A Rough 10 Miles

Here's a recap of the week.  Last Tuesday, I decided to do some speed work.  I settled on a 5k.  I went to the YMCA and warmed up with 1.5 miles.  The first mile of the 5k was done in 7:38.  I felt good, but wanted to hold back so I didn't blow it in the end.  I sped up mile 2, and finished it in 7:24.  Entering mile 3, I told myself that I would go faster and then try to hammer the last 800 meters.  Mile 3 was done in 6:58.  This wasn't exactly how I had planned it.  I felt okay after 2 miles, but after 2.5 miles, I was gassed.  There was no increase in pace for the last 800 meters--I just held on and maintained.  I was pretty happy until I realized that I still had .1 miles to go to finish the 5k.  After finishing the 3 miles, I was able to lower the pace to 6:52 for the last .1 miles.  Final time for the 5k was 22:18.  Not too bad.  Actually, that was my best 5k time of the year. 

I figured I would take a few days off and then do a long run of 16 miles on Friday.  Friday came and I was really tired.  Some of my kids have been sick and I really wanted to avoid getting sick too.  I opted to sleep in and hopefully build my immune system up.  Saturday came and went.  I was still really tired.  Sunday and Monday were the same.  I knew that I had a meeting at 12:45 today, so I would have time in the morning to get in my long run.  I put the kids on the bus and headed back to the sand river.  I got there at 8:00 and the temps were already in the 60's.  I was prepared for the heat this time.  I brought my Camelbak, handheld water bottle and put two 16.9 oz. bottles in the backpack.  Another difference from the last 14 mile run was that I didn't do it on a completely empty stomach.  This time, I ate a piece of raisin bread before heading over there.  I also used sunscreen and chapstick with spf 15.  I also brought some Hammer gels.  Last time, I didn't bring any of this stuff and paid the price. 

I set out on the run and after around 400 meters, I notice the weight of the Camelbak with all the extra water bottles and stuff in there.  It was digging into my shoulders and felt really heavy.  I ignored it.  I figured the weight would lessen as I drank the fluids.  The fist 2.5 miles felt pretty fast.  I should have slowed myself down, but I was a little concerned about getting back home in time to get ready before my meeting. 

At mile 3.86, a big problem came out of nowhere.  My stomach started feeling funny, and before I knew it I was dry heaving while running.  Yes, I take some pride in the fact that I didn't stop moving to vomit.  Because there wasn't anything in my stomach, nothing came out.  My stomach contracted around 5 or 6 times in anger, but it had no success.  This got me really concerned.  I've never had this problem before.  I didn't know if I needed more water or less.  Not knowing what to do, I kept moving forward.  After another half mile or so, I began to feel slightly better.  Right around 4 miles, I was running a hill and felt my calf muscle yell at me.  Like a barking dog, I hoped it would just go away if I ignored it.  I ignored it, but it didn't go away.  I decided to turn around after 5 miles hoping that I could lighten my load back at the car and continue on.  After 6 or 7 miles, I knew I wasn't doing any more than I had to and that was 10 miles.  Today's 10 miles was done in 1:36:39.  All in all, a disappointing run.  Some days, you just don't have "it".  I don't know what to do about the calf problem.  Maybe it was due to my carrying such a heavy load.  My posture wasn't as upright as usual.  I actually noticed myself leaning forward quite often.  I'll rest a little and see if it comes back.  I'll make more adjustments to the load I carry for the next long run.  Hopefully, I can try it again on Friday or Saturday.