I have just re-read back through the last update and realised I’d dated it 2010…no one noticed so I guess I can keep the first prize in the “spot the mistake” competition to myself!
Wednesday’s AM run was derailed because of my sour mood that had developed on Tuesday night due to some lovely “neighbourly” interaction…but that’s another story. It was enough to put me off walking the dogs Tuesday night as I was feeling very sulky, and after not sleeping well in the heat of the night, when Wednesday morning arrived I justified being slack! I had read some internet articles on Tuesday, and remember one ultra runner commenting “if you’re tired, have a day off!” I don’t think he was talking about emotionally fried!!
Later in the day I managed to have an email pep-talk with my ultra running friend BGal, and asked about running through the highs and lows. Her advice was to run with people, when you’ve said you’ll meet them it makes you accountable. And then you’ve always got someone to whine to about the things that are getting you down. The conversation then went on to running that evening… and I was like “tonight? You do know it’s still going to be over 35 degrees C at 6pm (it was 42 on Wednesday)!” I’ve never been one to run in heat; surely it isn’t healthy?! I’ve always opted out of running in the heat because I figured I had a choice…and a brain! I often bemoan people when I see them running in the afternoon heat…mumbling something about being “stupid idiots”. BGal reasoned with me (logically) and said they ran in the heat, it was good conditioning. Racers don’t get a choice on the weather when it comes to “race day” so she suggested I get over it and give it a go; especially as the Death Race is in July, which is the Canadian summer and temps could get up to 30C. I knew what she said made sense, but until now I still don’t view myself as a runner, let alone an ultra runner! I’m just a person who is trying to run a long, long way! I perked up a little after our conversation and finished it by telling her I’d challenge myself tonight and let her know the next day!
As I scootered home that afternoon I saw 3 people running…instead of shaking my head and tutting “stupid idiot”…I just shook thinking “that’s me in an hour!” As I got home and got ready for the run, I was actually quite looking forward to the challenge. I listened to the weather as I changed my clothes and shriveled a little on the inside as I was told “it’s still 36 degrees out there”. I loaded up with water, gel and electrolyte and headed out to the baseball park where CBoy was playing a game. The plan was to run the perimeter ovals while the game was on and hopefully watch a little of it sideways as I ran!
It was hot, boy was it hot. The heat wasn’t the worst thing about the run though; it was the dry warm breeze. While the breeze was great once I was sweating…otherwise it blew into my mouth and dried out my throat! It made me thirstier than normal and was quite a challenge keeping my mouth moist! The first lap wasn’t too bad (1.6km), the 2nd and 3rd were quite a challenge and the 4th I only finished because I am pig-headed and stubborn! 6.5kms later I flopped down with the other parents to watch the rest of the game and was busting with accomplishment on the inside…I’d done it! I was worried that I would dehydrate, but drinking 3 bottles of water and electrolyte in quick succession (during and after) the run kept that at bay. During the evening I felt a headache coming on, but I just kept drinking more water. By morning I was fine…no ills effects…even though I’d only run 6.6kms! I can’t say I’m in a hurry to do it again, though it’s likely I will (hopefully not that hot!). I can only hope that the race isn’t that hot on the day.
This morning I was up with a bounce and a coffee and headed out to the gym. I slept much better last night as I’d managed to find a fan for my room. I’ve realised that getting up at 5.30am, even though some days it’s a struggle, gives me so much more time in the morning. It’s only 30mins earlier than I used to get up, but I seem to have an extra hour up my sleeve which is nice.
So three lessons I’ve learned in the last week or so…
People are not always honest and forthright with you and they can and will lie and be unscrupulous! Thankfully they are in the minority, and I will likely continue to take people at face value…just this time is cost me quite a bit of money.
I can run on back to back days without my joints falling to pieces…
And, I don’t melt!
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