NYC: Week 4

Since when is finishing not a goal?
I think I am pretty much over the "lack of a goal" thing, as I realized yesterday just how lucky I was to have finished two marathons, let alone qualify for Boston in the second.  It is not that came easily, but I may have taken in for granted in by getting greedy and wanting more.

Yesterday, I was scheduled to do a 16-miler to get caught back up on my training program.  I missed my 10-miler in week one, and did it in week two in place of a 12-miler, etc.  I had a pretty good week and thought I would just get back on track.  I ended the day asking myself, "How is it, exactly, did I make it 26.2 miles - twice?"

Blazing hot sun

Actually, it was a good run - but I started late and started getting very hot by the 8th mile.  I was going through my Cytomax pretty quickly and still feeling pretty dehydrated.  By the 10th mile, I was starting to develop a small but noticeable cramp in one of my calves.  I stopped and stretched, but it stuck around.  I slowed down a bit and pushed through to the 13th mile, but I was out of gas and cramping.  I pushed on through to the 14th mile and called it a day.  With 12 weeks to go to New York, I can't fathom any reason why getting hurt would solve anything.  However, as a matter of pride (as well as the fact I still had two miles to get home) I walked a mile and jogged the last one.  So, in a way, I guess I still got my 16 in.  It wiped me out for the rest of the day, though.

I am reminded of a couple of pretty important things, as I gimp around on Monday morning.

1. Get your butt out of bed and run before it gets too warm!
2. Hydrate or die
3. It is an achievement to finish any run, and maybe that ought to be a good goal for NYC. (The time will take care of itself)
4. Pat yourself on the back for stopping when there is no rational reason not to.

The timing is good. I've got a bit of a recovery week that is capped off with the Holy COW Westminster Trail Stampede right in my backyard on Saturday.