Sunday, November 7, 2010

Sometimes you just have to get it done...

This week felt like a "just get it done" one as I battled being sick, hot temperatures, and a work deadline that left little time for running.  Wednesday and  Thursday I hit the roads and a dirt path for a couple of easy hilly 8 milers; considering the weather and my lingering fever and icky feeling, I was happy to get in decent runs.  Saturday I finally broke away from grading (and watching football) to hit the trails for 10 miles; I knew that I had to get in some miles to up my weekly mileage.  I took it easy and was happy with how I felt on the hills, though I still have a long way to go to being able to run up the steeper sections.

With the Santa Monica Mountains 50K only two weeks away, I felt that I needed to put in 18-20 miles today.  It looks as though Alan will not be running the race so I procrastinated heading out for a solo run.  I watched the NYC marathon and graded all morning and then found the energy to hit the trails.  This was one of those days when I was very happy that I live a mile from the trailhead as not having to drive to run helped me get out the door.  From the first step, I could tell that the run would not be a great one but knew that I could battle through it and just get it done.  I took it very easy, walking the uphills (even little ones) and was glad I saved energy as it was a rough one; I discovered I did not have any salt pills so my body was craving salt from about mile 9 to the end.  I underestimated my caloric needs and only took one shot block so I ended the run needing sugar and electrolytes.  All in all, 18.35 miles with less than 3,000 feet of climb. It wasn't pretty but I got in the miles and I am hoping that the back-to-back trail runs will help the race not hurt toooo much! 

5 comments:

  1. Glad you are feeling better. I don't recall, but what happened with PF or foot problems you had not long ago?

    also, i noticed you did the Orange Curtain 100K and won. I am thinking about the 50K. What if anything do I need to know about this one?

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  2. I feel for you with a big race ahead and being sick. True I got that Saddleback Marathon in with very, very little training runs, but I'm hurting this morning. I wish you the best of luck. As you posted for me, you too can do it. Concentrate on getting well, and you probably already know this, and I thought I did too, but calories, calories, calories. I think that was my biggest mistake this weekend. I didn't take in enough calories in the race. Good luck!

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  3. Great job Rach. Not all runs are easy but I feel like getting out the door is half the battle.

    See ya in a couple of weeks!

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  4. Looks like I'll be taking the DFL at SMM. In one run, you've equaled my weekly total. Lori didn't help my confidence by telling me that she drops down to the 30k at this race every time she's run it. :)

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  5. Gotta have the crappy runs to know the good one! See you there and don't forget to turn on your Garmin!

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