Phooey.

Well I started an 18 mile run. But finished it at 14. Yuck. I had the fuel, and motivation. But my knees where NOT cooperating. In fact, they are aching right now, as I sit here writing this blog post. What’s weird is that they don’t hurt while I’m running – stopping/starting is an issue, as are inclines. Luckily my run today was mostly flat, but at mile 6 I stopped into a gym for a bathroom break and my knees hurt so bad I couldn’t squat down onto the toilet.

I know why this is going on. I’m a bad runner.

I don’t stretch. I don’t take ice baths. I slack on hill work. I don’t cross train. Speed work is looked upon with disdain. I also don’t foam roll. I used to do all of these little things; back in the day, before children. Now, it’s walking in through the door from a long run, nurse the baby, make sure kiddo is fed, scarf something down really quick, and go on parenting. Hopefully showering somewhere in there.

Though I have some issues I know I need to take care of, some are a mystery to me. I had a headache, yet again, after the run. I know it wasn’t hydration related, nor fuel related. You’re going to think I’m crazy, but I think it has to do with my sports bras. Since I’m nursing, I find that one bra isn’t cutting it, and I’m currently doubling up.

It’s ridiculous – and it hurts. I think I’m going to have to bite the bullet and purchase one of the $50, crazy looking ones with the velcro/adjustable straps. I’m frugal, so spending more than $20 on a single piece of hidden clothing that will just get drenched in sweat makes me cringe. We’ll see.

Another mystery issue – my stomach. No surprise. I found an energy gel [hammer gel :: mountain huckleberry] that I absolutely love. It agrees with my stomach, and I also had a couple Nutrilite chews that seemed to work as well.

But… the second I get home, my stomach starts churning, and its off to the bathroom I go. Granted, I’m thankful that my stomach at least waits until I’m done running to do this nonsense… but I’d like to avoid it completely if I could. I don’t remember having had this issue before but I’m also an old geezer now that has to actually pay attention to what my body is saying. *sigh*

Anyway. We’re off to watch my husband ruck march a St. Patty’s Day race, as well as do the whole beer and food thing. Well, I’ll be doing the food thing. And lots of it.

Where was I…

Monday – didn’t run. Tuesday – didn’t run. Wednesday – didn’t run. UGH. Why are mid-week runs so hard for me to hit? I have a double stroller, AND a weather shield. No excuse. Pathetic, really.

Maybe my sleeping habits have something to do with it. Hmm…

Today I finally ran while Kiddo was at school. This time I only had the single stroller to push, and I managed a 5 mile run at an 8:35 pace. For the 4th and 5th miles I did some impromptu speed work, mainly because I was pushing the time and I really had to get back to the car. I was also motivated to hurry back because we had a lunch date with my husband for Indian food… Delicious.

Obligatory 3.14 picture.

I’m feeling confident about the 18 miler this Saturday. I have already started hydrating, and I’m not going anywhere tomorrow without a huge water bottle attached to me. Initially, I was going to run to the St Patty’s Day race here on post by running to it and running back, but the race isn’t until 1400 – not happening. I don’t really know why the race is starting so late, but I think it’s because they’re having entertainment and food after the awards.

This happened today and I was completely underwhelmed. They should program cars to make a festive chime and sprinkle confetti from the dash or something. In true runner fashion, I even circled the parking lot of a gas station so I could ‘hit the mileage’ before filling up and taking a picture.

Hope the both of you have a great weekend.

PS – I *just* realized that I haven’t run an actual race since June of 2011. WHAT.

Shortest blog post, ever.

WOW. Where did the weekend go??

Saturday’s long run went just fine. My husband is a freakin’ ROCK STAR and brought the kids on the long run route. They went to breakfast, walked/played around a park, and watched boats in the sound while I ran. That man is a saint. The last mile I was ready for the run to be over – my legs were hurting, but more than anything, my boobs were killing me. Will either have to figure this out within the next two months or I’ll be nursing the baby mid-marathon. I guess that wouldn’t be TOO bad…  and would ensure a PR for the next marathon, ha!

One issue with the run though, and I’m not sure what caused it – I had a major headache the rest of the night, and even went to bed at 830. Life of the party, right? I’m guessing it might have been dehydration, but I thought I did well enough throughout the run. I’ll definitely have to fix the headache issue soon, I was pretty useless after about 5 pm… not fair to the rest of the family, considering I just had the morning to myself!

Today was pretty stellar, we went to a Jeep Swap Meet [it was freezing and raining but husband found seats he’s been dying to have], out for cupcakes, and finished the day at Famous Dave’s BBQ before heading home. It’s not Texas BBQ by any means [ex., Rudy’s] but it fills the void – definitely yummy.

Off to hang with the family with the weekend we have left. Maybe even make a few cookies.