Week Fourteen: 18 Miles -- CarenClark.com Message Board

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Date Posted: 15:44:49 08/04/02 Sun
Author: Caren
Subject: Week Fourteen: 18 Miles

18 miles. That's a very long distance. It seems even longer when it's 95 degrees outside. We've been having a heat wave in DC for weeks (yeah, I know, it's summer), and it's just terrible to run in this weather. The good news is that if a body gets acclimated to running in really tough circumstances like this, running in the cool October weather for the marathon should be a breeze.

My old pace group seems to have disappeared. I guess they dropped out of the program or are now at a different training site. That's too bad. :(

I'm going to continue training with the faster group that I've been running with for the past few weeks. It seems to work well when I go out at their pace, stick with them for about 10 miles, then come back more slowly on my own while my injury heals.

Today was a great run...at first. Before the sun came up, it was cool and not too muggy. Everyone's spirits were high, so the first half of the run passed very quickly. I hoped things would stay that way, but they didn't. Around mile 10, the old quad/hip flexor injury started to hurt, so I slowed down. It didn't hurt as much as it used to and I ran longer before the pain started to kick in, so I hope that means it's healing.

What's weird is that every week I run and feel pretty good about the long runs except for the injury. My legs haven't been giving out, my muscles haven't been rebelling... But this week, even though my injury wasn't bothering me as much as it used to, I was SO tired for the second half of the run. Around mile 14, I had nothing left in me. I ended up walking a lot more after that and I've never wanted to get to the finish more in my life.

I suppose this was my first experience with "hitting the wall," although I have no idea why I hit it today, especially since I've already done longer distances. I tried to figure out if I changed my routine this week, but I don't think I did. I hydrated properly, I did my maintenance runs. It was just weird how worn out I was during today's run.

As I type this a few hours later, I'm running a mild fever. Either I'm getting sick, which would explain the crappy run, or the fever is a result of the run.

In any case, I'd love to crawl back into bed and not move for hours, but I have a flight to catch in a little while. I'm not thrilled with the idea of folding my achy limbs into a tiny plane seat.

Next week: 9-mile recovery run

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Re: Week Fourteen: 18 Miles -- Eric Merkel, 12:46:38 08/13/02 Tue

hang in there, you are doing awesome! the heat definitely plays a major factor in all injuries, as well as your performance. i did a long run this past weekend, and really started to feel some serious pain by the end.
Don't worry about your pace being fast enough, you will be completely amazed how far the crowds cheering can take you. And just remember, you'll have the crazy merkel fan club cheering you on to victory!!! Congratulations on your first introduction to the "wall", now that you've been formally introduced, next time it comes to visit, you can tell it to F* OFF! LOL If you'd like a small taste of the crowds, and how all this nonsense will work, register for the army ten miler with me, pj and danny. its a couple weeks before the marathon, and starts/ends at the pentagon (www.armytenmiler.com) keep up the good work!!!!

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[> [> Thanks, Mr. Ironman! -- Caren, 16:17:36 08/14/02 Wed

You know that I hang on every word you say when it comes to training. I figure you know your stuff.

For anyone else that might be reading this, this will be Eric's third (or fourth?) Marine Corps Marathon! That's in addition to the AIDS Ride and the Out of the Darkness Walk. He's truly an inspirational athlete...and also crazy enough to train for a marathon each year!

Thanks for your support and encouragement! I know that you understand just how helpful it is. :)

Caren

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