Part 1: Step on the Gas!

Last Run: Sunday, 5:20 p.m.

Distance: 6.4 km

Duration: 60 minutes

Pace: 15-minute mile

Ratios: All 2-and-1 run/walks

Favourite song of the run: The Power by Snap! (Oh yeah). You know when you're absolutely exhausted and not even halfway through your run, there are few songs that can re-energize you. Snap's got it going on man '"I've got the power" and all that techno electric keyboard special effects. The only problem was the song is 8 minutes long and after a while I wanted to throw my iPod into oncoming traffic.

At last, I'm back on track - I think. I'm trying not to get overly excited since it's only one run. I could skip tomorrow and not be on track, who knows.

I must admit, I was a little disappointed tonight - the run wasn't as easy as last week's 50 minute run. That run gave me such a high because it was so easy. Tonight was a huge challenge. Of course there were a few things different from last week's run including the time of day (more heat), the lack of Jeff (less motivation), and the sheer exhaustion of the week. But all I could think about was the fact that last week's run happened after a 7 hour car wash!

Either way, I ought to give myself a little credit as, once again, it was the longest run I have ever been on. Nearly 6 1/2 km, wow! And 60 minutes, that's 4 times the duration I was out for a month ago. 

Occasionally on the run I found myself thinking 'Bare minimum, I will have to do this 4 times more to complete the marathon at an average time'. That scared the crap out of me. Especially when I reminded myself that in reality, I, personally, would probably have to do it 7 times more, not 4.

But then, I'm sure that 2 months ago, or even 1 month ago, if you had told me that I would be running for an hour, I would laugh in your face. 

And when I look at the training schedule and realize (as I've mentioned) we only go forward from here - well, eventually I will laugh that I thought an hour was so hard and unbearable.

Okay, so, a few things came up on tonight's run, but I think the biggest one that I need to talk about (because anyone out there considering running needs to know about it!) is gas. I know it's not the most professional thing to discuss, but since when have I been professional on this blog. We're talking about running - there's nothing professional there.

So, firstly - this one has come up several times before but I've never mentioned it on the blog. We've talked about my "drowning on dry land" when I try to drink from my water bottle on my run. Well, you can imagine if you are gasping for air while swallowing the water, there is going to be a build up of air in your gut after a while.

Let me tell you - this is painful. In my mind, worse than a breathing cramp. I find I can't always move my legs the way I want to when I burp is floating around waiting to get out. But then, think about how you often get a burp out. A big gulp of air and push, right? Well, I am trying desperately not to pant or hyperventilate so I am not about to gulp air and push unless I want to pass out. I generally just keep running and furrowing my brow in pain.

Eventually the burp comes out in this weird little wobbly voice. It's still painful for about 20-30 seconds after, and then I finally get a burst of energy. Woohoo!

Tonight was the first time the next one happened. I'm heading in to the last 15 minutes of my run - this means I am 5 minutes away from the duration I ran last weekend. Then the cramps strike me - I need to toot. Badly. I don't think I realized at first that this was what was happening though, I just noticed an unbelievable stomach pain and slight nausea and was brought back to thoughts of my Monday run last week. 

I didn't eat over 250 calories within an hour before my run....I'm not lactose intolerant....I'm not dehydrated or overhydrated.....what is going on? I started to get mad because I felt so sick I thought I was going to have to cut my run short and not even make it as far as last weekend. What a bummer that would be.

Then, the aches moved slightly and I realized what was actually going on. But again, like burps, toots just don't want to come out while you are moving at high speed. That one took some time to settle down.

The final gas relation requires me to go back to the fact that I ran right after work - no supper in my belly yet. And this would be the problem with running around dinner hour - last 10 minutes (which feels like an hour after being out for 50 minutes), turn the corner and BAM, hit with the smell of steaks on a barbecue.

Someone hates me today.

Final point: Gas is a natural thing that happens to everyone, anytime, anywhere. It sucks when it happens while you're running, but eventually the pain passes and you get a second wind, just like every pain in running. I'm never running at dinner hour again (just like I'm never running in the mornings because I get tired, and not running at night because of creepy guys). 

Oh, and did I mention - I ran for an hour!