More Than a Run

This morning I set out to run 20 strong miles and come back to tell you all about it. Instead I ran 16.5 and went home early. Part of me wants to be upset by it, but I freaking ran 16.5 miles!!

Thanks Caitlin- I totally stole your photo!

My Thursday began at 4:20 a.m. when I woke up to eat… and honestly, to poop. From experience I’ve learned the morning poop is an integral part to a good run ;)

At 5:30 a.m. I met up with Caitlin and Megan at Baldwin Park where I’ve done many runs before. Running with these awesome girls was so much better than running alone. The time flew by as we chatted about life, blogging, food and RUNNING!

Just before mile 14 I had to break off from Caitlin and Megan to finish my run on my own. My stomach kept cramping pretty badly and I just felt off. It could be because my period is coming, because I worked out pretty hard yesterday (30 mi. bike ride), or because I usually run with more walking breaks. Regardless, I felt really off.

After 16.5 miles I decided to call it a day and abandon my last 3.5 miles. The decision was hard and I actually changed my mind and turned back around a few times. I’m all for pushing myself, but in the end I need to honor my body. My body said stop.

I felt all drowsy on my drive home and actually napped for almost three hours after getting some food in me. I’m not sure what exactly it is, but my body is definitely not itself today.

It’s not disappointing as in “I’m upset I only ran 16.5 miles.” That distance is huge and I completely understand that. But I was looking forward to completing 20 miles like I’d look forward to a big event or amazing meal or something. I wanted the excitement of getting to 20 miles but I had to turn around.

I’m slightly bummed about missing my big 2-0, but I know there’s always next week. For now I’m thankful for how far my legs have taken me and remembering that running doesn’t define me.

Twenty-miler, I’m coming after you next week!

What big plans have you had that fell through? How did you deal with it? Did you try again?

Pushing Myself

photo

I have to let you guys know that I feel pretty good right now. You see, a while ago I set this very ambitious goal of running a half marathon in the middle of January 2009. I thought it'd be especially nice to complete such a large goal after graduation the month prior.

...but I seemed to have forgotten that finals, graduation, holidays and road trips aren't very conducive to actually TRAINING for a half marathon!!

It's not like asthmatic-non-runner-Ashley can just get up and magically run 13.1 miles just because it'll be really, really cool! So when my training was basically nonexistent until after Christmas, I really thought of giving up.
But I couldn't think of a substantial enough excuse to give up on my goals.

So tonight I ran 8 miles. A very big record for me.

Nothing compares to being proud of yourself for pushing your limits. Do you know what I mean? Whether it be running, loving, changing habits or prejudices or stepping out of your comfort zone... the reward for pushing yourself is priceless.

Click here to see Runner's World great article on 15 foods runners need to keep in good running shape. I'm proud to see I had most of those foods today! Included in the list are oranges, black beans and dark chocolate!

Do you notice how your diet affects your specific exercise program? Are there certain foods that you count on for top performance?