The Accidental 16.5 Mile Run

Oh boy, do I have one good story.

After doing 12 miles last Friday, I was really excited to run a half this morning. I searched mapmyrun.com for paths others have saved and used in my area. The best I could find was for 14 miles. Since I can’t change these saved runs, I decided to take the 14 mile challenge.

The first half was great- it took me around my neighborhood and down a pretty trail I always take my bike on. For the second half I was running on long, run-down roads with a side walk that would randomly cut off for no reason.

Around mile 11 I was starting to feel the burn. I was not a happy camper when faced with a two-lane busy road where I had to run either in the road or the high grass. Did I mention the countless roadkill I had to run over, too? Armadillos, squirrels, birds… should have brought my camera! Maybe it was because I was so frustrated from dodging Mack Trucks, but I missed a turn and got lost.

I eventually found my way back home with the help of Google maps on my Balckberry. Those last few (unplanned) miles home (half on that stupid road with no sidewalk or shoulder) were insanely tough. Sure, my body was tired; but in my head was the real battle. I was frustrated and exhausted and wanted to quit… but I couldn’t quit. I had to get home. On my path home I thought of what it takes to defeat me, why I felt the need to give up and the great run I had just done.

I think this long run (while unplanned) really gave me insight to how the marathon will be. I’ve heard many marathoners say it’s the talk in your head you need to overcome in order to cross that finish line. I might have been 10 miles short, but I think I got a taste of what they meant.

FOOD!

I had a huge banana before my run and a package of Clif Shot Blocks during the run (love those!). I ate a ton of food yesterday so I was pretty well-fueled this morning.

When I got home from the longest run of my life I immediately grabbed some organic OJ, chips and almonds.

I’ve been eating tons of these Abuelita Tortilla Strips that David and I got from Costco Monday. Really, I’ve never had so many chips in my life!

If you see these babies are your store, pick them up! They’re perfectly crunchy and not too salty. While icing my poor legs I had exactly what I was craving for an early lunch: a Dr. Praeger’s veggie burger with a big spinach salad with a whole tomato, garbanzo beans and a soy ginger dressing. I put my phone in the photo to show how big my plate was!

I also had two runner-friendly frozen bananas.. in ice cream form of course :)

I am currently foam rolling and resting before I head into work in a few hours. I plan on eating tons of fruit tonight!! Happy weekend!

Have you ever had a moment during exercise or training where the fight was in your mind more than your body?