For those of you who do not live in the tri-state area and do not subscribe to the Weather Channel, the weekend before last in NYC was f@#%!^g hot. Heat can have an interesting affect on people---not the least of which can be delusional thinking. I am certain this played a part in my decision to head out on a 14 mile training run that Saturday morning. The clock read 6:30, the thermometer read 86. Based on how I was feeling, I suspect it was in Centigrade. I was wilting before I'd even started moving. Not a pretty picture, people. Lest any of you become concerned, I'll cut to the chase and tell you that I did not run 14 miles at that time. I did run 6 (which was the revised, suggested distance from the coaches.) I made it through by double-fisting at each fluid station (one cup of water down the hatch, the other over my head) and snarfing down the complimentary banana post-run (I should have grabbed a second....)
This past Saturday morning, a balmy 10 degrees cooler, the temperature was no excuse to shorten the run. The time had come. 14 miles loomed....When I arrived at the starting point, me and my fellow Fred's Teamers were sentenced to our route--10 "Great Hill" loops. Please take a moment to note the visual aid.*
*Simulation of Central Park's Great Hill.
The Hill is one of the highest points in the Park, rising to 135 feet above sea level. Saturday's run incorporated a loop from the middle of the 102nd street east/west transverse, up and around the hill, and back to the midpoint on the transverse---a distance of approximately 1.4 miles. After finishing each loop, we reversed directions.
I'd like to take a moment to share a few firsts that occurred during this, my longest run to-date.
1.) I finished my longest run to-date
2.) I learned that having to use the bathroom forces me to stop running for a few moments, and that this is a GOOD thing. In my youth, I believed this was to be avoided if at all possible because a.) The public restrooms in Central Park are high on the "ick" scale and b.) The port-a-potties set up during races rate higher. Interesting how one's perspective on cleanliness changes after 10 miles with 4 to go....
3.) I had the pleasure of experiencing chaffing. I'll leave it there.
4.) Whomever created the egg and cheese on a roll was obviously a distance runner. That s*it tastes damn good after 14 miles!
Well, folks, that's it for now. Next Fred's Team run is a 16 miler this weekend. As a bonus, I'll be taking part in a special run (for another charity) at Yankee Stadium. A 5K in and around the place, with a big finish on the warning track!! Yes, I'll take a few pictures. No, Derek Jeter won't be in any of them (sadly.)
One step at a time,
Dayna
below:
http://mskcc.convio.net/goto/daynaisin
Thanks again!
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