August 2, 2011

Wow! August already and the half is only 3 1/2 weeks away. I am not worried about it all since I have done several 13s now and I ran an 18 not last Saturday but the Saturday before. I really had planned on sitting down and writing right after I ran because it was so amazing. my SIL road her bike with me the whole way and it was seriously so great! My friend also joined at mile 8. Having so much support is so wonderful. I am so thankful to those that have supported me and helped me a long the way. My 18 went extremely well I think. I had Powerade waiting for me again at like mile 9 and 16. My SIL also brought a gew (how ever you spell / say that) along for me. I only did half at a time. I did the first half about 10.5 and it wasn't too bad. Both my support riders told me to take it and drink water so that is what I did. I took more at mile 12.5ish and I thought I was going to puke. I obviously didn't get quite half the first time so the second time was more than a mouthful causing me to gag but I was able to keep it down. After my first drink of Powerade I seriously felt so good. I think it was at mile 11 I told my support team. I can't believe I have ran this far and I feel great and can still talk! About 16.5 miles my body really started feeling it. I tend to get really crampy, like menstrual cramps, on my long runs. That definitely hit and my hips were really hurting by the end. I came home and loaded up on chocolate milk and let water run over my legs for a few minutes. I don't know if you have done that before but I HIGHLY recommend it. I read it in one of my runners newsletters and I can't believe how much it helps. Having the cool helps slow the blood flow and makes it so the blood doesn't puddle in your legs. It is hard to describe but it feels so good and my legs felt like a million bucks after. Ok maybe not that good but there is definitely a difference.  My right knee has been hurting a little after my runs. I have been trying to ice it some to try and help it. I hope it will heel itself so it doesn't cause me any problems during the rest of my training. Over all I feel like training is going well. I have a 20 on Saturday that I am looking forward to!