Week1: Early mornings and Cola Slurpees

My name is Patricia, and I am a sheep. "Why?" you may ask. It's simple. I try to take in as much information as I can about running and once I read about something that works, I automatically want to try it myself. As someone who prides herself on being an individual, it takes a lot for me to willingly follow the crowd, but in this instance I am very much willing to do so.

As you will easily be able to see, I am an avid Runner's World reader. In this last issue, there was a fantastic article about ways to beat the heat, which, as I not so subtly mentioned in my last post has been pretty overwhelming. A balmy 103 degree day was predicted for Saturday, the day of my first long run of training. I don't do well in the heat to begin with, but running 8 miles in it? It was going to be a challenge, but one that I was completely up for overcoming. I mapped out my day and was determined to finish my long run without feeling too terrible.

There are certain sacrifices every runner makes when in training. For me, a small amount of the sacrifice is social. As I was in the midst of shutting off my alarm clock, which went off at 3:30am, two people entered my house. My roommate, after a long night out on the town, and my boyfriend, coming to my house after working a long night shift and driving down to see me. While the rest of the world was getting ready for amazing evenings and shenanigans, I was on the couch, winding down and getting ready for my 9:00pm bed time. Of course I would rather be out on the town, sipping on a miller lite and dancing, but I have my priorities. And so the alarm clock buzzed and I was ready to prep for my day as the rest of the world was ending theirs.

I read in runner's world that lowering your body temperature before a long run in the heat will help your endurance. Baahh. And so my day began, with a road trip up the hill to my 7-11 for a deliciously ice cold big gulp sized Coke slurpee (just like in the article...did i say baah yet?).  My typical pre-run food of hot oatmeal with peanut butter was not going to cut it this morning and so I settled for a croissant with peanut butter and a banana. The weary lady behind the counter allowed me a moment to snap the picture to the left as a small line of exhausted third-shifters and intoxicated bar-goers formed behind me. Apparently, I wasn't the only person who thought that a slurpee at 4:00am was a good idea. And so I gathered my supplies, and went home to continue with this early charade.

After my delicious mini-mart breakfast, I changed into one of my favorite running outfit, to make sure that I was able to be seen in the darkness- my lime green brooks tech shirt, light grey running capris and my  slap bracelet reflectors-- I was ready for anything. I took the time for a good 20 minute stretch to ensure that I was ready for what was ahead. The last touch- I added my utility belt, complete with water, Gatorade, and shot blocks, tied my beautiful brooks shoes and I was ready to go.  I felt like a neon wonder woman, but without the awesome hair. The clock read 5:15am and I exited my house and headed into the 92 degree darkness to start my warm up, ready to conquer the 8 miles that lay in front of me.

The one benefit of being a runner is that often you are able to see things that others miss because of your hours. I can tell you right now, running along the W O&D trail and watching the sun rise over the trees, it is one of the most beautiful things I've seen in my life.The trail itself, once the sun rose, started to get crowded, even at the 6am hour. But that only made it more amazing. Despite the heat, everyone was still determined to get their miles in (Perhaps this is just me, but instead of admiring the toned bodies of the shirtless male runners, I was more horrified that, in this intense heat and humidity, they didn't carry any water with them). I slowed my pace as the sun, and with it the temperature, rose and just took in the trail and the sounds of the early morning. Every single step and every mile that ticked by, I only felt stronger and simple burst with pride, and I had done everything right to make this work.  I was back at my house an hour and 45 minutes later, exhausted, but accomplished, completing my 8 miles, without injury or dehydration and feeling triumphant. Yes, it was only 8 miles, and I have many many more to go, but perhaps, after all, I can do this whole marathon thing...