Knowing When To Call For Help
Yesterday morning I set out for my 22 miler. The sun was shining, it was a nice cool 57F. It was a perfect morning for a run. And it started out that way.
Everything was great until about mile 12. That's when the cramps came on and they were fierce. Then I visited the woods, then the porta-pottie, then the woods. Then I nearly vomited. The worst part - because it WAS a gorgeous day - the rail trail had tons of people on it. Sneaking off into the woods was challenging for sure. And then for me to stop running and double over several times was not fun either.
At about 15.5 miles, I stopped, cried, called Ward, and then hobbled to the end of the rail trail and waited for him to pick me up. I've never caved in on a run before. Today's run ended at 16 miles. Not 22 miles. I felt like a failure.
I cried all the way home. I started to really doubt that I have what it takes to run MDI. Seriously. What's my problem? I came home and weighed myself. I lost 6 lbs on my run. That is not good. Why? I refueled every 5 miles like I normally do. I even had Ward get me Honey Stingers on his way home last night. I hydrated myself - but not too much. UGH!
I showered, drank the delicious fruit smoothie Ward made for me, and then I started to get the chills. Great! I cuddled up on the bed and I was out. After I woke up, I realized I had to have a touch of something. Izzy apparently has some tummy issues going on today as well - and whatever she has, I get. The joys of being a parent.
I'm not going to let this one bad run ruin me. No way!
At about 15.5 miles, I stopped, cried, called Ward, and then hobbled to the end of the rail trail and waited for him to pick me up. I've never caved in on a run before. Today's run ended at 16 miles. Not 22 miles. I felt like a failure.
I cried all the way home. I started to really doubt that I have what it takes to run MDI. Seriously. What's my problem? I came home and weighed myself. I lost 6 lbs on my run. That is not good. Why? I refueled every 5 miles like I normally do. I even had Ward get me Honey Stingers on his way home last night. I hydrated myself - but not too much. UGH!
I showered, drank the delicious fruit smoothie Ward made for me, and then I started to get the chills. Great! I cuddled up on the bed and I was out. After I woke up, I realized I had to have a touch of something. Izzy apparently has some tummy issues going on today as well - and whatever she has, I get. The joys of being a parent.
I'm not going to let this one bad run ruin me. No way!
Jen, relax. It's all good. You just had a shitty day... it happens. You are 100% fine. Take a few days off... and you'll be back.
ReplyDeleteDon't overthink this one.
Oh, I'm sorry you felt so bad. And I'm sorry I couldn't have been there for you like you were for me. You are going to be fine, though. You are going to rock that mountain in October and kick some serious ass. Xoxo
ReplyDeleteYou did the right thing calling in and getting home. Take care xx
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you made the call -- and glad you had your cell phone one you! I hope you feel better, Jen! Sending healthy thoughts your way!
ReplyDeleteOh Jen! I'm so sorry! You definitely have what it takes. Don't doubt yourself for a minute! Hope you feel better! xoxo
ReplyDeletethis sounds distinctly like "around the lake" for me. do NOT feel like a failure!! running is tough, regardless of how in shape you are or how muchn you plan, etc etc. do not doubt yourself. TRUST. one bad day, brush it off. you will kick ass at MDI and you know it :)
ReplyDeleteOh no!! I'm so sorry you're feeling yucky but I wouldn't let it derail you. Take a few days...recover...and you'll be good as new!!
ReplyDeleteJen you did absolutely the right thing! This is one of those runs you put in the log book and say I did this much in spite of being sick. You will be fine at MDI.
ReplyDeleteRight before I read "chills", I was wondering if it was a bug. That sounds just awful. I hope you feel better very quickly. You'll do great at MDI. Have confidence! And yes, sometimes being a parent can totally suck when you get everything they do (and as a teacher you are around the germ factory all that much more).
ReplyDeleteI had a run like this! I didn't go as far as to let the stomach issues take over because I recognized the onset... I went home.. cried.. refueled.. and tried it the next day and was super successful! We all have these! Don't worry!!!
ReplyDeleteMDI will be a breeze.. dont let the little speedbumps get to you in the meantime. You did well to get that many miles in, I would have bailed after the first woods incident!
ReplyDeleteGirl: you are a superstar! Don't forget to tell yourself that from time to time. I can tell you that both marathons I trained for I had a long run "failure" and questioned the ability to pull through during the event. It happens. Better now than on race day! Where I would have reacted the same way, youve got to remember youre training. Feel better! You still managed an amazing pace and excellent distance. So the 22 happens later. Get well and recognize how far youve come, the accomplishments you've made, and the goals you've reached! xo. ~Leslie
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh, that sounds miserable, but YOU ARE NOT A FAILURE!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteJen@HealthyFoodandFamily
Sounds like you have some sort of bug. Good for you for calling for help. Get some rest and the next one will be much better!
ReplyDeleteWOW I am glad you called and I am glad you're okay! We have all been there and you are still an awesome runner. Actually, I think you are more awesome for knowing your limits!
ReplyDeleteJen, you don't have to worry about MDI.....you've got the base, and one bad long run (although I have a hard time saying 16 is in any way bad...) doesn't ruin your training. Relax, hydrate, get yourself well, and you'll be back out there in no time at all!
ReplyDeleteOh man that's scary! I hope you feel better! I know how frustrating it is to not finish a run, I experienced a similar issue yesterday with the heat and humidity.
ReplyDeleteYou have LOTS of time before MDI. 6 weeks. You are not a failure. You'll go out there and kill it next time.
ReplyDeleteWas it too hot? Something you ate, maybe?
You still have plenty of time! You are doing great!
ReplyDeleteI hope that you are feeling better and don't feel like a failure, we all have things go slightly different than we planned every once in awhile. I know you are going to rock your next training run!
We've all been there. I've done the exact same thing. I always feel bad for awhile but then it's just moving on and everything will be fine soon!
ReplyDeleteYou are not a failure. This was just a little bump. Don't be too hard on yourself. Hope you're feeling better now.
ReplyDeleteMy goodness! You ran 16 miles when you were SICK and you feel like a failure!!? No way! Don't cry over that, OK? You know what they say about spilled milk, right?
ReplyDeletei would have cried too, but at least you know now it was more than just upset tummy! Hope you are feeling better!
ReplyDeleteI am so sorry you had a horrible run. It is so discouraging. I only got in 4 out of 16 and was disappointed too.
ReplyDeleteHowever, I love your theory... this weekend we dominate!
Oh man, I know your pain. At least you called. It's better safe than sorry. Man, and with school starting... those little bugs might be coming home more than normal! Ugh. Do you like those honey things? My Dad eats honey packets from Starbucks on his runs.. i might try them!
ReplyDeleteI know I'm really late commenting but I hope you haven't had another run like this. The cramps sound so painful. I know not everyone runs with their cell but you never know when a run might go bad and you need a ride. Glad Ward was able to come to your rescue!
ReplyDelete