This past week has been a dreadful one in my running history. I couldn't quite figure out what was wrong. All I know is that despite my strongest efforts to keep running, I kept finding myself stopping long before my runs where over. On some days, I ran-walked to the end. On one day, I knew my brain was still way too cluttered from work and I accepted the fact that I simply needed to walk the miles to clear my head.
After that, I wasn't quite sure how to feel about setting out this morning for the 17 miles that where on my running schedule. I hadn't even made it a quarter of this distance this week. I told myself that I would just blame the week on the super hot weather (having my running time right after work, when it is still way too hot outside, is definitely a good excuse for this). And this morning I wasn't about to let that deter me.
So I sat my alarm at 4:30am. I thought I woke up before it, but once I got up realized that the alarm was on, but that it had been outdone by the air conditioner. I managed to get out of bed without the little one waking up. Success number 1!
At around 5:30am I started my journey on the Scuppernong section of the Ice Age trail. In not even half a mile I had already stopped again. The water in my hydration pack was sloshing left and right and I felt like I was being forced to sway side to side with the rhythm of the water. I feared I would run an extra couple miles (or I would be pulled over for drunk running) swaying so much, so I stopped and took the bladder out of the hydration pack to make sure all the air was sucked out. Aah, better! Note to self: Run around before the actual marathon and make sure the hyrdation pack bladder has no more air in it or you will be sorry! At about mile one, the Ice Age trail goes straight through the Pinewoods Campground. A very popular place this weekend. When I made my way through only a couple of people had embraced the way like me. The first one started it with a very important session at the closest pit toilet, while the other was farther away practicing Tai Chi in the field. The only one who actually saw me, was the faithful little dog who was waiting outside the bathroom for his owner. I think he was way to worried about his companion inside though to care about me passing by.
In order to make this run easier on my brain, I told myself that I was running only 8.5 miles ---twice. It seemed to work. The only thing I still had to block out was the thought about having to come back the route, whenever I hit a set of downhills. I had never been on this part of the Ice Age Trail and didn't know it would have several downhill switchbacks on my way out. I just told myself that on the way back at least my legs would be completely warmed up and coming back uphill would be much easier.
It was a great run. I just flew fairly easy. The variety of terrain kept my interest and I was glad to discover that the section that I would be doing for my marathon was less hilly than the one I had decided to start with today. I am very excited to see the single track trail that I will be taking.
At the end of my first 8.5 miles, I took a little spur trail up do to a scenic overlook.
The second 8.5 miles where not as bad as I had pictured them to be, when I made my way out. I was surprised to see how many downhills where in that section. They must have rebuild the trail while I was running, because I was sure I went mostly downhill on the way out and couldn't possibly have this many downhills on the way back. Amazing what they can do nowadays!
It was a great finish to a doubtful running week and I was glad to see that I still have it in me!
Isn't it amazing how some training days are so much harder than others? I find that stress (carried over from work) is my biggest kryptonite. Btw, not sure if you know about the trick to quickly get the air out of the bladder on a run (after refilling at an aid stations, say) - just bend over so that your head is upside down and suck on the tube until you suck all of the air out; it works like a charm.
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