We hear a lot about how runs have a way of deciding on their own how they will be. Some days you may come to the start of a workout with all the pieces you need to have a good run (good sleep, good nutrition, etc) and still have a crappy run. This was a great run until about the 2nd hour when I noticed I had left or dropped my bag of electrolyte/salt pills. I had no idea how essential they were until I noticed my energy quickly drop at mile 14. Normally, when I have only 6 miles left my mind happily thinks, "only 6 more miles."This time, the 6 miles seemed like a very long way to go to the finish. Nevertheless, I did finish the run. The day was absolutely beautiful too, just enough cool air, no humidity, and the fall colors were everywhere. I passes over this bridge and could see the Marine Corps Marathon runners making their way. I also got to see tons of houses decorated for Halloween. Below is one of the most astonishing house I got to see. This one is on Massachusetts just north of the embassies.
In 3 weeks I will attempt to run my first marathon ever. I think my strategy will be to take it slow and easy at the beginning and start in with music at the halfway point. I have never been to Philly in the daytime so I'm sure there will plenty to keep me busy and engaged. I will also be very diligent to hydrate often and get at least 200-250 calories per hour via Gu's or actual foods.
On another note, I have also been accumulating a mental list of what I would do different if I were to do the West Virginia Trilogy 50K again next year. I try to get this list up soon. But a huge part of me is convinced that I may just do it again next year.....funny how ones mind works. The first thing I told my husband after coming back from my first ever 50K was, "That was the stupidest and most exciting thing I have ever done. But I don't think I will do it again." A day later, I started thinking about strategies I could use to make myself go faster and the challenge started calling me. So, I think the thing with ultras is that the challenge is one you actually fear you might not get, so when you do the rewards are actually so much more rewarding. In my mind, I can do a marathon easy, but an ultra, will all the mud, unpredictable rocks, cliffs and distance is not a sure thing. THAT is what makes it so much more interesting than a marathon......the fact that it's not predictable, not a sure promise....it's a tease, a carrot that calls and calls....
