Singleton 5 Miler Recap

Last night I was lazy. I had planned on making chicken alfredo to carb load and great ready for my race, but I was exhausted and tired and instead made Jambalaya from the box. Rice and Chicken does not equal pasta and chicken. When I went to bed Friday night my mind was not too focused on what I was waking up to... a 10 miler race. I was thinking about the race, how I am missing ESPN Gameday's coverage of Alabama/Penn State, the wedding venue tour, and then the game. I couldn't sleep and when I finally fell asleep around 12:00 my alarm went off too soon.

Well, 6:05 am came early & I once again was glad I had my clothes picked out. I got dressed, took the dog out and hit the road to head to Tucker, GA for what would be my first 10 mile run since the ING Half Marathon in March. Yikes. Nothing like forcing myself to get some miles in right?! I knew going into the race that it was super low key - no shirts, low race entry fee, just laid back. Given that it was hosted by The Atlanta Track Club, I figured there would be water stops, but I had planned to bring my own water too.... only to realize that I left that bottle at the office yesterday. Strike 1 against my morning. I got there at 6:45 thinking the race started at 7.. nope started at 7:30.. so I got to stand around for awhile. Around 7:15 I was regretting rushing out the door and neglecting to make toast. *had I known the race was 7:30 I would have made toast* ...and as I was thinking about the lack of breakfast I began thinking about the lack of carbs... and then I was thinking, great no prerace fuel, this is gonna be doozy.

When the race started I started strong. I was jamming and moving and feeling confident and strong. Around mile 2.5 I was wondering (and asking race volunteers) where the 1st water stop was only to be told "i don't know" ... and I think that is when and where my mind starting playing games with me. When I finally stumbled across water I was so so so grateful and took some and kept moving. As I was nearing mile 4, my mind starting telling me "you know you can take an exit at mile 5..." and I started contemplating it. Around mile 4.5 I told my self no I am doing 10, i need to do 10. and then the dehydration headache sat in and the wonderful question of "where is the water" came back. ...none to be found. So I bowed out at 5. Another big reason on why I bowed out was something super weird and this is TMI, I know, but my boobs literally hurt. Like stabbing pains every time my foot hit the ground.

But, I feel that 5 miles is better than no miles. I had my Garmin set to the 14 minute pace and I beat the little runner man inside by about .75 miles - which means I am doing well for Marine Corps and beating the bridge. Next weekend I am running a 10k here in Buckhead which is 6.2 miles. Tomorrow I am going for a 30 minute swim and 30 minute elliptical session. ....it's all gonna fall together, but nothing like cramming. :o)

Lessons learned: 1) always carb load. 2) don't skip breakfast. 3) bring your own hydration. 4) confirm race start time before leaving the house.

and now onto a crazy day of wedding venue visits. making spin dip for the game tonight and then THE GAME! Happy Birthday Bear Bryant! =) roll tide roll