Monday, August 15, 2011

I am a 'People of WalMart'

This past weekend was busy and exhausting.  No need to go into the details.  Just know that it included an unplanned six hour car ride, 1.5 hours of sleep in a 36 hour period and a funeral for my dear friend's dad.

Saturday did finally bring rain and cooler temperatures.  We have not had rain in months.  This was the day that Randee and Brittany ran their 18 miles.

Don't they look cute in their coordinated blue?
Rumor has it that it poured rain the entire time they were running. I'm super impressed and proud of them for getting the miles done.  Randee swears she is never running again.  Whatever.  We have come too far to quit now!

Talia and I did our 18 miles on Sunday at White Rock Lake.  It wasn't until the last minute that we remembered the Hottest Half would be taking place.  We started about 5:00am, and pretty much had the place to ourselves.

The Dallas city lights are really pretty in the dark over the lake.
Due to my lack of sleep, the first five miles were really hard for me.  Finally, after taking a GU I got a little pep in my step.  The trail along the lake is a 9 miles loop.  We finished loop one in just under two hours.

Half done!  I'm pretty sure these are fake smiles.
We refilled our water bottles and headed out for our second loop.

The sun was just starting to rise and the trail was starting to get pretty crowded.
I started the second half feeling really good.  About mile 13 we started seeing the Hottest Half runners. Let me tell you, there was some very buff, shirtless eye candy!  This was a great distraction.  I also saw Lesley from Racing it Off and got to cheer her on as we passed each other.

Around mile 15 my right knee decided it was DONE.  Every time I tried to run I had shooting pain up and down my leg.  I decided I would just have to walk to the finish.  I was able to maintain a 13:00 to 14:00 pace walking with no knee pain.

We both about cried we were so excited to see the car and know we had completed our 18 miles!

The conditions were not horrible, but we were still sweating like crazy!
Talia, Ms. I Don't Sweat, was freaking out when she discovered sweat was rolling down her legs!
We made a quick stop at Starbucks for our post run chocolate milk and then headed home.  I took my first ever ice bath.

Note to self:  get two bags of ice next time.  One bag melted almost instantly.  I guess I have a steamy butt.
I soaked for 15 minutes and then immediately ran a hot Epson salt bath.  I'm sure it's good for the system to go into shock with extreme temperature changes.

Next I foam rolled.

Then it was compression shorts & calf sleeves, toe stretchers and knee icing.  Pretty ridiculous, but I wanted a quick and painless recovery!
It was finally time for a 1.5 hour nap.  When I woke up I was STARVING!  I wanted sushi and champagne so bad.  I settled for an Amy's enchilada meal. 

I finally ventured out of the house sporting this sexy getup.  I'm pretty sure it will be all over the runways in Milan this fall.
I went to WalMart and the grocery store.  Doug asked me if I was prepared to find myself on the People of Walmart website. I haven't decided if I find that rude or funny.

Just so you know, I brought home takeout sushi and enjoyed it with some sparking wine.  Ahhh, good!

Today I have felt great!  Next week's 10 miles will happen in Park City, Utah.

If the altitude doesn't kill me, it should be a nice cool run!
I hope you had a Marvelous Monday!

16 comments:

  1. Whole Foods sells a powder drink called Acclimate that helps a little with the altitude.

    Baja Cantina is a Park City must if you like Mexican food.

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  2. I had sushi after my 17 miler this weekend, and it was delicious! Great job on that long run!!

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  3. Congrats on 18--that is HUGE!
    Fill the tub more so it covers your legs for the full benefit of the ice bath. Speedy recovery!

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  4. Wow, lady, you are my hero! I'm having trouble just getting through 4 miles because of my knee and shin splints. Can't wait to hear all about Chicago!

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  5. If I saw you in walmart I would have thought "now there is one baddass endurance athlete" and given you a thumbs up and/or high five. get on with your bad self!! :D

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  6. it helps to have the water in the bath run before you head out for that long run. that way its cold when you get in and add the ice.

    i even run it the night before.

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  7. oh and agree with marcia. that water needs to completely cover the quads.

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  8. @Kara - I might just have to run to Whole Foods real quick. I'll need all the help I can get!

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  9. @Vanessa - Thanks! I'm convinced sushi is the perfect recovery meal...or prerace meal!

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  10. @Marcia - thanks for the tip. I will definitely do that next time!

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  11. @Sanity and Sweet Tea - Believe me, If I can run 18 miles ANYONE can! It just takes a little time and determination!

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  12. @JenniferLeah - That's the nicest thing anyone's ever said to me! :) Thanks!

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  13. @Alecia - Yap, cooler temps are gonna be so nice!

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  14. @JunieB - Thanks for the tips. I like the idea of running the bath before I leave.

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  15. In your defense you look WAYYYY better than the typical People of Walmart! I have to say this because I've gone out wearing denim capris and the same leg sleeves you have on. You gotta do what you gotta do!

    I have NO IDEA how you can handle that heat and running. Kudos to you!!

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