the road goes on forever...

I wish when I typed in my mileage in addition to "slow miles" and "fast miles" there were "running scared miles" because between races and runs like today I seem to have a lot of those. I think today I clocked about 3 or 4 scared miles. 

Today's run started off warm, but great. I went with a group of people doing a long run on some trails I have never run on. They were doing 15, and although I know I can do 15, I also know I shouldn't, since my mileage the past two weeks were only ~18 miles. So I decided to come out and do their first 5 with them, and then turn around for a 10 miler.

The first five were enjoyable, ignoring the flies that kept biting me and trying to fly up my nose even with the layers and layers of bug spray I put on, as recommended by Nancy.  I played close attention to all turns so I could find my way back but I was still worried, as I have a horrible sense of direction.  

 So I turn around and naturally pick up pace, since it is more boring on your own I just kind of wanted to get done. At this time (around 9am) the heat index was already in the mid-90s. Then comes a decision... one trail where I really didn't know which way to turn. I turn left and go about 1/2 mile and it started to not look at all familiar. So I decide to head back and check out the other way. I go the other way and it seems a little more right. But then another decision... another right or left... this time I choose right, since left didn't work for me last time. The trails are all beginning to look the same and I really start freaking out. I kept thinking, what would happen if I get lost. Even if I have to add a 1/2 hour to my run, I could be in serious trouble due to lack of fitness and the extreme heat.  I figured I needed to just go with it, or go back to where I know the trail was right and just wait for everyone else.  I kept going and I was about 1/2 a mile away from a panic attack and tears when a biker was coming from the other direction. He was probably overwhelmed with my excitement to see him, and I asked him if I am headed towards the Crump Road entrance. He said he had no idea, but if I cross a street I will be on gravel. I said, "Great, that's where I need to be!!" And thanked him and kept heading straight, When I got to where I really knew where I was going I had gotten to my ten mile mark so I decided to walk my way in.  There were a few other turns but I was pretty sure I was going the right way. Around 9 minutes I started to get really nervous because I knew within the next few minutes I would either be at the car, or have to turn around and try something else. When I saw the hill that leads to the parking I through my arms up in victory. By the time I finished the heat index was 100. I can't believe everyone else is still running... gross!!!

Moral of the story: I will never run on trails I don't know when I know I will end up being on my own. If for some reason I do this to myself again, I will take a fuel belt with water, gatorade, and my eell phone. I haven't gotten that confused when running for about 7 years when my friends and I got really lost in the woods and actually had to knock on doors and get someone to drive us to the car. Scary and no fun! 

(If you're bored)

For some reason I am super proud of this...

http://gulfwinds.org/Columnists/Droze,%20Gary/2009-06-20%20Hot%20400.htm

Actually, I know why. It's because he referred to me as a sub-19 minute 5ker. Although I would never call myself that, it definitely has a ring to it!!

6x800s on the track. Ranged from 3:02 to 3:08. Considerably slower than my usual 800s, but I haven't done a speed workout in a month or so and when we started the heat index was about 100, so I'll take it. I convinced my brain that it wasn't that hot, but my legs weren't hearing it.

Tennis with Benton

This race was a ton of fun! I knew I would be disappointed over 2:40, and would love to go under 2:30. (My PR in college was 2:23). I decided to go out slow, and my first lap was in 77 seconds. I actually heard someone yelling at me for sandbagging during my first lap :) I still don't know who that was. Then right at the line leading to the second lap I "took off," passed about 8 people (which I admit was kind of fun), and ran a 72. I realize that I probably could have run faster if I went out, and this is kind of a sissy way to race, but I really enjoy it! I love finishing strong and not being miserable during the race, and especially love not hitting a wall. I think I'll sacrifice a few seconds every once in a while for the sake of enjoying myself :) 

Tennis with Benton

Just what you were waiting for... yet another race report by me.

This was a grand prix event, located on St George Island, almost 2 hours from Tallahassee. It started at 7pm under the hot, hot sun. Yuck.

Not many details... it was super hot, and my time was bad but with the heat and head wind I didn't expect anything better than that really. My main "competition" (she's actually a friend I love racing with) missed the start, so there were no other girls around me, but ran mainly with a guy who I run some tempos with.  I didn't place as well in the men as I normally do though, so that shows I'm not quite in the shape I was a month or two ago.  I'll get there though. And I am perfectly happy in the mean time running 19:45s on "bad" days... after all, I would have killed for this time last year.

Pretty much just glad this one is over! Is it Autumn yet???

Splits were something like 6:15 (felt ehhh), 6:33 (headwind, hurting), 6:22 (hot, hurting, wind at back)