This past week all of my runs were really tough. You remember last weekend's run and how I had to get tougher? Well I was hoping for a much better long run this weekend. I NEEDED a good run.
I woke up Saturday morning and immediately checked the temperature and humidity. It was 6AM and already 80° outside! But it feels like 84°!!! And the humidity was at 81%!!! My last hope was for a little wind to help ease the heat...but no...the wind was east at 1 mph. Do you think I even noticed that 1 mph?
But it was long run day. Holly was on her way. And I had to get it done. And I really really wanted it to be a good run. An easy run. An enjoyable run just catching up with my friend. But the run had different plans.
We started out slow because I knew better than to start out way too fast when my runs had already been tough lately. Right away I kinda knew the run was going to be tough. My legs were tired. I was having a hard time breathing.
The first two miles I think I talked Holly's head off lol! I hadn't seen her since I got my new job so I had to tell her all about that. And all about how I was decorating my classroom with owls (can you tell I'm super excited about that)! Then I ran out of things to say. Because I was struggling. I slowed us down a little more. We were at mile 2.5 and I was so ready to quit.
A road I run often!
Around mile 3 we stopped for a water break. I drank my water and was still having trouble catching my breath. I bet my heart rate was high. We started running again and then I felt something. My tummy was starting to hurt. I'm not sure if I drank the water too fast or what. But I had that crampy feeling in my tummy and started to worry. There were no bathrooms near us. Luckily it only lasted a few minutes and then it went away! Whew! Crisis adverted. That was the last thing I needed on an already crappy run (no pun intended lol)!
We only had two miles left. I was struggling. I kept having to remind myself it was only two miles and I could do it. And you know what? I did! I made it! I ran those hard, tough, crappy 5 miles!
But the frustration has set in. I am frustrated and unhappy with my runs lately. This whole summer I have been rockin' my runs. I guess it's finally caught up with me. I also think it has gotten hotter and more humid this week. August IS usually the hottest month here on the Gulf Coast.
Right now...I can't imagine running a half marathon. And my next one is in October (it will be my 17th half). Training starts in two weeks. The thought of running even 8 miles in this weather worries me. If 5 is really hard right now how am I going to run more than that???
I know I am in a running funk...but I don't want to be! I know this happens almost every year around this time...but I was really hoping to skip it this year lol! Gotta take my own advice: When the RUN gets tough...GET TOUGHER!
Thanks for listening to me rant and rave. I hope to bring you happier runs soon! ;-)
QOTD: Does the heat and humidity affect your runs?
