Tough Last Long Run

Walking, Tired, Flat, Disappointing

These are four words that described my last long run on Friday as I prep for the White Rock marathon next weekend. I ended up waking parts of the last three miles as I was just running out of energy and I also felt a bit of a tweak in my left hamstring. I felt old (whatever that is) and out of shape.

I did observe one thing that will probably help on race day and that is I require a lot of water when I run regardless of the temps. I got pretty dehydrated by the end of the run and I was still not hydrated by the end of the day. My body seems to require 21oz every 45-60mins regardless of the temperature. I will use this information on race day!

This is not how I wanted my last solid run to transpire but it did. So now what?

My main concern is having enough spunk in me to run a 3:30-3:40 since I am running with a friend trying to BQ. I honestly have no idea right now if it is in me but I plan to collect all the mental and physical energy I can store up during the coming week and release it on race day.

I have a feeling this year my racing season is a bit too long and I am just running out of gas. I have been ultra racing since February and had a bit of a crazy fall ultra schedule, at least for me. (two 50 milers and 1 50k within 3 months) It has been an extremely fun year but my body is asking for a bit of rest.

My focus for the coming week will be:

rest – I would like to get to bed one hour earlier than usual each night.
nutrition – High quality food all week.
hydration – Stay up on my fluid levels.
keep moving – A few short runs to keep the muscle memory and plumbing sharp or at least not get any duller.
Rip it on Sunday!

Rejuvenation cycle begins in exactly 7 days!

About the author

David Hanenburg is the passionate dirt-lovin' creator of Endurance Buzz and has been playing in the endurance sports world since 2000 after knockin' the dust off of his Trek 950 hardtail thanks to a friend asking to go ride some local dirt. In 2007 he ran his first ultra on the trails and fell in love with the sport and its people. For more information on David's endurance sports journey, check out the About page.

4 Responses to “Tough Last Long Run”

on 08 Dec 2008 at 4:22 pm 1Stephanie

Hey there – love the pic. It is exactly how I feel – lol.

You are going to do great – we are going to have fun first and foremost. What ever happens – happens. Feeling good about the day is my first goal. Thanks for tagging along!! Oh and good news/bad news: They only have an extra small left in the pink skirt. I guess we won’t match after all. so sad, so sad…..

on 09 Dec 2008 at 9:06 am 2David Hanenburg

With Pink being the new black, I am disappointed. Oh well, life goes on.

on 11 Dec 2008 at 8:15 am 3David P

Good luck!!! Run like the wind…..a 3:30 wind, that is.

on 11 Dec 2008 at 1:11 pm 4David Hanenburg

Thanks DP! The way the forecast is predicting, “wind” will be a topic of discussion.