How Much Discomfort Can I Tolerate?!

November 05, 2024

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Location:

Eugene,OR,USA

Member Since:

Nov 09, 2007

Gender:

Male

Goal Type:

Other

Running Accomplishments:

  • 5k PR - 18:48 (7/04/08)
  • 8K PR - 33:46 (5/19/07, on trails)
  • 10k PR - I have not run a competitive 10K yet.
  • 12K PR - 50:10 (8/09/08)
  • 15K PR - 1:04:52 (3/22/08)
  • Marathon - Have run 1 trail marathon, (Grand Island) 3:55 (July 2007)
  • Ultra Marathons -
  • Farmdale 33.5 miles, 10/08 - 6:08
  • Riddle Run 28 Miles, 01/09 - 5:35 (run in 2-3 inches of snow)
  • Devil's Lake 50k, 07/09 - 6:22
  • Howl at the Moon 8 hour, 08/09 - 39.98 miles
  • North Country Trail Run 50 miles, 09/09 - 9:44
  • Farmdale 32 miles, 10/09 - 5:45
  • McNotAgain 30 Miles, 10/09 - 5:50
  • Red Rock Canyon Half, Las Vegas, 06/12 - 2:15


Short-Term Running Goals:

Keep running in the winter - 1st year in Eugene - fun!

Long-Term Running Goals:

Keep on Keeping on..

Personal:

Moved to Eugene in Autumn, 2012 - Track city USA!

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Miles:This week: 0.00 Month: 0.00 Year: 0.00
Easy MilesMarathon Pace MilesThreshold MilesVO2 Max MilesTotal Distance
26.000.000.000.0026.00

Weather - 47 degrees, cloudy, raining.

Today I became a different runner, reaching a new level of endurance and stamina. 

The weather was perfect for running, although quite windy when out in the open areas. Only wearing shorts and 4 shirts, I was 3 pounds lighter than normal, and this made me feel quick and strong.

I noticed I was running faster than usual during the first 5 miles, but I tried to keep the pace moderate, because I wanted to do the usual full South Farms loop.

When I reached the South Farms road a heavy wind slowed me down, but the somber gray clouds and some fog rising near the copse made for some beautiful scenery to gaze at.

I was hoping for rain, as I have grown to love running in it, but it did not start falling until 400m to the finish of the 1st loop. I was planning to stop at Jimmy Johns and call it a day, but I noticed that I was not tired, my legs were still fresh, and I felt I had not worked hard enough to deserve the sandwich.

I decided to continue running, as the rain, and everything else, felt good. I was looping back to Busey Woods, but realizing I could be on my feet for another few miles, I stopped at Strawberry Fields and bought some Bolthouse green juice, a hummus sandwich, and some chocolate almond energy chunks. The checkout girl eyed my muddy legs and dirty shirt and asked if I was out running. I told her I was on mile 14, and needed some food because I was probably going 6 more. She told me she liked to bike, but usually not when it is cold. As I was leaving she suggested I sit down in the cafe to eat. I told her I was going to eat on the run, and she could not believe it. "No Way! Won't you get indigestion?!" I laughed and told her no, I wouldn't, and waved goodbye.

I decided I would run until I felt tired or sore, whichever came first. When I reached the arboretum at mile 18 or 19, I looked up at the hill, closed my eyes, and started doing knee-ups. I concentrated on my form, and also how I was feeling. My legs were going up and down easily, not too sore, and my energy was still good. Amazing, I thought, and a wave of inspiration/adrenaline rushed through me - I realized I had a chance to complete a full second loop, for 26 miles. I smiled, opened my eyes, and attacked the hill.

When I got to the South Farms road for the second time the crows did not even bother flying away as I ran by, they just looked up, then continued pecking at the ground. I was still feeling good, and I knew in 1 mile I would have the rest of loop with the wind at my back.

When I reached MBK I stopped at a bench to stretch, and just as I was finishing I looked up to see a group of 6 or 7 lean and mean runners approaching. When they passed I started running at their pace, about 20m behind them. I noticed their gear, and how easy they were running at 7:00 pace - they were Univ. of Illinois runners out for a leisurely slow run. However, 7:00 pace seemed REAL fast to me, but I was handling it ok considering I was on mile 23. They started to move the pace up after 800m so I let them go, I had no choice, 6:45 pace on tired legs was not going to happen. But they got me through the tough part of MBK, the uphill, so I was thankful for their timely appearance.

The final 3 miles felt pretty good, although the last mile seemed to drag on - I must have been pressing up against the wall right about there.

When I reached Jimmy Johns for the second time, I knew I had earned my sandwich. I walked home in a wet glow of happiness, eating my sandwich, feeling the rain, and thankful for having such sturdy legs to carry me such a long way.

#389


Comments
From JD on Tue, Dec 09, 2008 at 21:16:59

That must be one hell of a sandwich! Lol!

Thanks for such a great account of your run, sounds magical, really. It must be a combination of all those miles you were running a few weeks ago and the impromtu cold induced rest you had last week. Looking good for Clinton Lake! Strong running!

From will on Tue, Dec 09, 2008 at 21:34:01

I think you are right, I had a lot of time to think today, and one idea that popped into my mind was the Zatopek effect. I ran back to back 75 mile weeks, then cut back to 20 miles due to the cold. Now I seem to have some pop and added endurance in my legs and overall system, and I am not 100% recovered from the cold yet.

I think the medium distance runs are going to help me this year.

From JimF on Wed, Dec 10, 2008 at 11:25:03

Awesome run! Unbelievably that you can just knock out a marathon on a normal training day. Very impressive!

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