Ten Miles..Why Am I Doing This?

Quick stop to snap awesome downtown view

So, yesterday I ran my first 10 miles...in a row...like, no stopping...then I died. Okay, I felt like I was dying. Now for the avid runner out there who is reading this, prepare your scoffing and head shaking, because it's about to get ugly.
My first mistake was I didn't bring or drink any water during the run. I know, I know, all you experts and non experts alike are shuttering right now. I really don't know the reason that I forgot to drink water, just that I was super nervous about my first 10 mile run and I think I just wanted to get it under my belt finally. Secondly, I brought nothing of nutritional value along with me. Oh sure, I brought a granola bar or two, but I've read enough to know that you want something high in nutritional value but not taxing on your digestive track. Many runners use protein gels or chews to give this energy and I had none of that. So let's just say I was not getting up the rest of that day!

Mid run snack

But, I did it. I pulled off my first 10 miles, and besides feeling nauseous and nonenergetic the rest of
the day, it felt great! And actually, after I had my second helping of pasta for dinner, I was able to really feel better enough to bask in the victory, but I did go to bed early. I am a mere mortal after all.
So, some thoughts I gleaned from this run. Long distance running takes patience. Even when I wasn't hurting or exhuasted, I was kind of bored after awhile. My grandpa warned me of the boredom on the long distance runs and suggested a running partner. If there are any takers, I am doing my long distances on Saturday mornings and he even suggested it could be someone riding a bike along side. But even without a partner, patience is an important lesson. I caught myself looking at my watch to see my distance and freaking out when I realized I had only gone one more mile...Keep in mind, it wasn't too long ago where I was excited to even make it a mile. Oh, how things have changed.
I also learned to glean from those who've been there. I had an excellent conversation with my grandpa the night before my long run, as he has ran a few marathons himself.
As we video chatted, it was so much fun to hear his advice and realize that I was talking to a marathoner who knew the ropes and was willing to teach them. I think I've taken for granted all these years that he was such an athlete and it was mostly due to the fact that I had no interest in running when he was in the thick of it. But my admiration for him now is beyond expression. He told me that training for a marathon is a part time job and asked if I was sure I was ready for that commitment. My wife and I responded that we were and then he gave his advice. Pa is always looking out for me and my family. I love it!
Another thing I learned on the trail was that I am worthy of this competition. I'll admit, when I first arrived for my run, I saw all these other runners in their fancy gear and shoes and what not. I am going to get geared up when our taxes come in, but until then, it's simple mesh athletic pants, t-shirt, light jacket, and a regular pair of tennis shoes for me. I felt unworthy to train for this with that gear, but I knew I wanted to get this 10 miles in, so I started after it. When I hit mile 8, a realization swarmed over me that I felt dumb for not thinking of before. The clothes and apparel don't make the runner, it's the heart that makes the runner. I had every right to be here training as anyone else. Not too many people can say they've ran into the double digits and I was about to. The feeling of pride came over me and I moved on....
Until mile 9 and 1/2. That's when all my energy drained, my knees burned like wildfire, my calves really showed that they could charlie horse. I had nothing left. So, you know what I did? I imagined I was in the last half mile of my marathon. I imagined that I had just ran 25 and some odd miles and just had that last half to go. It wasn't 90% heart anymore. It was 100% because my body had nothing left. Oh, I forgot to mention another distraction that almost made me lose focus in the middle of this run. My fitbit quit half way through. It was mind numbingly urking. Luckily it tracked what I had already ran still and I just had to reset it. So basically I knew I had ran a little over 5 miles and so I decided to run 5 more to make sure I didn't cheat myself. I really wanted to give up when it stopped but I knew it was stupid. I really just wanted to see that 10 miles on my watch instead of the 5 again, but I knew that wasn't the point. So I mustered on.

Victory Selfie. Notice my eyes say "No MORE!"

And when I did hit that 5 again, the euphoria that overtook me was insane. I quickly texted my wife a victory picture next to Grays Lake, which is where I started and finished, and then I slowly walked back to my car, allowing my heart rate to slow. I did my post run stretches and drove home, grabbing the largest bottle of water I could find along the way. And I have to say, now that I've had my rest, I feel pretty amazing. Sure my knees hurt. Sure my thighs feel like jello. But I'm going to do it. I just ran just over 1/3rd of a Marathon seven months before race day. I'm going to be all over that beast!
Final thoughts. I am having to figure out truths and lies as I try to keep positive during my training. So here is an example of what I'm talking about. I told myself a lie on the way home. I said, "I don't want to do that again." The truth is, I don't want to feel like that again. Another truth is, I won't. When I run my next long run, my body will be in better shape than it is today. I will be more prepared and learn from the mistakes I made. Thanks again for all the support I have received thus far in this journey. You all mean more to me then you will ever know! And when I receive the medal for crossing the finish line, I will owe it to all of you! But my wife's getting this one. Sorry!

After fitbit stopped for no reason!

Before fitbit stopped for no reason