The Good, The Bad and The Ugly
THE GOOD: Finally got to meet Brent and Sylvie, truly they were what I needed to get through, and Sylvie's mint was MAGIC! The other good, was I finished. I was being a pansy about having to run alone (I knew all the BBKer's would leave me in the dust). My mental toughness increased ten fold today, it's been a long time since I've done a long run alone. Thank goodness for Michelle who toughed out the first 12 with me!
THE BAD: I wanted to try to keep the pace 8:30-8:40, a good long run pace and I knew the group would help keep me there. However, about mile 9-10 I'd had it! I've NEVER had stomach issues before, but I was going to throw up! I stopped to get a drink and try to get the tummy to subside; however, as soon as I started again it did too. I had to stop again and walk about 11, but then I decided come heck or high water I was going to 12 (the park where the water fountain was anyway). Poor Michelle kept having to stop and wait for my slow butt. Thanks for being so patient and supportive!! I got to the park with the water fountain....
THE UGLY: Ever watched Seinfeld? They have a 'record' of how long it's been since you've thrown up? Yeah, well mine WAS over 2 years. I couldn't hold it off any longer - it was all just stomach acid which, if you know, feels lovely in your mouth :) I went to the bathroom and rinsed and cleaned up then headed back down. I knew I had less than 2 to get to the car....I can do that in my sleep, right?
shortly after that I ran into Brent and Sylvie, her mint saved me! I'm so serious, just getting the taste and thought out of my head really helped push me along. Got to the car at 14.1 and I knew I couldn't wimp out, I've never wimped out before! C'mon Rachel, you can do it, just 2 more - then you're done (2 out, then after you turn around you're practically done, just back to the car!).
Took a few minutes to cool down and re-fuel with gatorade and water, then walked about .2 to let it all settle. I finished going 2 miles south to 90th, then turned around. With the wind at my back and knowing I was just about done, I was starting to feel better. Even contemplated doing 20, just one more. I talked my self out of it by wanting to leave a little in the tank for Onion Days Monday, I want to race it. So, all in all NOW it seems like an okay run - always good to end on a good note. I guess I could say I wimped out, because I didn't do the full 20, but with everything I went through today I'm pleased with 18, and although not I'm not happy with it, I'm satisfied with the pace. Now, it's all downhill to TOU.....
AP: 8:55 splits: 9:53, 8:51, 8:41, 8:39, 8:41, 8:20, 8:57, 8:21, 8:29, 8:51, 8:52 (let the dying begin) 9:12, 9:10, 8:57, 9:43 (YIKES!), 9:26, 8:49, 8:42.
really bummed about the 9's, especially the 9:43, but it was right after I got my water and gatorade in, so I guess I'll chalk it up to a full belly - I did recover some the last couple!
