I had big plans for my 18 mile run yesterday. I drove 45 minutes to this beautiful River Walk where I’ve run 2 races before. The first 9 miles felt great. Shortly after mile 9 I walked for a GU break and all of a sudden I get an excruciating side stitch/cramp.
Splits
- Mile 1 – 10:11
- Mile 2 – 10:31
- Mile 3 – 10:28
- Mile 4 – 11:02
- Mile 5 – 10:57
- Mile 6 – 10:31
- Mile 7 – 11:21
- Mile 8 – 11:16
- Mile 9 – 11:19
- Mile 10 – 14:51
Time 1:51:51
Average Pace: 11:09 min/mi
I walk most of mile 10 hoping I’ll feel better. I reset my watch after a stretch break and pep talk. However everytime I tried to pick up my pace I would cramp up. My period wasn’t due, but I knew I was having some break through bleeding, which was confirmed in mile 16 during my potty break.
It was 70ish degrees on my run and I was trying to ration water since all of the water fountains on the River Walk weren’t turned on. I think that is part of my cramping issue also. Finally at mile 16 I was able to fill up my water bottle with water from the bathroom sink.
- Mile 11 – 12:59
- Mile 12 – 13:58
- Mile 13 – 14:36
- Mile 14 – 14:59
- Mile 15 – 12:04
- Mile 16 – 17:03 (potty break i forgot to stop my watch)
- Mile 17 – 16:16
- Mile 18 – 15:10
Time 1:51:55
Average Pace: 13:58 min/mile
I hated that second half, especially those last few miles. I just wanted it to be over. My legs and feet felt suprisingly good, but after such a slow second half I was just tired and defeated.
Overall Time: 3:53:06
Overall Average Pace: 12:57 min/miles
I’m happy I didn’t give up – I also didn’t have a choice due to where I was parked. Nearly 4 hours on my feet after only my first 3+ hour run last week. I plan to keep my LOOONG runs back in a familiar place, but I’d go out to the River Walk for a shorter long run.
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