16 Miles. Damn Near Killed Me.

So last Saturday, the 11th, we did 16 miles.  I was worried about it and with good reason.

First, I only got in one run during the week.  On Morning night, I did my usual 3.5 mile maintenance run and when I took my first step, something pulled in my left calf.  I did the run (which was probably a mistake) but the rest of the week, it kept cramping up so I decided to rest it and not run anymore until Saturday. 

Friday night, I iced it up and massaged it and stretched it out and by Saturday morning, I felt fine.  And for the first 9.5 miles of the run, I was doing great.  Then we hit the hill.  I started up it fine and then after a couple of minutes, it was like I ran into a brick wall.  I finally just walked it.  The funny thing was, my calf felt great.  But my left knee and hip were bothering me so I just kind of limped up the rest of the way, then started running again on the downhill side.  Then we turned around and guess what - same damn hill - just in the other direction.  And it wasn't any easier the second time.  I had to walk it again.  I ran again on the downhill side and made it through the 16 miles but man, talk about wounded pride.  I felt horrible afterwards.

The good news is I found out I can walk a mile uphill in about 16 minutes.  The bad news is I gotta start incorporating more hills into my solo runs but I live in the San Fernando Valley and it is F-L-A-T.  I gotta figure out some places to run uphill in the mornings.  But at least I made it. 

This week is a recovery run.  Only 8 miles.  Only - never thought I'd ever say that about running.

Here's this week's video.  And if you haven't contributed or you know someone who wants to contribute please go to my AIDS Marathon Home Page and make a donation.  Any amount helps someone in need.

Thanks for all the amazing support.