A Step Back?

At first I was very disappointed in myself for not running the 18 miles today. I ran 14 miles. Actually I ran the 14 miles in a fast 2:58:20. Still I wanted to run the 18.

So what kept me from it? A few things. First my feet. The bottom of my right foot really hurt me today. This has happened before, but I was able to run through it. Not today. Second I lost energy. I tried Gu for the first time today. I learned an important lesson though, if I am going to keep my energy up, I need to do it more often. I had some Gu at the 6 mile mark, and then again at the 13 mile mark. The fact I ran empty at 14 tells me I did not have enough in me, energy wise today.

I also needed some sodium. The Gatorade just did not do it. When I got home I saw white streaks all over my face. I am assuming that was sodium I was losing...and quite a bit of it. Someone can tell me if I am wrong on this.

I was actually pleased with the pace I had going. I was not too tired. I just gave out at the14 mile mark. It was poof....I'm done. So while I initially saw this run as a set back, I think I learned some good lessons for the next long run.

Charlie