So the NYC Half is in less than one week. I thought for my Saturday long run, I would do some variation of the loops in Central Park. The day before I had e-mailed chat with Wade, my TNT mentor. I've only met him once but through the various email conversations we've had I feel like we've known each other much longer. He is awesome and has been great support! He told me to take it easy and it was ok that I run solo since I was still recovering from my
kankle episode. I also think he suspected I like being the loner I have always been at least when it comes to gym time.
The goal for this week was to run an "easy" 9-11 miles. That is "easy - try not to hyperventilate" pace, not "easy" run. I think by pure mileage definition no 9 to 11 mile run is considered "easy" by normal human being standards. My plan was to do the big loop (6.2 miles) and the lower loop two or three times (1.7 miles is one lower loop). Much like the previous week, I should have started my run EARLIER.
I started at noon. (I know. I later got yelled at by my running fans at the
NY Running Company, but they are serious runners. I'll try to listen for next time. I got high-fives anyways and they even volunteered to run in my fundraising run in the park for a "Dinner Date with Elaine". More to come about that later! IT'S GOING TO BE AWESOME AND YOURS TRULY WILL BE THE GUN GIRL!)
The big loop was not too bad. I finished in an hour and fifteen, which was expected since it was hot. I stopped at every concrete structure that resembled a water fountain which is pretty much ever mile or two. I told myself that there is nothing disgraceful about stopping to rest every few miles. :) Also, note to all you runners out there. An impostor water fountain exists in the park. It looks like a water fountain but it's actually a dog's p*ssing ground or fire hydrant? Beware of impostor water fountains. They are so mean. Anyways, you would think that if it took me an hour and change to do 6.2 miles then doubling that time would be about 12 something miles, so I should be done in about 2 hrs total, right?
WRONG. I was famished. I thought I was going to die and quit right there. I was hungry, thirsty, and wanted to go home. I decided to push myself and do the lower loop atleast twice to get the requested mileage in. I got to 72nd St and there was a man selling Gatorade. I stopped completely and did a quadruple-double-take between the cart man and the beverages he was selling. I also was checking my body much like when race car drivers pull over during a lap in a race to make sure the car is in check. Tire wheels are like my legs. I made sure I could still see my knee and ankles. Everything was sore, but my self medical diagnosis was that I was in check to continue running. The measurement to pass? I could still see my ankle bones. :)
Fuel though? Fuel is like electrolytes. The cart man had like red, orange, blue, and yucky lime-green Gatorade flavors. I think my foul experience with a lime-green gel has had major life repercussions because I have not consumed anything lime-green since then. That is the most nasty sh*t I have ever consumed, but if I would describe how nasty and foul both the taste AND texture was and draw similar analogies I would probably get flagged by fellow bloggers so I will not get into it.
I got orange Gatorade? Why orange? Because much the running nerd I have become the orange Gatorade matches my new running shades that never fog up like my old ones because there are little holes in for air ventilation for the speedy runner that I am! Not to mention it resembles the amber branding for my work! More vital matters though it is not like the nasty foul lime-green gewy gel. I downed it as in the Gatorade commercials like you wouldn't believe. I was the Gatorade commercial. I don't think I've ever funneled anything that fast in my life - under 30 seconds flat I'm sure. Anyways, I felt refreshed and revived. At that point I guess it was around mile 8?
As I approached mile 9, although the Buff headgear totally kept the beads of sweat from trickling down into my eyes and nose, I was still hot, sweaty and the thought of stripping down naked became more appealing during the last mile even though there were plenty of people in the park at this point I didn't care.
No, I didn't get denuda... I had this annoying shoulder strap on my tank that kept falling down over my right shoulder. I must run lop-sided? I guess it would have been sexy if I was doing anything else but running. It was utterly annoying. So I did what I thought about for an entire loop - I took my tank off. The tank is supposedly made out of "Dry Fit" material that wicks moisture and dries quickly, but I am most positive I could have wringed a cup of sweat out of that... Then I started to think that I wish I ran faster so I could be over this already. Note to self, that will be my goal next year... Running faster at this point I may just pass out.
The last loop that brought me to 11.3+ some change to Columbus Circle felt very promising like I may actually be able to finish the NYC Half the following Sunday! I conserved my energy so I could try to look good getting to the water fountain. Much to my dismay there were about 4 college dudes huddling around the only water fountain at the Columbus Circle entrance. I patiently stood in line waiting for them to finish taking water. What I really wanted to do was to knock them all down and dive for the water fountain. I hate waiting especially when I am thirsty for agua! One guy was taking a sip of water, then the next guy was about to take it. Then one of them saw me either sweating from workout exhaustion or more simply annoyed I had to wait. After he took his sip of water, he yelled at his Gap-wearing friend and said I deserve it more than he does and then proceeded to ask him what he's ever accomplished in life. I think they were like 21 or 22 Abercrombie & Fitch types. I felt bad, but who cared at that point. I'm sure they could wait 20 seconds as I replenished my body water.
After that I proceeded with my usual ritual of stretching out and stuff. I thought about if I could loose 5 or 10 lbs that's less weight to run with. Running without the tank made me see I have love handles! Running love handles! I needed a picture to prove it, kinda like those Body for Life before and after photo shoots? I asked this nice family to take my picture for me after the stretching was done. Turns out they were European - mother and father with son - and they didn't understand a word of English coming out of my mouth. Although they didn't understand me, I gestured snapping a photo, and they got it. See, the world can get along if we all try!
So here I am in my undies pretty much and finished my run. I don't think I would noticed if we were on a beach though so no harm done to the Central Park Community. If the guy in the background of the pic can go topless, I should be able to as well! He's hairy!
Ok, wish me luck on Sunday! It's my "Plan B Race"! B for backup in case I decide to resign from Plan A the Full!
P.S. I found out what a "double" is in terms of running. So
NY Running Company is a cool running store I discovered during the Honeymoon Phase of my marathon training back in April where I pretty much dropped a gazillion dollars on various running things from The Shoes to Pepper Spray of which I have not yet tried. Most importantly they have smart staff who know how to pick out running shoes for you. They watch you walk to observe your arch and any pronation that may occur.
Jarode can contest that I am a huge fan of their running shorts. Anyways the store is in
Columbus Circle Shops and is my "home base" after each run I have in the park. The mall has cleaner bathrooms, water foutains, and of course, the store! Anyways, a "double" is when you run in both the morning and afternoon. A "triple" is when you do am, pm, and pm+. Why on earth would anyone want to do that? They are hardcore. Oh yes, and I promised to give a shout out to both Jarode and Matt. Thank you guys for letting me sit on your couch reserved for customers trying on running shoes! You guys promised to participate in my fund raising run for a date with me. Don't forget it! I will be the gun girl. ;) We'll do it after the Half... Peace out!
