Runner's Low

I mentioned in a previous blog something that came up during the 10 mile run.  Herein lies the discussion of that particular feeling.

This, of course, happened a few weeks ago, but life has been a bit busy since then, but I feel this is something worth discussing and sharing.

We've all heard of runner's high... well, at least those who are running or plan to run or are thinking about maybe, possibly, someday, let's scope it out first, running.  I have to be honest... a runner's high is hard to explain.  I've asked runners... none of them can quite describe it, so that I might know it when it hits.  I get the Potter Stewart version of the answer... "You'll know it when you feel it."

Well...I got the complete opposite of this elusive high around mile 7 of the 10 miler.  I almost started bawling.  I spoke with my running partner about it last week and she did note that she noticed I wasn't feeling so hot.  But she was letting me work it out, etc.

I literally hit the wall.  My body was going strong, we had a great consistent mile time, but emotionally I just felt like a wreck.  Self-doubts, tiredness, life issues, what am I doing... all of that just descended on me until I felt stifled and bam!  I just teared up and it was all I could do not to stop right there and let those little teardrops leak.

I can sit here now and be proud of myself for finishing regardless, for not letting aches and pains stop me.  But then?  I just need to get home.  It was to the point where I need to use the restroom (I do drink a lot of water...), but I kept us pushing on because I just wanted to get back to the site, check-in, go there, and GO.

As I noted, I spoke with my partner about it last week and she did say she noticed something was up.  She said she understood and just to let her know when I'm feeling that way, maybe we can talk it out... and she'll do the same.  It's nice to have a small pace group (um... the two of us... maybe three one of these weeks...) for this particular reason.

I'll keep you updated if I should ever happen to get that runner's high and use my extensive vocabulary to try to put it into words.

Updates!

Wowie, have I been lackadaisical about updating...

Post 6 miles run, I kept up with my maintenance runs.  Now that cross-training thing... well... Hhmmm...

I did bike ride one day.  I haven't ridden in quite possibly over 10 years.  To say that was reallllllly amusing it to put it nicely.  I didn't fall off!  I won't mention the running into a fence...

Anyways!

The week after the 6-miler was an 8 mile run.  Holy smokies... But got it done!  Whoo!

Then... then it came... the 10 mile.  Wow.  I had trouble with this one, something I'll discuss in my next blog.  I'll hint now and say it references the "runner's low".  But!  I did 10 miles!  At a 15 minute pace!  I've already knocked a minute off my time, so keep on trucking downward!  The goal is sub-14 minute mile consistently by October 30th (race day).

The weekend after was this last weekend, a recovery run of 5 miles.  I ended up sleeping in a bit after a dinner party the previous night.  The guy I'm dating ran with me... which I wasn't too sure about in the beginning and remain on the fence about now.  He's mucho faster than I and I just felt sort of embarrassed the whole time.  I don't mind my time in general... there's just something about running with the significant other when your paces are so clearly off the mark.  But he was very sweet to want to support me and come out with me.  I will admit... as mean as it is... I got secret pleasure the next day out of the fact that he was sore... Hehehe.  I never said I was ALWAYS nice!!! 

Anyways, so I'll be running 12 miles this weekend.  Ho boy.

On another note, I'm still about $250 short of the mark... Oh gosh!  Hopefully I'll make it in time.  I've got a few days left!

Picture blog to come...

On yet another note, an extended family member was diagnosed with prostate cancer.  The outlook is not good.  So please people, get checked.  Whether it's the prostate, genitals, breasts, and whatever else, take care of yourself.  It's not just about healthy eating and working out, it's about being vigilant about your own health.  So take charge.