Ribs and running

Friday night, we dined at TGI Friday's, and had delicious ribs for dinner.

DH ordered Baby back ribs with fries.

I had the Jack Daniel's Ribs & Shrimp, fries...

...and washed it down with Ultimate mojito.

We were so stuffed, we could not even think of dessert.

Ribs are not exactly the ideal dinner the night before a long run. All the fries went down, but it was still a whole lot of protein, way more fat than I needed and not near enough carbs.

So, it was not a surprise when Saturday morning's long run with the group was beyond brutal for me. People planning to run more than 6-7 miles usually met at 7, ran the first 4-6 miles, then joined the rest of the group at 8. I allowed myself a bit more sleep time and met the group at 8, by which time, runners were either finishing up their long runs or starting their 4-6 mile runs along the towpath. It was damp and a slight rain was coming down, with temperature in the high 40's. I fell into step with a group which was running much faster than I normally do. I could hold the pace for a 3-5 mile run, but not for the entire 12 miles.

After 3 miles, the group headed back, while I broke away. I was not wearing a fuel belt, so I would need to get back to the starting point to refuel. I decided to go a couple of miles further before turning back, but by then, I was feeling drained of energy. I slowed down considerably, but my muscles started hurting. I mechanically put one foot in front of the other and knew I would not stop unless I felt faint, but I was not enjoying the run. Maybe it was the ribs? Or the mojito? Or both?

I was grateful when I spotted my car. I had completed 10 miles. Sinking into the seat, I guzzled water, gatorade and a banana. I tore into a packet of GU as well, which restored my much-needed energy. The group had left by then, to have breakfast. I had planned to join them, but by this point, all I wanted was to complete my run, soak myself in an ice bath, then take a long, hot shower.

A couple of minutes later, I felt strong enough to run again. The last 2 miles were not the best, but you'd rather put your body through pain than quit so close to the finish. On retrospect, I think it was a decent run. I am so used to running uniformly slow runs, well within my comfort zone, that a little speed throws me off. I need to be able to do a few tough, race pace runs once in a while. But I can't be careless about fuel intake.

My weekly total is 32 miles.

After the run, I headed home, settled in an icebath with the Run Faster book. The book was so engrossing, that I stayed in the tub till my toenails turned blue. I waited for half hour, so my legs could fully benefit from the chillness of the icebath, took a heavenly hot shower, then feasted on everything I could lay my hands on.

Last night, DH and I had dinner with friends. We watched the Oprah-Eckhart Tolle DVD on A New Earth together. I've read the book, but it's simplicity and depth amaze me everytime.

Hope you had a lovely weekend.