Today I had quite the normal day - up for work, driving to Lisburn and Ballymena putting out fires everywhere I went...so to speak...and looking rather dapper in my suit and sporting a newly acquired £25 (or £30) haircut.
Feeling quite good about how my day had gone so far, and indeed how my running was going, I decided to swap my long run to tonight, instead of the 5 miles planned, and get it out of the way.
I should probably mention at this stage that, but for a rather healthy wrap from the Streat today at around 1130, I havn't ate anything or indeed had anything to drink in that time...and it really told me on me around mile 6 or so tonight.
The run started quite well, but by mile 2 I was beginning to really feel the cold, moreso than I have done before, and as the temperature is sitting around -2 this evening, it wasn't too surprising...but I had the mindset of 10 miles tonight...or its a failure. And no one wants to go into the weekend feeling like a failure...
Unfortunately by mile 9, I was struggling to stay awake while I was running...a feeling I had never experienced before. Strangely my legs were quite okay, but my body felt like it was shutting down, and I was desperate for a sugary drink, or simply water and some sort of food...and at the same time as questioning why on earth I was undertaking such a demanding and tough training programme yet again, for the longest and hardest race distance there is...I never once contemplated stopping or cutting the run short. This was clearly a triumph of mind over body I believe.
Although how much of my mind was actually functional was questionable. Upon returning to the house I slumped on the sofa and mumbled about my immediate need for water and something sugary. Concerned about my well being, my parents obliged and I took about 30 seconds to compose myself before I thought straight enough to speak to them, utter confusion had taken hold, whether by way of tiredness, fatigue, pain or just spending almost two hours in sub 0 temperatures, wearing a t-shirt and shorts...and gloves.
Either way, I am delighted to have completed this run, and look forward to my 5 miler tomorrow...sort of. I think in future weeks I will ensure my long run is properly fueled from the start....and now, to bed.
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