Category: Uncategorized

Last week my friend Audra came to spin for the first time and today my grad student came to class with me. I love it! I makes me push even harder because I’m a competitive show off.

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.

18 miles done. The first 9 were stellar. The last 9 were not thanks to a surprise visit from aunt flow, cramps and side stitches. I hated every second of the last 9 sloooooow miles, but did em.