So getting to 18 miles today was tough, to say the least. I got hit pretty bad with a cold this week, even missing a day of work, and wasn’t able to do any sort of midweek training. I was hopeful that getting the rest would make it so the cold didn’t progress. That seemed to have worked, but I still have had lingering symptoms, mainly sniffling and coughing that I imagine is going to persist for a bit longer. 

Nonetheless, in addition to just being antsy in general, I made myself get out for my long run. I tried to start out as optimistic as I could, given the circumstances. I thought about giving myself an “out” and cutting my run short, if needed. I actually felt alright this morning relative to the days prior. Since I knew I wasn’t going to be in top form I headed to the Minuteman Bike Path so I at least wouldn’t need to deal with hills in addition to the coughing and sniffling. 

I felt pretty ok until about mile 12. I have no idea why, but my legs completely tightened up and I was actually in a lot of pain. I tried some of the tips from our lecture a few weeks ago, but actively trying to ignore my legs made me think about them more. I need to work on my strategies. I learned some things about running soon after/still with some symptoms of a cold:

– All the sniffling you thought was finally manageable will no longer be manageable because running will make your nose even more sniffly. 

– You will cough and wheeze while running and, as a result, everyone you approach from behind will turn to see who’s coming because you sound like the last thing you should be doing is running. 

– There is not enough water in the world to make you feel satisfied and hydrated. 

– Gu is even grosser than usual. I’ll spare you further explanation, use your imagination. 

– There’s seriously not enough water and you will contemplate eating the dirty snow (fortunately I talked myself out of that one). 

I honestly can’t even tell you what I thought about during those last 6 miles. Maybe that list, I guess. More than anything I just so wanted it to be over. So much so that, I kid you not, the last mile I let out whimpers. Like an injured animal. They were such little pathetic and audible noises and I truly had no control. My legs were just in a lot of pain (and my “old” heel injury started acting up, further worsening the situation). I think I might have been dehydrated. I drank so much water all day yesterday and even this morning. So much so I had to take a quick break early into my run (thanks Lexington Visitor Center!) 

Anyways, being post stretch and shower I’m feeling a bit better. I’m thinking I might have made the poor decision to tackle the full 18 today, but it’s over and done and we’ll see what I’m feeling like tomorrow!