I was supposed to run 4 miles this morning, but it was not meant to be. I got up at 5:45 a.m. and had a cramp that I could not shake. I took a 1/2 mile warm up walk around the block and it seemed to ease up a bit. I decided to try to run and see if it would go away. I took it super slow and it seemed to disappear. The first 3 miles of the run went pretty well, and I only took 30-60s breaks after each mile and to stretch my foot. I got a real bad cramp during the last mile, and I had to stop a few times to walk it out. It got too painful so I called it quits at 3.5 miles and walked the rest of the last half mile home. This is getting really annoying because I felt fine otherwise and could have totally finished the 4 miles, but the cramp was too much. Arg!
Anyway, it was not all bad. I was carrying my water bottle and it was not that bothersome. It actually helped me minimized the vertical movement of my arms because the more I moved my arms, the more the water splashed. This may be a great training tool after all :) I didn't bring my ipod either, which I think really helped me focus on my breathing. I wasn't as bored as I thought I'd be. I joined the dailymile and got challenged to see how many people I could get a greeting from during my run. That helped past the time. Here is the tally = 7:
- 1 guy getting ready to run/walk
- 2 walkers (3, but 1 was part of a pair and didn't really acknowledge me)
- 2 walkers with dogs
- 2 cyclist (4, but there was a group of 3 and I only caught and exchanged greetings with the last one in the group)
I think I'm definitely not doing that 5k next weekend and will try the 4 mile run again instead. Right now it is more importatnt to build back my endurance and be ready for the 10K that trying to run a race. I know I would not do my best and be able to PR, so what's the point? =P
4 comments:
Sorry to hear about your cramps, but congrats on running slow!
After your runs, do you ice your legs? or spray them with cold water?
I'm a really large guy and I HAVE to do that or I will cramp up really bad.
Also, sometimes I get my wife to take a rolling pin and roll out my calves. That REALLY helps.
I'm sure you know all of this, but those few things help me.
Good luck!
Thanks! I cannot believe I lost that much endurance because I really had to force myself to run slow and control my breathing. It seemed to be easier before. I really do blame the heat *lol*
It wasn't that kind of cramp *lol* It felt like I had to go type of cramp. It is annoying, but I'll figure it out. Thanks!
LOL... OOOOH That kind of crap. Ok. Ice isn't going to help much! ;)
I hate that! It is frustrating, when you want to continue, but cannot bear the pain. It's disappointing, and a little embarrassing, too (I hate other people seeing me "give up"). But it does help to know that it happens to all of us. :)
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