A Good Morning Run

The past two days have been picture perfect, low humidity, deep blue skies with whiffs of white clouds rolling by. With temperatures peaking in the sixties it's my perfect idea for great running.

Today as I laced up my shoes my head could not stop thinking that this would be make it or break it as far as JFK was concerned. The plan was for sixteen miles, a run we call “The Cliffs” as our turnaround point is a cliff overlooking the valley between Frederick and Thurmont MD. In addition to providing a good view the large rocks might also reward the runner with a glimpse of a morning Rattlesnake warming itself in the sun. Today there would be no snakes, perhaps we were too early and it was still a bit chilly.

Saturday evening I had the best sleep I've had in weeks. After retiring at nine thirty I awoke an hour later to aching hands and feet; determined not to take a pain pill I rolled over thinking it would be a long night. I'm not sure when sleep came but when I woke I was shocked to see five thirty on the clock.

The run started well enough but after four miles the GI track started acting up, a half mile later I had to stop. Two miles later I had to stop again followed by another four miles later. Even though each one of these stops is an “energy sucker” I felt reasonably well. My Achilles, which I was most concerned about remained calm over the difficult terrain.

Fourteen miles into the run my body started to “tell me” it's been a while since I covered this distance. I was tired but not exhausted, glad when it was over, uncomfortable “downstairs” yet convinced that I can keep training for JFK.

It seems strange to me that I should have more GI issues then I did last year but that's the way it goes. I just need to figure it out.

Thanks for a Great Run Larry !

Mike