10/16/11
13 miles / 1:48:55 / 8:23 avg pace
I ran last Friday and didn’t even blog about it. Who cares, right? Yes, but I want this blog to be an honest look at my running. I was too frustrated and pissed off to even mention Friday’s run. I set out to run 13 miles and ended up with 9 at a slow 9:24 average pace. I never cut a long run short. I can run through blood, freezing temps, boiling hot temps but I never cut a run short. So I was clearly PO’d enough to call it quits.
Friday’s run basically went like this: 9:00 pace (normally my LSD pace) felt labored. Maybe I needed to warm-up? Nope. After 5 miles, I passed my car and was ready to throw in the towel. But I didn’t. Two miles later I was officially DONE and turned around and headed back to my car. I was more frustrated than anything. What the hell was going on?
As I posted earlier this week, I’ve been having trouble breathing when running. It just feels way more labored then it should. I’ve already mulled over the possibility that I’m completely out of shape but I realize that is irrational and just plain crazy. The more I thought about it the more I kept thinking it was my asthma. My asthma is never an issue anymore, due to some incredible medications that keep it under control. But I got a cold a few weeks ago and it started drifting into my chest which is never good for my asthma.
I took Saturday as a mental health day from running. And vowed to come back strong on Sunday.
I used my inhaler pre-run on Sunday (I did the same on Friday). I generally use it pre-run when I’m sick or when it’s very cold out. I was determined to make this a good run. I started out at MP (8:30), dropped the pace slightly, and then stayed consistent. I felt great and my breathing was right where it should be. Ah, redemption tastes so sweet 🙂
It’s funny that I finished right around my half marathon PR. I’m now ready for the Philly Half. Bring it.
Got any redemption runs this weekend to brag about? I have to give a shout out to Kara and Alyssa for going sub-4:00 at the Baltimore Marathon yesterday. Way to go ladies!