I am not sure how to classify today's long training run. I personally feel like it is an epic fail, based on the fact that I failed to complete my pre-determined route. However there were circumstances out of my control which led to the decision to stop the run with 2.1 miles left in the route. Here are the details which led to the unfortunate death of my training of my long training route.
Everything started out very promising, there was a light sprinkle of rain and it was about 66 degrees F, perfect for running, the rain would stop around mile 1. The legs felt strong with no pain or muscle cramping, however I was questioning my decision not to wear my compression shorts for the run. A decision which will haunt my thoughts throughout this run. It was an interesting start with many animals bounding for cover as I passed, along with an accident of some sorts being attended to. I am not really sure what happened with the autos but they were trying to get is loaded and moved. That was around mile 3 when it started to rain again, it felt good. Actually, everything was feeling good, my cadence, pace, and body were all going along much better than expected. Then the unexpected, the road that I was using for my route today was in the beginning stages of resurfacing. Not that big of a deal you would think, but it was like running on thousands of jumbo pencils no footfall was the same. This surface started to irritate something in my left foot, and soon the right knee started to chime in along with the chaffing which was starting to become more noticeable. This was the story for the next two miles, and then I hit the turning point to head back. It was smooth running until the 9.5 mile mark and the hungries hit me. I started to hit the Chomps pretty hard to try and contain the empty feeling, but it would not be sated. At mile 11 I was forced to stop, my arms and fingers turned to pins and needles, legs got weak, my balance went, and I think that I may have blacked out for a couple paces. Can't be sure on the last one. Having never encountered anything like this before I decided to walk the rest of the way home. I did manage to get another .7 miles in three separate runs during my depressing walk home to finish. Wish I knew what happened a mile 11, everything after that was pretty normal. The runs felt like I was on tired legs, which they were, and the walking didn't hurt. With the exception of my pride.
I can't help but think that if I had worn the compression shorts that I might have made it back home, or at least eliminated the chaffing. This leaves me with a problem as to how to place this effort. I am totally upset that I didn't finish and had to walk, but on the other hand I maintained a good pace on a much more challenging route than I normally would attempt. I know that I should not discount the achievement of a quality run of 11 miles in a good time, but I still didn't finish what I started and that really bothers me. I will let you decide which way I should go. Epic fail or quality run with a schooling.
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