Saturday, July 17, 2010

Runiversary! (A Week Ago)

Just in case you thought I was kidding about being a day late in my last post, here’s another a few days late. July 11, 2007. Six miles in 1 hour 18 minutes and 57 seconds. And so the Running Fat Guy was born. I had been the Rowing Fat Guy for a few months prior, but on that fated day, my direction changed forever. And I haven’t looked back since – because there are always fast people in front of me!

So it’s been three years. The numbers are staggering for someone who didn’t like running then, and quite frankly, still doesn’t *love* running now. 3,620 miles. That’s like L.A. to New York and then back past Chicago. Pretty mind blowing. .

Here is normally where I would come up with some self deprecating pithy comment, but in all seriousness, running has allowed me to join a world that I never knew existed. I did it for the health benefits. What I ended up getting was a network of friends and acquaintances that I can call on on a moment’s notice. I always get the best advice from you. I always see a smiling face at a race. In short – it’s the best circle of friends that I’ve ever had the opportunity to be involved with. Thanks for celebrating my runiversary with me!

Which brings me to a question for everyone – I’ve been really really fatigued the past few days. Thursday was an especially hot and humid day (at least for us here in Southern California), so I postponed my Thursday evening trail run until Friday morning. I went out with my son and one of his friends for what was supposed to be 9 miles at 6:30 Friday morning. By mile 2, it just was not happening. My legs were ired and sore. Everything was a labor. With the San Francisco Half coming in a week, I decided a half mile or so later to bag the rest of the run, turn around, and head back to the car. I got 5.8 miles in. When we finished up at 8:00 AM, it was already 76 muggy degrees outside, and the big rainbow that we had started to had come onshore with scattered sprinkles. We just aren’t used to this heat and humidity in Southern California I tell you!

Then, the strangest thing. I was just incredibly tired the rest of the day. Incredibly. Nap at 3:30 PM. Another nap at 8:00 PM. Bed at 11:00 PM. Slept through my alarm (missed my long run) until 8:30 AM this morning. I’ve never really experienced this before. For the first time in several months, the brain says go – but the body says no! It’s not like I’m sporting any injuries – not even any tweaks or niggles. I’m just physically exhausted! I’m not really sure why. I’m not coming down with a cold or anything. So any help blog buddies? Should I push on through? Should I rest for a couple weeks and see what happens? Inquiring minds need to know. What I do know is that miles just for the sake of miles only leads to burnout....

18 comments:

  1. Rest up Glenn. That's what I do when I've logged more miles than usual. I'm sure that your running will seem a lot easier when you go back in a day or two. Maybe drink some ice green tea for antioxidents and a caffeine boost. There really is no substitute for rest. The body just needs time to repair. Enjoy it! HAPPY RUNIVERSARY!!! Always remember to enjoy what you do!

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  2. Happy Runiversary!!!

    You got me to checking my miles and I noticed I have burned 629,197 calories from running. Those are Garmin calories so I am not sure how overstated the numbers are.

    On a more serious note, takes it easy through SF - it should be taper time - then see what happens after SF. Obviously, if your body is truly physically tired you need to rest it. On the other hand, if your mind is playing tricks on you then you need to show it who's the boss - but err on the side of resting!

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  3. Rest. You know it will no be that hot for SF. Might be a tad humid, but no heat.

    Congrats on the Runiversary!

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  4. I'm going to echo what everyone else here said.

    In this heat, there's no way I'd finish 13.1 miles. But I'm looking forward to the much cooler San Francisco temperatures next week.

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  5. Are you getting enough liquid? The humidity really takes it out of me and I can feel the dehydration coming on when the temps and the humidity rise. If I don't replace fluids and electrolytes, I can really feel the effects for a day or two.

    Oh yeah, rest is good too, but I have never been too good at that.

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  6. YES! I've been sleeping and napping like crazy. I have been doing a lot more mileage but I think it's the summer heat and fun...I actually LOVE it, napping is the best!
    Happy Runiversary, you really don't *love* it???

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  7. Listen to your body, and if it says rest, then you should rest in my opinion.

    Same thing happened to me yesterday. Did a short run in the heat, to bed fairly early, slept past my early run, and woke after 9 AM -- absolutely unheard of for me. It may be the heat.

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  8. Congrats. Mine is tomorrow. :)

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  9. I always feel stronger after a rest day - take it.

    And I am terrible at listening to my own advice.

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  10. I agree with everyone else. Listen to your body.

    I am relieved to hear it isn't just me. I pushed myself to finish my long run yesterday, but was EXHAUSTED for the rest of the day. I took a nap, which I never do and I went to bed at 9 p.m. I'm still a little tired.

    Happy Runniversary!!

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  11. Weird. I just lost the comment mid-sentence. Ah, well: congratulations on three years of running! I suspect the heat and humidity are the prime suspects in your fatigue. Once you acclimate, the energy will return.

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  12. What i have truly learned Glenn, is that I have to listen to my body. If it says stop, I stop...There will be more miles later, but your body has been good to you! Trust it!

    Can't wait to see you next weekend!

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  13. The best bit of coaching advice I ever got was "when in doubt, leave it out" Listen to your body and rest.

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  14. Agree with the others - if in doubt, wait it out! Get some rest so you can continue to enjoy the running life!

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  15. happy Runniversary! I have been really fatigued lately too. I have been taking naps and just resting alot. I think its the heat!

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  16. I don't think we're used to this type of weather. I've been dragging, too.

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  17. congrats!!

    Whoa, 6 miles on the first outing!? Jeeze

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