Great Run...Kinda!

Kent and I went to the Sportsplex yesterday to do our regular run. In training for my half marathon, I'm increasing my distance, stamina and endurance by adding an extra mile each week until I'm at my HM readiness. After viewing the weather forecast, realization hit that doing a longer run toward the end of the week was not looking good. So with that in mind, I decided to shoot for the extra mile yesterday. This week is to be my 9th mile.

I began my run and was doing well. Then I noticed that I was too fast initially...thank goodness for my new Garmin! So I "tried" to slow down keeping in mind that my goal is not speed but endurance. After running a few miles with a close watch on my pace it got better and better. As I entered my seventh mile, I was feeling real good. As a matter of fact, I felt great...I had experienced a burst of energy. (I think that has a name but don't remember what it's called.) It was then that I thought I will go ahead and add TWO extra miles instead of the planned one. Kent followed me around (he is wonderful!!) to offer me water when I needed it...but mostly because a couple of wild looking stray dogs came out of nowhere barking and charging at me. This happened in the 8th mile and caused me to stop running and walk until I could get past them safely. I was soooo angry! I am afraid of dogs and do not care for them at all!!! I'm sure it has nothing to do with the fact that I was bitten by one when I was walking home from high school one day minding my own business!!

Now with the confidence that I had my "protector" with me and my water available when I needed it, I relaxed and began running again feeling safe. Even as I entered my 9th mile, I thought that I could still run the "extra" 10th mile. All was well and then it happened.........I crashed!! What was this?? I've never experienced this before and didn't know what to do. I was at the end of my run for the day and REFUSED to quit now. So I shuffled on to the finish. Still I'm not sure what happened. I slowly walked to the car, drank my water and did slow, easy stretches to prevent any cramping. (I have always been a "huge" cramper anyway.)

So my first thought now was let me get to my Apple Cider Vinegar, swig some down, change clothes and hit the couch for some much needed rest! As it turned out, when I got home, I was feeling fine again. Got out the vinegar, downloaded my Garmin, made our Smoothie (soooo good and refreshing), took my shower and felt rejuvenated again. I even cooked supper later on and wasn't sure initially whether we were going to have to go grab something or not. Thankfully, there's no soreness, aches or pains!! I'm still kinda new at this running thing and this has not happened to me before so I guess I'll just have to chalk it up to weird experience...dunno!

As I write this, the morning after, I still feel fine with no aches or pains nor any cramping last night. And when I made my daily coffee this morning I noticed that the vinegar was still sitting on the counter. I had not even taken any! For those of you that could use this acute cure...when experiencing leg and feet cramps, take a tablespoon of Apple Cider Vinegar followed by a glass of hot tap water. If cramps do not subside within 5 mintes, repeat the ACV and water. This is the ONLY thing that has ever helped me and it is SUPER fast acting and cheap to boot!!

My plans are to do 3-4 miles today whether outside or on the treadmill. Rain is suppose to start this afternoon and I have errands to do this morning. I welcome any comments or e-mails if you have anything you could share regarding my run yesterday!

Happy Trails to You!!