So, update on the illness... I ended up with the flu two weekends ago. I've felt great for the past two weeks.
The mileage has been a real challenge lately. I've continued to get good speed work in, but the long runs have suffered due to my nearly month-long illness.
On President's Day Weekend, I managed to get a good 6+ miles in on Saturday while training my group. Sunday, I was pretty tired, so I took a day of rest. Monday I went out for a goal of at least 20 miles (with a goal of 24, if I could manage). I planned a nice loop run that would keep me out of "short-cutting" back home for at least 18 miles. Well, as it turned out, at the 7.25 mile mark the road I planned to take around a delta island was a private hunting ground and private road. So, I had to turn around. This turned out to be a good thing at first because I had to use the restroom and needed some food. I stopped off at my house at just under 15 miles to use the restroom and grab a quick bite to eat.
After leaving the house, I was starting to feel severely sapped of energy. By mile 16, I felt like heading home. I chalked it up to the mental game that often happens. I always tell people that distance running is 98% mental and 2% physical (if you've been training). I forced myself past a couple of streets that would have led me home. I calculated that I needed to get to about 17.25 miles before turning around to hit a total of 20 miles for the day. I got to 17 and I was DONE.
I think that it was my first official "BONK" that I've ever had during a run. On the way home, I forced myself repeatedly to try and run. I could barely get 50 meters at a time before having to walk. I wound up at my house with 19 miles for the day. Overall, I am not upset by this. I needed to get close to 20 and I did that. Being sick and not running much for a month really takes a toll on endurance.
Last week, I tried to get back on schedule. I had great intentions and here it is BUT ...
Tuesday's run went great with the group - 4 miles.
Wednesday night I went out for a 6 mile run - at 3+ miles I came upon these little guys... I'm going to digress for a moment . . .
I was on a dark stretch of road behind a construction site, near a park but just outside the neighborhood of houses. I saw the dogs and stopped running (I've been chased a few times before). The black one ran out into the street a little scared. I looked around for someone walking them, no one to be found. I started walking slowly. The white one ran up to me and started licking my toes. It was then that I realized she was only a puppy. As soon as I knelt down, she jumped all over me very excited. The black one came running over to join in the fun. I felt for collars - check. But no tags - :(
It was late, about 9 pm. The road is a thoroughfare out of the neighborhood so cars go at least 35 mph. I couldn't leave these guys out on the road, so I coaxed them to come along with me. They happily ran with me for a shortened route home (just over a mile). So.... they've been with my family for almost a week now. They were not microchipped. I've put signs in and around the neighborhood that I found them. No calls. So, we're in the process of looking for a good home for them. I wish we could keep them, but we already have 2 large lab mixes and a small yard. So for now, we're just enjoying their company (most of the time - puppies like to chew on expensive stuff).
Back to running...
Saturday, I had a good 7+ mile run with my group. However, the flu hit my house again - my wife and son falling victim this time. Sunday came and I felt a bit achy. I can't believe it. I get the other strain of flu within 2 weeks of the first!!! I think the flu hit me lightly - I felt a bit better today. I do have a slight cough again, but I'm hoping it's part of this new allergy thing I've been having.
Exciting news - there is a training run on the American River 50 course in March covering about 23 miles. I'm going to be meeting up with Jason Robillard and hopefully a few others to run the course. Looking forward to it very much.
Have a great week everyone!
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