Week 4 Day 27 – 12 miles

Distance runners face many challenges during their runs. Many people who encounter a runner on the road have no clue how far they’ve run, how far they still have to run, and how they are feeling. That is always evident to me when I’m running up a hill and a car drives past me. To them, it looks like what I’m doing is easy. How do I know this? Because as a driver, I too think a person I see running up a hill looks like they are doing so with ease. Weird, considering I know how breathing becomes intensified, your heart rate increases, your stride shortens, and your arms pump harder.

But what if on top of all that you’re experiencing chafing, or the sudden urge to use the bathroom(not number 1!), or the fact that you are exhausted having already completed 10 miles or more! I experienced all of the above today on my 12.5 mile run (I ran an extra half mile for no other reason than when I reached 12 miles I was still a half mile from my house). No one could tell but with every passing car I was begging for someone to fix the chafing, settle my stomach, and ease my aching legs. In all my 30 years on this earth and 15 years running, I have never experienced chafing. My underarms were on fire by about mile 7. Not to mention dealing with what felt like IBS (google if you must!) every 2-3 miles. How do distance runners prevent chafing in the summertime? I hope to find an answer within 3 weeks (VA Beach half marathon). I’m just so skeptical of Vaseline and Body Glide. I would love to hear some positive feedback regarding these methods.

Aside from the chafing and scary tummy troubles that slowed my pace noticeably and nearly caused me to run for the woods on multiple occasions, I was able to fight through the fatigue and finish in a PR setting pace of 8:50 per mile. Not too bad for my hilly neighborhood!

It’s been 7 hours since I finished my run and I actually feel better than I ever have running a longer distance. No soreness whatsoever. After a half marathon, I usually need a nap! I think it must have been my post race meal! I was originally going to eat a peanut butter and honey sandwich but quickly realized we were out of bread. I was so distraught! Luckily I have amazing improvisation skills. I heated up two Eggo Nutri-Grain waffles and spread 2 tbsp of peanut butter on top. Then drizzled honey over top and viola! Heaven! I’ll have to remember this post-race snack for the future! Don’t they look amazing?!