Well, close enough anyway. It was 12.4 to be exact. Extremely warm and slightly humid at 4:AM when I took off. I actually woke up at 3:AM. It took me an hour to not really psych me into it, but it took an hour for me to say 92 degrees at 3:AM, bad air quality and the real world pain in my shoulder and neck were worth the fight. After a long session of stretches on my shoulder and neck - something inside just said - "you need to do this now!" Laced up the shoes, stretched the calves, Achilles and hams - gulped down a Gatorade, grabbed an apple, and I was off. It started out very well, pace felt good through most of the first half. Made a major mistake. I blame myself, but also RBR just a little (smile).
I am Slomohusky for a reason - I am slow. In fact, I am a little concerned I will not make the time limit at the Half planned for Labor Day Weekend. However, I just could not let this guy out pace me at my halfway point. After all, he had a major knee brace on his left knee, and really awkward gait. He was just walking, but fast! He was taller than me (which is pretty much 85% of the World, when I am only 5' 5 1/2" tall) and his stride, was this unusual high kick with the leg in the brace. He was moving fast. I gulped the last of my hydration for the moment and took off. Oh, yes I passed him. I was not going to be Rehab'd. We exchanged hello's, and he said he is recovering from a torn ACL - yikes! Trust me I have complete admiration for this fellows effort. I have been there. Not with a knee, but with a complete rupture of my right biceps muscle. I was humbled with 9-10 months of recovery and rehab on that one. This man was my inspiration for the day. Anyway, I paid for my quest in not being Rehab'd. My last 4 miles were not good. The last mile or two, themselves, were an especially awful slog it seemed. So, who was Rehab'd in the end? I must have looked near death to anyone driving by.
Regardless of the extra push, I should have been able to finish stronger. It would've been around 95 degrees the last 4 miles and humid for Vegas. I just cannot get a handle on my personal hydration needs with most runs over 7 miles when the temps reach that 94-95 plus range. It seems to be the temp range when my body starts shutting down some at longer distances. The latest RW issue says not to run above 85 degrees - take the day off. If I did that, I would not be running in Vegas 6 months of the year! Did the Badwater runners take the day off in Death Valley? Well, maybe the guy dressed as a pink fairy did. He looked like he was having fun though. Nothing wrong with that. Jamie Donaldson did not! I doubt Superwomen Coleen Voeks will take a day off at Leadville. Also, at no time did my Sister say this day I fight no more against Cancer.
It took me a long hour or more to recover this AM. Two full glasses of chocolate milk, one full OJ and 12 oz Gatorade. Plus, some watermelon (yes, it has become my favorite recovery fruit). All that and I was still thirsty. My first blister in ages as well. RBR, I did have my last Gu pack as well during the run. This one was less than awful. Strawberry/Banana. Certainly nothing that will be habit forming. I might try Hammer next? Thanks to my wife or actually my oldest who is 9. He not only got himself showered and ready for school, plus breakfast - but did the same for his two brothers and Sisters. Proud of him. I guess I have done something right as a parent. My wife, his mom was amazed as well. It was a big help for his Dad.
I did it though. For what it was I am happy. Still not sure if I will be able to get in under the time limits in Sept. However, at this point, happy with my overall effort. Especially, since I have more weight to lose. This is a long reclamation project. My first 13.1 in 13 years of not very healthy eating and not so consistent workouts. Yet, this is also the longest period of running in 13 years injury free. I am slowly - I should say SLOWLY - getting it back.
Keep Kickin'! Although I'm taking the next two days off. Cheers! Have a great weekend.
Oh, got my tentative schedule for my Girls Fall Soccer season. Opening weekend is Sept. 12th. Get another try at impersonating a Soccer Coach. Again, be happy taking any/all tips in coaching 6 year old girls from the blogosphere.
2 comments:
Ha! You hyper-competitive boys! Sounds like a great run, but Strawberry/banana? Ugh! That one tastes like cough syrup! I have heard good things about e-gels, but I have never tried them myself. Willie swears by them. I am very excited about your half coming up! Which one is it?
Thanks for your interest RBR. I need all the help I can get. 13 years of not eating well and yo-yo workouts have left me slow and heavy. Yet, considering it all - this really is the best I felt overall in a very long time.
Labor Day weekend Disneyland Half Marathon. Flat course and cooler than Vegas Temps. Plus, I want my kids involved in it all. Couldn't think of a more captive place for them while I flop and plod. One of my biggest fans is my 4 year old. He sees other runners (very fit looking ones) and will say Daddy they are a runners just like you. It keeps me going everytime.
Thanks again! I have noticed yours and other blogs have a list of upcoming races/events - need to start. Don't expect a Sacramento listing (smile). Glad your safe. Not sure which is more fun, Fresno or Sacramento - ever been to Bakersfield? Although - I am sorry I know it is nearby - Oakland. Not too many family picnics will be planned for us there.
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