Today was a humbling, and unecessary experience. I have learned a valuable lesson of the importance of drinking electrolytes and bringing ample amounts of water. We met at Inspiration Point today for an 11 mile run. This is the first time I had been to Tilden Park and was SUPER excited - heard amazing things about it. After driving up a full mountain (thankfully NOT running this one) I arrived at Inspiration Point. It was beautiful, ideal weather. Completely clear views...and I didn't notice yet, but not really that many trees. We stretched, chatted, enjoyed the views and used the restrooms. This was a mentor led run, meaning there were not any water/fuel stops along the way. I had coffee, dry toast, honey and a bottle of water before starting that morning. I took a bottle of water and a packet of gu. It made sense to me....
So the ran began, first mile tall trees, small rolling hills, birds chirping - great. After that, no more happy Jennifer. Thank god I had Chipper Sue with me, she is the only reason I made it. It felt like I was running in a Hidden Valley Ranch Dressing commercial. Cows grazing everywhere, cattle guards every mile to make me stop and walk over the bars, coiled snakes in the middle of the path (b/c it was desert hot out there, did I mention that???) warming their little bodies, and absolutely not even one tree in sight. Blaring sun, heat radiating up from the earth, the breeze took a vacation for the morning b/c I don't know where it was, and I ran out of water at mile 5. Also, miles 4-6 were all mini-mountains. I mean ones that cows couldn't even climb! There was a loose bull in the middle of the running trail at one point, with huge horns and looking a little possessive of his space. I thought for sure he was going to charge me as we ran past him. In the midst of my almost coma I actually bursted into full sprint as I passed him, fueled by panic alone.
So basically I began suffering from dehydration and no more electrolytes left in my body. I was light headed, dizzy, nauseaus, and 100% fatigued. I didn't know if I would make it, but I had to keep going or I would bake to death in Hidden Valley commericial. I ended up walking about a mile of it spread out through the last half. I really thought I would die, and when I finished - I drank a bottle of gatorade and I felt ready to run again. Lesson - NEVER go anywhere without gatorade, I fell in love with it that day. I <3>
1 comment:
so now you know what you don't want to feel like!!
Post a Comment