Sunday, September 02, 2007

15 Miles Becomes 16


Taken as I ran in San Diego in July

As I headed out for this week's long run, I wasn't sure whether I was going to be able to finish 15 miles. Because of the route I took, I ended up finishing 16 instead...although the last 3 were...challenging.

It was a typical Florida morning in September - warm and humid! I started at 6:30am, just as the sun was rising. Here are the splits:

Mile 1: 11:12 min/mi, AHR 144 (a bit fast)
Mile 2: 12:03 min/mi, AHR 150 (more like it!)
Mile 3: 12:09 min/mi, AHR 151
Mile 4: 12:16 min/mi, AHR 155
Mile 5: 12:07 min/mi, AHR 159 (I am now in anaerobic zone, 1st Clif Shot)
Mile 6: 12:01 min/mi, AHR 162
Mile 7: 12:37 min/mi, AHR 162
Mile 8: 12:11 min/mi, AHR 163
Mile 9: 12:28 min/mi, AHR 167 (took 2nd Clif Shot)
Mile 10: 12:31 min/mi, AHR 159 (this is right after water stop...heart rate lower)
Mile 11: 12:47 min/mi, AHR 164
Mile 12: 12:38 min/mi, AHR 166 (took 3rd Clif Shot)
Mile 13: 12:59 min/mi, AHR 166
Mile 14: 13:41 min/mi, AHR 163 (now it is getting tough - sun is out)
Mile 15: 13:57 min/mi, AHR 165
Mile 16: 15:28 min/mi, AHR 160 (walked much of this last mile)

Total: 3:25:20, 12:43 min/mi pace, AHR 160 bpm

Overall, a successful run because:
a) I wasn't even sure I could finish 15 miles
b) Felt pretty good most of the way

Interesting struggles during the last 2 miles. I began to have some asthmatic episodes - my chest would get tight and I would struggle to breath. I stopped several times (4 or 5 times) for this. I stopped my watch when I stopped. I usually have only experienced this after sprinting the very last part of my run.

Another interesting after effect - after I had completed the run, come into the house, and did some stretching - I had one of my old lower GI attacks. This is where I cramp up, and nearly pass out (everything begins to turn white and I feel light headed). Lying down helps this but it lasted for a good 15-20 min. This doesn't happen while I am working out - but after I have stopped. I haven't had one of these in a long time, so I was surprised.

So an interesting long run in its own right. I got to see Shirley and her husband Dave twice during my run - once on my way out and again on the way back. It is great to have encouragement when running alone!

This week I will be on travel again. Hopefully I can get some mileage in to build up to next weekend!

Run strong everyone!

5 comments:

Susan said...

Gosh you scare me! I'm sorry you felt poorly. But what a run you had! I'd trade days with you any time!

Maddy said...

Congrats on your successful run!

The almost passing out thing is a little scary. A trip to the doctor might be in order.

Have safe travels this week. Where are you off to?

MarathonChris said...

I am headed back to McLean, VA this week and also next week. I am in different hotels each week, though - I guess some change is in order.

I think the passing out thing is ok - I have some ideas. I have NOT had any issues while on the run, and can tell if I am having trouble (and have cell phone standing by).

The last time I went to the doctor with this I had a colonoscopy and all they said is that it appears to be this colitis thing....I took no medications but I did slow down a bit. If I continue to have issues That may be a consideration, we will see.

Petraruns said...

Chris! Honey? Are you sure you're okay? You're amazing keeping it all up while also dealing with a busy job and your lovely family - look after yourself okay?

Hopefully you'll get in some good runs this week, keep us posted because we love to hear all about it.

ShirleyPerly said...

Hi Chris,

Great to see you twice yesterday but so sorry to hear what happened after your run. That is scary! Do you think the 2 are related? It did indeed get quite hot after the clouds burned off and the humidity was very bad.

Please take care. Hope the weather is cooler in DC for you.