Training Run #6 Lake Chabot

16 Miles. It was a lot to swallow and I decided not to think about the mileage (or have it tracked) during the run. Arrived just in time, was given a map and started out for the run I felt OK. Focusing on the mileage ahead of me would only lead me to a diminishing place mentally- so I hooked up with the group I am training with and checked in with most of the runners as we headed out along the trails leading away from the parking lot. I then noticed I was the only one who had not brought a water source- luckily it was a cool morning and a sheltered run, but I now realize I should have brought something to drink during the final 3-4 miles where I was fading fast. One of my friends offered me his water and I accepted! Again, it is great to be a part of a group that is supportive and where friendships are evolving. "You get what you give" and of course this mirrors the training runs as well. As I sit here writing this, I can feel my hip flexors "zinging" but I feel much better now after running 3-4 miles today as a recovery run . Granted, I feel a bit like I have a hangover, but instead of feeling it in my head it resonates from my shoulders down to the soles of my feet- but I feel pretty good now.
I hit a mini wall (hedge?)on my run around mile 12 just as we came out of the ravine, behind us all the trails twisting and winding including flashes of bright green trees amongst the brown footing that I had to completely concentrate on in order to keep my balance. At one point, I felt like part of a cross country team, runners moving in front and then tucking in behind- letting others lead and sometimes carrying the burden of us all during the long run.
The bottom of my feet were stinging from breaking in my new Nike Free shoes- I had worn socks (which I never do) and this produced friction, but the shoes did support me well for the run. Only at one part of the run did I feel good (mile 12-13) and turned on the jets- but it did catch up to me near the end of the run. I like to mix it up during the runs and really push it a bit so I can be fully prepared for a steady run throughout the actual marathon race. For me, this weekly run is a chance for me to push a bit harder then I might not do during the rest of the training week. A few barriers that I encountered along the way: dehydration, burning feet, chafing, overall I would prefer that to distracted pedestrians, car traffic or street running. I could have used a night in but was invited over by some good friends for a home cooked dinner - where a wonderful Hendrick's Gin and Tonic lifted me out of my funk! Keep on truckin'!