Listening To Your Body = Success!

This year's running has been different from past summers.  On top of that, I'm getting back to running like I use to do from my shoulder injury which stopped me for a while.  I hate they both came together this time of the year...kinda feel like a perfect storm...well, not really.  But I'm sticking with running outside as much as I can to acclimate myself for the early fall half marathon.  I think it will be a hot race and want to be prepared as much as possible.  Not looking for a "good" time but am going to do what I can to be ready. 

Today my long run for the week was planned but when I got up a thunderstorm with lots of lightning had come in followed by lots of rain.  All of this started after I had dressed for the run.  Living in an area that is inundated with humidity and heat [i.e., the DEEP south], the only time I can run safely without overheating is early in the morning.  Well, that didn't happen!  So, what do I do??  Checked the local weather and it showed heavy thunderstorms all morning and there were 40 mph gusts first thing.  Lightning was rampant at the time I would have normally got on the road.  Slowly getting disappointed, I decided to get online and check mail, FB, and other things I do on the "net" and see what the weather plans to do. 

About 9:30, the sun came out.  It looked like I may be getting a break before it gets bad again.  Already dressed, I closed my computer screen, grabbed my Nathan water bottle and a couple of GUs and hoped I could get in my miles before the bottom fell out again.  I knew it was going to be a hot one.  I NEVER run this time of the day...in the summer! 

I began running slowly so I wouldn't overheat too quickly knowing I wanted to get in 7 miles today.  I "rarely" run with a water bottle...like to keep my hands free and cool.  Maybe I should have worn my fuel belt but actually never thought about it since it was a quick decision.  I always keep a water bottle in the refrigerator cooled to grab fast.  About the 2 mile mark, I was already gulping water.  Prepared, I wanted to listen to my body and learn from it.  So everytime I felt thirsty, I took a swig to keep problems from occuring later in the run.  It was tough for me.  As I came close to the halfway mark, I thought I would stop and do half my squats to give me a little rest from running and the heat and finish the rest of them at the end of the run.  There were 150 scheduled to do today. 

My run was changed to a "mixed" one at the halfway point.  My body was really feeling the heat.  Found a water fountain and drenched myself good.  Wow!!  This was wonderful...I could feel my core bodyheat dropping and even felt a slight breeze cooling me off over the wet skin.  Decided to start a walk/run section.  For 1.5 miles, I did this finishing up 5 miles...about 1.5 miles.

Starting my 6th mile and after another "bath", I decided to do speedwork for a mile.  I was at a great place to incorporate some speed. There was a great flat area where I was.  When I started, I could tell that this was not going to be anything like previous speedwork.  I ran hard but felt like I was running really slow.  Kind of an "out of body" experience feel.  Okay...now I'm listening to my body again.  If this is what I wanted to do, then I must listen to what it is saying.  After the first sprint, I took another "bath" and felt really rejuvenated again.  This time the sprinting went well.  After a few times of sprinting...these were not long because of exposing myself to overheating quickly yet still getting in some fast running...I felt pretty good. 

I entered the last mile by incorporating a walk/run segment and running the last half mile in for a cool down.  I couldn't believe that I had just completed 7 miles on this hot/humid/sunny time of the day!!  It never felt like I had gone that far.  I LOVE my Garmin!!  When I finished, I realized that the squats had not been done.  Not giving in, the 150 squats were done by the car before leaving.  I felt good and strong after them and left with an excellent boost to my ego for sticking it out and listening to what my body could do. 

I'm learning so much about running.  You think you have learned all there is to know after doing several half marathons and marathons but running is a great sport! There is ALWAYS something to learn.  I'm glad I listened to my body and learned what I can do and should not do in order to get my plan done.  Today was a total success!!  I wonder what lessons are in store for me now.  Don't let anything control your runs more than is necessary...think through it and find alternate ways to reach your goal.  It's looking like rain again now, I've finished my goal and enjoying coffee once more today...until I see you again, get out there and

Run 4 It