Saturday’s race went reasonably well. My friend who I was supposed to run with got sick (36 hour virus), so I went by myself.
The race was an annual race which for the last twenty-some years has taken place in mid October, was scheduled this year for September in hopes that the earlier date would bring more runners (It’s always been a small event– 300-500 runners). The earlier date and a 8:30am starting time made for a very hot race.
I had hoped to set a 10K personal record this race, but it just didn’t happen. I made the novice’s mistake of started off too fast and trying to keep up with the crowd of runners around me. I kept up a good pace for most of the race but ran out of steam on the last mile-and- a- half stretch. I did manage to finish with a under 50 minutes time (49:25).
Although I’d hoped to do better, I’m quite happy with the race. I had no blood sugar issues and felt good for the most part. I didn’t even feel dehydrated. Also, part of me feels that had I run too well, it may have gone to my head. Now I feel I need to work harder.
I ran 2 good runs this week, including a nice 8.5 mile run with Tom (my son) alongside me riding his new bike. Until today, after a week-and-a-half of training I was ready to say that I’m feeling good about things- but then…
This evening I decided to run my first long run of this season’s training. According to my plan I am supposed to run 11 miles tomorrow, but because I missed yesterday’s run (got home very late) I thought I would just run my long run today and a short run over the weekend.
I thought I had it figured out. I knew I needed to eat some carb before the run (all I’d eaten during the day was a can of tuna and a couple of cucumbers with olive oil and lemon juice) so I made some Quinoa with Cherry Tomatoes (this is Jessica’s favorite quinoa recipe) and had some. I took 4 units of insulin, the dose I usually take with a large portion of quinoa (1-2 cooked cups).
A half hour before heading out for my run, and almost two hours after eating I checked my BS. It was 175. I thought that was perfect.
I went out running and felt good for the first couple miles. I paced myself, making sure I didn’t start off too fast. I had no problem keeping my heart rate at around 130 and I had that feeling that this was going to be a good first long run. But after two miles I stated feeling sluggish and instead of holding myself back I found myself struggling to keep up a decent pace.
After 2.5 miles I stopped at a water fountain and had a drink and a piece of halva (14g of carbohydrate). I started running again but after just a few feet decided I should check my BS. It was 48. I quickly had another piece of halva and tried to start running again. It didn’t take me more than a few more feet to realize I was going to have to run my 11 miles tomorrow.
I ran a half a mile more to get a little closer to home and then walked another half mile.
This kind of thing used to really get to me but it seems I’m maturing as a diabetic runner. I was a little disappointed but that’s just how it is and it isn’t all that bad if you think about it. I can still run- a lot.
First of all, you’re trying your best. That’s all that anyone can ask for, diabetes or not. Huge congratulations on your very successful 10k and thank you for setting a good model for the rest of us. There is no magic answer to all of this and it’s more helpful than you know to read of others’ challenges when figuring out my own. Tomorrow is a new day. Hope you get to run a good, full 11 miles.
Sounds like a good 10K to me! congrats. And I know what you mean about maturing … I had a frustrating week last week with sugar issues and runs and I really managed my thoughts about it. I still got some exercise…. and hopefully there are lots of good runs ahead!