloween at just over 16 miles. Took everything I had to finish it. When I stopped running, chills ran all over my body because of how good it felt for my legs to not be moving. My body was so worn down from the run, on Monday I got sick and was sick for the majority of the rest of the week. It wasn't until Friday of last week that I was feeling well enough to start exercising again. I attribute my absolute break-down to a couple of things:
1.) I did not allow my body enough to time to repair before the long run. On Saturday I had a pretty intense crossfit workout and then went and cut wood until dark. I believe this wore my body out, so I was already starting on half a tank and sore legs for the early morning run.
2.) One thing I noticed at the end of my 16 miler was that I was STARVING as soon as I was done. This was the first time I have had this experience. Normally, it takes me awhile (20/30 minutes) to work up an appetite after I get done running; but I remember being famished right after the run, making me think my body was running on empty. Refueling while running is non-existent for me right now, and I am going to start experimenting with eating/drinking some calories during the higher mileage runs; any suggestions would be helpful on what to try. My main concern with doing this is an upset stomach and puking while running. Right now, I do my long runs with my camelbak filled with only water. Although I am hydrating while running, I think once I get over 2/2.5 hours of straight exercise, my body needs to replenish itself.
3.) My diet leading up to the run was less than ideal, which I also think contributed to the lack of energy.
This past Sunday I got back on the horse and decided to have a nice little confidence booster and run 10 miles. This also happened to also be the chilliest day we have had in Ohio this fall, opening the season for cold weather running. I believe when I started running the temperatures were in the low 20's. After the first couple of minutes, I must admit I rather enjoyed the chilly temps. The run itself went off without a hitch and I felt pretty good at the end and was even able to have a strong push the last couple miles.
I am amazed at how much difference there is in the way I felt after my 10 and 16 mile runs. I cannot help but start to think that I still have to run another 10 miles after the 16 to finish the marathon.... the task is still looking quite daunting to say the least.
As for an injury report, my body is holding up pretty well right now, besides for a tweak in my right ham-string (which I expect to go away on its own.) My side issue that I was battling throughout the summer/fall running season still pokes its head up every now and again, but has diminished with the onset of cooler weather. This makes me think it is realted to my dehydration level while exercising (I don't sweat as much in the cooler weather.)
I will hopefully be able to squeeze in a few short mileage runs during this week and then tackle the 16 miler again this weekend, hopefully with more success.
I hope everyone's training is going well, under 70 days now....
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Dude, I got sick much the same way last year (for a week) but I honestly think it might be what you're body needed after pushing so hard.
ReplyDelete70 days makes it seem pretty close and that makes me get pretty nervous too but we'll be alright!
I like to "munch" on ether a cliff bar or power bar throughout my long runs (maybe eat a few bites at 1/3 of the way through and the rest 2/3 of the way through. I also carry a water bottle (wish I had a camel pack or something but it isn't too bad).
I've always found mid/ pre run eating to be a VERY touchy subject not because I get sick like I'm going to throw up but rather my stomach cramps and I feel like crapping my pants. Either way, try your own method because you'll probably find something you like after a few different long runs. I'll post again sometime soon.