I wasn’t looking forward to my long run.  This week, has been a lower energy week but each run has turned out ok.  Until today. 

The goal was 18 miles. Just 1 mile more than last week.  Seemed do-able. 

The morning air was heavy with humidity.  Shane was with me on the first leg of the run, 6.63 miles.  I had to stop to give him water 3 times so our pace was slow.  When I dropped him off at the house, I filled the water bottle and continued on.  My legs were still heavy and I wondered how I was going to make it another 11 plus miles.  My thought was that the energy would kick in as it usually does and I would enjoy the run.

2010 USA Outdoor Championships

There was a hint of light breaking through the trees but still, without my guardian (Shane) I wanted to stay to the well lit road and so continued down the Parkway towards Genesee Street.  I was going to go past Utica College and continue down Burrstone Road into New York  Mills, around by the old Brookside Gym.  But the energy just wasn’t getting to my legs nor my head.  I was dragging.  I turned at the Holiday Inn thinking this just might give me the extra miles I needed to hit 18. 

On French Road, I checked the Garmin.  I hadn’t even run 13 miles yet!  Where was my energy?  Where was my enthusiasm. Where was my running desire?  and….how am I going to make it home?  The thought actually crossed my mind to call Ted and have him pick me up.  No.  I talked myself out of that remembering what Coach said “You will most likely want to quit at least twice during a marathon, but you’ve trained your self to keep going”.   

When I reached Valley View golf course, I knew my miles would be short.  I thought, if I could only go into the golf course and around, that would allow me to reach my goal.  But the energy wasn’t there. My legs were like lead with every step.  I started drinking water like crazy, just to do something to get my mind off my exhaustion.  FINALLY!  I turned into the driveway.

Total miles = 17.25.  I felt exhausted and defeated.  Where did I go wrong? 

Running fuel: I ate half a bagel with PB at 3 AM.  An Accel Gel with 20 mg caffeine at mile 6.   I had Sports Beans for electrolytes at mile 11.2. 

Differences from last week (when I felt like I could do an Iron man):   I had the bagel with PB 2 1/2 hours earlier (at 12:30 AM).  I took the day off running BEFORE my long run last week. This week I ran 8+ miles on Wednesday(the day before).  The temperature was about 5 or so degrees warmer and MUCH MORE humid.

The run today has left me sore.  I’ve been moving at a snails pace.  I felt like I could pull up a pillow and go right to sleep and that just doesn’t happen to me, the “Energizer Bunny”.  

sleeping energizer bunny

I’m suppose to run about 5 miles tomorrow in order to crank my weekly mileage up there but I have a 5K race on Saturday.  At this point, I can only hope a goods night sleep will revitalize and refresh. 

52740_exhausted_blogshow

Do you get mad at your self on those days when you have very little energy? or do you just go with it?

BUITONI!  Here is a video on super foods which discusses how good Buitoni Pasta is for you since it is made with whole grains.  Naturally Buitoni is the last product discussed.

I was sent a coupon to try a box of Buitoni Frozen Meals for Two.  Our box of Four Cheese and Spinach Ravioli didn’t serve just two, it served four

DSC_5194

The dinner we created with Buitoni Ravioli made everyone happy.

DSC_5195

I added shrimp for protein,

DSC_5199

some extra vegetables of cauliflower and broccoli for fiber,

DSC_5196

and the cheese and spinach ravioli in a tomato basil sauce.

DSC_5197

It was a quick, hearty meal and perfect for easy preparation on a week night.

You add the frozen bag of sauce to water.  When it comes to a boil, add the pasta and continue boiling for 5 minutes.  Drain pasta. Place into a serving bowl.  Cut open the bag of sauce and pour over pasta. Perfecto!  

DSC_5198

On another scary note and brought to my attention by Vegetarian Site….Ever tried Tofutti?  Read about some possible FALSE CLAIMS HERE.

Have you tried Buitoni pastas or the sauces? 

Joanne

Print Friendly, PDF & Email