Not For The Faint of Heart

Running is not a sport for weaklings. It is not a sport for those afraid of pain, those unwilling to push themselves, or those looking for something easy to do. That being said, if you want to be a casual runner then you can do so and not have to worry about any of that stuff. But if you're doing in casually with no specific goal/race in mind then it isn't really a sport anyway..

Today we ran 19 miles. I say we because even though I didn't run with someone right beside me I was still running with a group. Knowing that I had people waiting for me at the finish inspired me to not only keep going but to push myself. That's the benefit of joining a running group. Had I NOT had someone waiting for me I certainly would have not made it through the entire run this morning.

My stomach was hurting ALL yesterday. I started getting dehydrated and I just didn't feel well at all. I was nervous that I wouldn't be able to make it for the run this morning. I made sure to drink as much water as I could to make sure I was properly hydrated for a long run. This morning when I woke up it still didn't feel much better...

Have I ever said how much I love being a woman? Well, I do! However, about the same time every months I have the tendency to curse my womanhood and entertain the fantasy of being a man. Imagine a little monster in your abdomen, twisting your insides like he is wringing out a wet towel. (Yes, I said HE because I am most certain this monster is male.) Now imagine that occuring while you are trying to complete a 19 mile run. Around mile 17 this little monster decided to leave my abdomen alone but he didn't leave....nooooo, he travelled down to my lower calf where he proceeded to punch it for the rest of my run. Oh well, despite the troubles it was a pretty good run - my longest yet and I feel ready for the next long run!

After the run it was ICE BATH time! Holy crap - that is some cold water! An ice bath is definitely not for the faint of heart. It's also not for anyone who has a problem with their heart stopping momentarily because I'm pretty sure mine did. It took me about a minute to lower myself all the way into the tub. Around minute 3 I started shivering uncontrollably (is this normal?) But as Marisa said, after I made it past minute 4 I was okay and I managed to stay in there a full 10 minutes. My leg felt better afterwards so I think I will definitely add this to my post-run routine. Oh and The Husband wouldn't help hold me down either so don't feel bad Dena!

Now I'm off to find something eat, I'm starving!