Muscle Flashbacks

Oh yeah, that's what it feels like to run 24 miles! My legs were having violent flashbacks yesterday afternoon.
The decision to wait one day was right on. I met the group at 7 AM. It was very cold, but it was clear and almost all the ice and snow had melted off the streets. There was a strong north wind, but we were able to have it at our backs over half of the run.
The only crucial flaw I made yesterday was forgetting about the lack of water that would be available on the course.
We're spoiled runners out here in east Wichita. If you run the "Wichita Marathon Training Route" on a Saturday you can plan for a kind soul to place cups and a water jug on his porch at mile 5.5. With a fire station at 3.5, his house, and then a "dropped" aid station at 10. We're normally set. Since it was Sunday, there was no water at 5 1/2 and we had to take a Gu without water to wash it down. That did not set well for me. I sucked down a cold, thick Gu and ran another 4.5 miles until I could get some water. I had this brick in my gut really making me uncomfortable for several miles.
I had to make an unscheduled pit stop at a QT around mile 13 or so. After that the rest of the run was jut about keeping a pace and finishing strong.

Because my training called for a 24 miler, I had to keep going when we reached the "finish." I talked to myself about just calling it at 21 miles, but I knew I wouldn't be able to live with that. I gave a quick high five to my partner, said my goodbyes and pushed on for three more miles.
I finished right at my driveway and gladly headed indoors. Learning from my previous mistake, I went straight for the fridge and grabbed a PowerAde ZERO and then filled my Camelbak 32 oz. water bottle. I proceeded to suck those down.
Things went much much better this time.
My cheering squad returned from church just a little bit later and I received a picture from Judah. He drew this while I was out running.


I stood in the hallway and talked the run over with Kenton while he went all "parental" on me making sure I had started refueling properly. He did all this of course while snapping a picture, because he found my pathetic appearance comical.
After I saw this picture, I could see the comedy in it all. I later regained the color in my face.

If you had asked me how it was going at mile 23, I would have probably cried. But after the fact, I think it went pretty good. I held a good pace in not so perfect conditions and finished strong.

My biggest complaint this week is the new blister I've acquired. I bandage it up before every run, but it's still getting pretty gnarly, especially after 24 miles. It's from the new shoes. I got a narrow pair to correct the issue I was having with my left foot. However, looks like my right foot was happier in the regular shoe. Ah, sheesh! What am I going to do?

*Pretty, isn't it?*

I was extra good and even fought through the pain and stretched before I hosed off. I've been fortunate enough to see a massage therapist once a week since February and she's been teaching me some new stretches. Most require help and thankfully Kenton was there to help my sore body out.

*My foot was not smelling like a rose by that point, if that's not love, I don't know what is*

I soaked up all the hot water our heater could dish out and then Kenton said I could pick where we went for lunch. Since Tsunami is closed on Sunday's, the next best place is Saigon! I had fresh chicken spring rolls and #50. Their menu has like 100+ items and all can be ordered by number. Since most items are in Vietnamese, that's how we often order. #50 is a Bun. A bun is a rice noodle dish. I get the one with chicken and vegetables. We go there so often the waitresses bring us spring rolls before they even come to take the rest of our order. The owner always gives Judah money to buy toys from the coin machines. It's such a great place. The owner took our picture this past week on St. Patrick's Day. We were there to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Kenton and I meeting. Our first official date was at Saigon too. So, Saigon is always a fitting place to enjoy a great meal to celebrate any and all occasions. Anniversaries, birthdays, or long runs!

*Meeting on March 17, 2000 always makes us feel 'lucky' to have each other*

I woke this morning with the usual soreness with a little extra from the blister. I got the kinks out as I took Judah to school. I run from the school so I don't waste anytime piddling around back at home. I took off thinking 3 was my max, but I managed to gut out a few painful miles and felt good enough to go for 6.
So back to the grindstone this week. Running my miles and makeshift hills to prepare for "Heartbreak Hill" in exactly 4 weeks!

*Some of the best hills Wichita can offer*