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August 19, 2007
the big 5 ooohhh
Run 50 ... the 18 miler
I was late arriving for the run this morning. One too many wacks of the snooze button combined with me pottering around the house with no real sense of urgency.
D, P and a few others had already left, thinking I was starting later. This is what they told me. I have my doubts. I'm not 100% sure, but I think I saw them get out of a cab at the turnaround.
There was another group ready to leave, but they are faster than me. Most of them running a 3.45 - 4 hour marathon. I headed out, my group was about 10 minutes ahead, it would be like a game of catch ... fun a game ... I love games!
The other group started at the same time. They would pass me quickly, then I could concentrate on my game of catch. Except they didn't pass me that quickly. By the time they started to move pass me, my game of catch had changed to a game of keep up. Yes, in the short time it takes to run a mile, I have gone from knowing they are about 2 minutes per mile faster, to thinking I can run with the fast kids.
I kept them within 20m for the next two kms, then I decided this was a stupid game that would only end badly .. for me.
Good idea. Do your own run. Great decision. Focus on getting through this 18 miler. Games are for kids.
At the waterstop at mile 4, the fast group was leaving as I got there.
I want to play the game again!
So I grabbed a quick drink and started running a bit behind them. This is a fun game, even though I am the only one who knows we are all playing. They were probably 50m ahead. If I could keep them in sight I would be happy.
We left the park, and had 2 mile uphill to the turnaround point. This hill feels endless. I stopped watching the group. I forgot about the game. I finally made it to the top ... without stopping. The turnaround was just ahead. I could see the group, they weren’t that far ahead of me. I didn't lose them on the hill.
Since I am the creator of the game. I win.
I ran back with D, I had caught up with him at the turnaround, he was ready to run once he had tipped the cab driver. The run back was more sluggish. My legs started to tighten up, especially my quads around mile 10. Probably the from the hill. We made it back to the start, I felt pretty good, but had to run to the end of the park to make it 18 miles. Those last two miles weren’t physically tough, but I had to dig deep mentally to get them done.
It wasn't quite a blowout thigh slapping party. I did get a couple presents ... in the form of chaffing, which I didn't realise until in the shower. I think the neighbours now know.
So run 50, I would have to say was great!
No lie.
So to that plain flavoured ice cream boy I say this …
Seriously … I understand why people are suggesting I take a rest day. If I was reading this I would suggest a rest day too.
But I can’t. I can’t just stop.
I know that probably doesn’t make sense. It’s not about getting to a certain number, pushing myself beyond what I am capable of. I actually feel like this is helping me.
Yes, I am tired. Yes, I do bitch about my sore legs, aching muscles and bad runs. But I was tired, just as tired when I was running 4 times a week. My legs were just as sore, my muscles ached more and I had bad runs when I wasn’t running every day.
I don’t think one rest day would make that much of a difference. Or even two or three. What it would do and what my fear is if I stop, is that it gives me an excuse. An excuse not to run on Wednesday when it’s hot, or Thursday when I want to go for drinks. I like feeling stronger. I like what this is doing for my running. I like not making excuses any more.
Posted by Ali at August 19, 2007 2:33 PM
Comments
chaffing, eh? i have a stick of body glide with your cooties on it sitting in my medicine cabinet at home. i'll pass it along next time i see you.
happy 50th!
Posted by: jeff at August 19, 2007 5:52 PM
Good for you! I say "you win."
Posted by: jkrunning at August 19, 2007 6:40 PM
Yup, the degrees of tired just change with the more you do. :) Sounds like a great run!
Posted by: Amanda at August 19, 2007 8:07 PM
I just cannot believe that you are actually marathon training while keeping this up! It's one thing to say you're going to run every day and do a mile or two.
You're something else!
What marathon are you training for?
Posted by: Tea at August 19, 2007 8:18 PM
Wow!!! You are an amazing individual! Congrats on run 50! I cannot even imagine! Absolutely inspirational!!!
Jes
Posted by: Jes at August 19, 2007 9:10 PM
Congratulations on Day 50 Ali! Sounds like time to bust out the bodyglide :)
Posted by: Dave at August 19, 2007 9:49 PM
Congrats, Ali. Cannot concieve of hitting that mileage at present, especially without any real rest days in so long.
Although, I'm starting to feel stronger each day.
Posted by: jank at August 19, 2007 10:50 PM
Good for you, stick it to the man! Just don't over-train. It's no use burning out or hurting yourself!!!
Posted by: norabarnacle at August 20, 2007 5:15 AM
Ali,
Since switching to a high-mileage training plan, I rarely miss a day. I'm currently running just shy of 75 miles a week. I am struggling with some fatigue, but I know from experience that this passes and not taking days off makes me stronger and faster.
You're kicking butt! Keep going!!
Posted by: Mark at August 20, 2007 10:20 AM
Good job!!!! No matter what you are doing great!!
Posted by: rae at August 20, 2007 10:34 AM
Congratulations on hitting the big 5-0! Ah, thigh chaffing. That happened to me last week, and I'm still showing the after effects. Gotta love Body Glide...I will try not to forget to use it again...
Posted by: Leana at August 20, 2007 10:37 AM
Ahhh whatever! Inspirational Schminspirational!
I mean, do I wish I could run as far and as fast as you? Sure. Does reading your blog make me want to be a better more consistent runner? Well yes. Do I wish that I too could feel stronger? Yes, I suppose so. Am I now craving my run and feeling like I can’t wait to go run as a result of this post? Absolutely, but that’s not really what I’d call inspirational.
Posted by: Vanilla at August 20, 2007 2:33 PM
Congratulations on your 50th. Games for kids?? Aren't we all just kids at heart?? AHHH the wonderful feeling of the shower water hitting the chafed areas, reminds me of...... nevermind.
Posted by: Running Hoosier at August 21, 2007 7:41 PM
Don't you love the screaming chafing showers? Lovely. :D
Congrats on hitting 50 runs, Ali. I'm not sure if you should take a rest day or not. I'm sure it wouldn't hurt to rest a day, the real question is, would it hurt to NOT rest a day. Doesn't seem to be any different whether you rest or not. Maybe the easy runs are like rest days anyway.
Posted by: Jon (was) in Michigan at August 23, 2007 7:56 AM