22 MILES!

Today I ran 22 miles!  

It Sucked!   

I have never run 20 miles before, let alone 22.   I was expecting something at the end... or during.    But nothing....  Nothing positive at least.  Where is this "Runner's High" they brag about.   I'm here to tell you first hand it does not exist!   All I felt at the end of it was pain and depression.   

I must confirm that around mile 17 the profanity began.   I have seen this in the past... with other runners.  I'm not really sure why it happens.  

Not my legs!

It started out as a wonderful day this morning.   At 9 AM,  the skies were overcast and the breeze was nice and cool.   The temp was 70 with a high of 72 for the day.   The first 6 miles felt so good, I wondered if I should run a little further today.  

My second loop around the PET was still fairly pleasant.   I stopped in to the house as I finished to drink some water and snack on some Honey.  I was not there long, but felt as if there was not enough in the tank for the final loop.  

Around mile 15....  Things began to change.   My legs, though sore, still functioned up to this point.   But then I felt thing begin to "fail".   My glutes.  My knees. My shoulders!  ( How can that be an issue?)  Even my elbows!  I stopped several times at the drinking fountains to re-hydrate as best I could.   Apparently, it was not enough. 

Walking!  Unforgivable!

At mile 18,  I stopped in for the last time at the house for one final water break.   And then I charged out for the remaining tail up to the corner and back.  It would give me 22 miles.   And it sucked!   The profanity began to get louder and the emotional damage of failure weighed heavy on me.   I actually had to walk up the hill!  I thought my brain was stronger than that.   Mind over your body...right?   

The small concession I have is that I actually completed the task I set out for myself.  I didn't quit, although the offer was there several times... I knew that if I quit on this, I would feel worse.   Worse than the overwhelming pain I am currently feeling as I sit in this chair with my legs propped up.   

The surprising "good" news is that I managed to lose 9 lbs in the process!  That is right!  9 LBS!   I'm sure it is entirely water weight and I am currently at dangerous dehydration levels... I will gain it back as soon as I begin drinking water again. ( Which I have been doing all afternoon!)  I'm feeling a little bit better now.  

I'm not sure why I attempted 20+ miles today.   Perhaps it was the weather.   Perhaps it was something that was bothering me.  What ever it was, I no longer can remember it now.  My mind has been completely wiped!   All I can think about is the ache in my legs, the chafing on my buttocks, and the blog post I have to write about the experience.  I, unlike any other runner, am NOT trying to get other people into the sport.   For me... It is not really a sport.   I am not doing this to get healthy or stronger.   I'm doing it to become a Monster.   Because Monsters are respected and "nice guys" are not.  I'm not sure how much longer I have to do this, (Forever!) Or if I will ever know when I have achieved "Monster Status".   All I know is that I saw a Monster in me at mile 20 today.   And he is very Angry, mixed with a touch of sadness.  And still Weak!    But what is that against the ravages of time. Time will always win the battle.... That is why every second counts!