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On Saturday I ran 12 miles. Yup, I sure did - 12 miles! The longest distance I've ever run in my life! I did the group run with other Team in Training runners that are doing the Nike. Since we are all traveling together and are a “team” we group up by running style or times. I joined the 11 minute mile crew. I am sometimes faster, sometimes slower in my runs but this is a good average for me. A group of about 7 of us ran together and I have to admit it was nice having people to talk to. I didn’t listen to my iPod at all during the run. We did 6 minute run, 2 minute walk intervals (mostly) and we stopped at the water stations set up along the way.
At times I would walk hills and then catch up with the group by running during their walk interval. But the heat kicked in at about mile 9 and I was truly hot and wanting the run to be over at mile 11. With a half-mile to go I stayed back from the group and finished at my own pace coming in with a time of 2 hours and 17 minutes. The weather conditions certainly make a difference! When I ran 10 miles the weather was perfect and I trotted the entire time the combination of hills and heat made my time much slower but honestly, I wasn’t running a race. I just wanted to complete the task at hand and I did. Plus, I haven’t run (or done any exercise) since August 31st(because of pain in my hip)so I’m actually quite proud of myself.
Before the run I took one of my anti-inflammatories and did not have any pain. When I arrived home and took off my socks I was surprised by the very large blisters on both of my feet. Although I used my bodyglide, I did not wear my usual blister cushions and my feet suffered. Remarkably they didn’t hurt - thanks naproxen but they look pretty bad.
Today the one on my right foot was painful! I have blood blisters on both feet but the right one is under a callous and I guess the extra pressure makes it hurt. Needles to say, I had to drain it by sterilizing a needle and puncturing a small hole in the blister. Of course I cleaned the area with alcohol first and after it drained I covered it with antiseptic and a band-aid (courtesy of Avery from the Social Luxe lounge at BlogHer. They gave away emergency packs that were filled with things that you might need. Love it!)
Needless to say, I’ve realized a couple of things about running.
One - stick with the tried and true.
In the past I’ve run in Saucony. NEVER had a problem with them, no blisters no nothing but comfort. I did purchase a pair earlier this year but unbeknownst to me they were trail shoes and since I mostly run on the road or pavement I started to feel it in my shins so I moved to a road shoe- Nike Air Pegasus. Nikes are cute, all sorts of colors and things but my feet are blistered and I can’t have that on long runs. Function over form is my motto and I gave Nike a chance but I’m returning to Saucony.
Two - Running Socks are essential!
I know this from past experience and purchased a new pair of Thorolos. I have a pair from about 9 years ago but figured I needed to have at least two I could rotate. You may be thinking why not fourteen? Um, those suckers are EXPENSIVE! One pair runs between $12-14. But they last forever (I did just say I have a pair from 9 years ago)! However, returning to point one - I have to purchase a particular type - Thorolo crew socks. They have the most padding and although they are not the cutest socks in the world they get the job done. I tried the micro socks and they are not nearly as cushioned as the crews. Today I ordered 6 pair. I had to do it - especially since among my unpacked things from BlogHer10 I found a mystery amount gift certificate worth $10,25 or $50. Lo and behold mine was for $50! so I got 6 pairs for $16.00 (on sale for $66.00) and free shipping! Thanks Zappos (and I think the Social Luxe lounge)!
Finally, I’ve learned that I can do anything that I put my mind to doing. Not on my own but through Christ who strengthens me. When I ran alone on the road Saturday the song “He Wants it All” by Forever Jones was on constant replay in my head. I believe that by taking care of my body - the temple given by God to me, by raising money to find a cure for cancer and by sharing my journey with you I am giving God my all. And this keeps me going.
