Longest Run - EVER

I got started a little bit later than I wanted to today, but I wasn't too worried about it. My main reason for trying to start early is the weather but since it actually rained here yesterday and was overcast this morning - no biggie, right? Well, as luck would have it, the sky opened up and let all of that "glorious" sunshine beat down on the street. Argh. I started off around 7:45 (I think). I was a little worried that I actually felt hungry even before I started running. That's never happened to me before considering I ate, what I thought, was a pretty good breakfast.

The first mile or two were pretty uneventful. I thought I was on the right trail, but when I ended up looping around to where I started I was a little miffed. I decided I'd just blaze my own course. Somehow I ended up on the right road after another couple of miles. My only concern was that I'd end up way over or way under in mileage. Either way I had the option of turning around. Up until mile 10 I felt really good. Great pace and everything. I had to ask for directions from the golf course maintenance guys but it was all good. After I cut across the golf course (on the cart paths) my vision started getting weird. It was like I had a translucent hair in my eye. I remember feeling that before...the start of a migraine. I knew I was dehydrated. I had absolutely no options except to push on. Mile 11 and 12 were grueling and I chugged the rest of my Gatorade. That seemed to help and the vision thing cleared up, but my head was still throbbing. Oh, and remember how I mentioned I was hungry when I started? Yeah, by this point I was starving!!!

I finally made it back to my car at exactly 14.01 miles. I felt happy that I actually ran the miles, my pace was pretty good, but I felt like absolute CRAP. I inhaled a banana and a Z Bar and some electrolyte drink. I was a complete salty, sweaty mess. I thought all of this would help. Wrong.

Since I had driven to Carbondale to kill two birds with one stone - do the run and try out some new shoes - I headed over to the running store. I ended up buying a pair of really great Mizunos. Anyone else ever try these? I can't wait to run in them! I usually wear Brooks (just bought a pair two weeks ago) but I wanted to try something different. So I'm going to rotate them.

Anyway...the head was pounding and the banana I'd eaten had plans of its own. I thought I'd feel better if I ate some bread. So, I went to the grocery store. Before I could search for the much needed ibuprofen and some bread I ended up tossing my cookies (aka banana). Ugh. Plus, I had about a 30 minute drive home.

When I got home I immediately made some toast and ate it while I took a long hot bath. Then took an hour long nap with the pooch. I feel MUCH better now!

If this is what it's going to be like after every long run I'm gonna' be hurtin' for certain!! I think my main problem was (like Southern Yankee) eating too early yesterday and too light. I think I also need to get another fuel belt. Mine only has two flasks and that's not nearly enough! Plus it's too big - it actually fell off TWICE today.

On a bright note...I sure did look cute in my skirt! My legs feel great right now, it's just my head and stomach that are having issues. Thank goodness next week is a recovery week, only a 6 miler for my long run. Overall I'm happy with today's run, I just wish I didn't feel like crap during the last part and afterwards.