Now I know

Now I know that my body needs a few days to recover from working nights before I even attempt a long run. Running 18 miles today was not a good idea, but at the time it sounded like a great idea. I could get my long run in and still have a day and half to allow my body to recover before heading back to work Sunday night. Sounds great right?

I had forgotten how re-adjusting to days affects my body. I am lethargic and mentally drained. While working nights remind you I do not sleep very much and I also put in some long hours. I should have allowed my body to rest today and completed my long run on Saturday. But now I know, though this lesson was learned the hard way.

When I awoke this morning I was surprised that I had slept in as late as I did. It was 7:15 a.m when I woke up. Yes, I know 7:15 is not that late but when I was up and about at 4 a.m. in the previous months that is sleeping in for me. I didn't wake up with my normal energy level, that should have been clue number 1. I took my time in getting ready for my run. I enjoyed some breakfast with Lil Man as I haven't seen him in a couple of days. By the time I was ready to run it was 9 a.m. Clue number 2 should have been that I wasn't as mentally focused as I usually am. I was a little foggy and still very low on energy.

As my run unfolded the first few miles were tough, but I just thought I needed to get my legs loosened up a bit. As the miles kept going and the further I was from my car the legs became more tired and heavy. I was still keeping a nice pace roughly holding 9:30 on the way out but it wasn't easy. The effort was too high, but I still just thought I needed to warm up.

Then I realized that this was run was going to be more mental and that just does not make for a enjoyable run. My legs were hurting more so then usually. I decided that maybe a s-cap would help. It did help. I found a new life in my legs. Maybe that was also due to the Tylenol I took. Now I was cruising, but it wouldn't last for long. As I was on my way back I was struggling. By 14 miles my stomach was upset for some reason. And then it happened. I threw up, but only a little. Really!!!! Who throws up in a training run? Me that is who.

I figured this was my body's way of telling me it needed one more day before even thinking about a long run. I should have listened to my body or clued in on the warning signs, like waking up with low energy and mentally not focused. Mistakes on my part, but the good news is 18 miles in the book. Though it was not a pretty 18 miler it still counts as time on feet.

Next time I will be listening to my body and allowing it adequate time to heal/recovery before putting any added stress on it. Now I know!