Sunday, March 29, 2009

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.

17 comments:

Pearl said...

i really enjoyed reading about your run, as it just emphasizes to me how much there is to prepare for and plan ahead in for the run. i'm glad that you completed it! so proud of you!

i hope you enjoy your sunday evening :)

Anonymous said...

That was a heavy run. Still very well done, considering the pre-run diner ;-)
I can imagine that the Mojito did some damage in your fitness for the run.

Great post!

joyRuN said...

Definitely not the mojito, it was the ribs! Looking at that plate of yumminess though, can't say I blame you for diggin' in.

Abby said...

Ha, we've all been there. Glad you made it through!

I'm so impressed that you waited a half an hour between the ice bath and the hot shower. The couple times I've done the former, I've dived into the ladder as soon as the tub drains. Maybe I should use a little more self-restraint. I'll try that next week!

J said...

That mojito is huge! Great job on finishing the whole run. I have had those times when I just don't want to keep going but once it is finished I am happy I pushed through it! Have a good week!

Anonymous said...

Way to stick with the run. Your dinner did look good!

teacherwoman said...

Nice job on the mileage for the week! Wahoo! And mojitos... mmmmm.

lauren said...

wow - you finished the run even while feeling crappy - that is impressive!

Aileen said...

Ribs sound AMAZING right now!

Tammy said...

Great job finishing the miles!

X-Country2 said...

That is a hot shower very well earned! Way to gut it out.

Mel-2nd Chances said...

pre-run fueling choices make such a difference eh? Great job getting 10 miles in :)

Marlene said...

I am definitely guilty of eating the wrong thing the night before a long run, and suffering big time. We all have to learn the hard way, I think. Way to get through it!

Aron said...

its crazy what a difference pre-run fuel makes! great job on the week and for getting 10 miles done!

Ali said...

Well done on finishing those 2 miles, I think I would have started the car and driven home.

That mojito looks sooooo good!

Anonymous said...

You are good! Such strong will. I went jogging on Sunday too. Haven't gone since the beginning of February so it was very hard. But reading your blog always encourages me.
Oriental Pearl

Felice Devine said...

Sorry about the tough run. But, boy, those ribs and the mojito look yummy!