Training Log Archive: maprunner

PTOC sprint at JCCC. I've been wanting to work hard at the local events and treat them as real tests. And I keep failing. I started OK today (I had set my watch to beep at me if my HR fell too low) and was navigating OK.

Then I got a stitch in my side as I left 5. I stopped for a few seconds but it still hurt. I was really pissed; I never get stitches when I'm running. Then I thought, what would I do if this was an A meet sprint? I decided I would probably try to run. So I tried. No good. I'm a wimp and don't like any discomfort. So I walked to 6 (making a mistake along the way) and then I felt OK and could run again. What do others do when they get a stitch during a race?

I thought I did OK on the rest of the course, but the HR and splits tell a different story. I loafed in general, and made a mistake leaving 11 and lost some time on route choices. Have to work on this in my next practice.

route

C • stitch 6

Had to work out in the gym tonight. Way too hot. We normally get about 5 days a year that are 100+ degrees. Today was the 18th 100+ day we've had so far this year, with no break in sight.

But, for some good news, I have two things to celebrate. First, I’m celebrating my own “independence day” today. One year of freedom from pain or injury. When I first started working with my trainer, he promised that I would never be injured again (barring an accident, of course). And he has lived up to that promise. It has been one year since I felt any pain in any body part while training. Not once in the past year have I said:
1. I should not train today, to let (body part X) heal
2. I should stop training now, because (body part y) is hurting.
3. I should see a doctor about the pain in (body part z)
I only used an ice pack once in the past year, when I hurt my heel on a sharp rock.

Second thing to celebrate, although there is no particular reason to pick today: two and half years (since my stress fracture) of hard work are paying off. It’s been a long, tough road, but I’m finally back in shape. I feel good.

C • Excellent! 3

Plan was a trail run at Clinton. I couldn't find my HR strap (it's somewhere in my messy car; I know I left it there yesterday) so I decided I would just have to listen to my body and try to gauge my effort. I felt strong going out, and was even jogging (slow but steady) up every incline. But I could feel it getting hotter, and I was drinking more often than usual. And then, I came to a hill that I felt like walking up and instead of jogging. Decided that was a sign it was time to turn around, even though it was a few minutes early. On the way back, I started to feel more and more tired, and started taking walking breaks. Then I noticed that I was feeling cold, and wasn't sweating as much. Don't remember everything about heat stroke, but I knew those we're not good signs. So I slowed down to a brisk walk, and took the shorter route back.

I had never had these kinds of problems with heat before. Can only blame it on my late start (after 10) and that the temp went from 80 to 91 while I was out. Rapidly rising temps are not the best conditions for a hard effort. Live and learn.