Running Lessons

There are plenty of lessons we've learned over the course of our athletic "careers" and yesterday I relearned one of them...

Running Lesson #?? 

(I should really keep a list)

Know the location of all public buildings and gas stations along your route.

Public buildings?  Why do I need to know where the Library is?!  Public buildings can be used for all types of things such as cover from freak storms, a phone to call for a ride if things go bad, or as in yesterday's case, to alleviating GI issues.  My personal favorite stop is the gas station - far fewer questions and odd looks.

I had already swam and attended yoga in the morning.  After errands, a snack, and rest, I headed out for my long run, 11.45 miles.  At first, I thought my clothing debate was going to be my biggest issue.  Will sleeveless and gloves be warm enough?  About a mile in, that was taken over by a side stitch. Ugh!  I HATE side stitches.  I can always work through them, but they affect my breathing. That lasted for a looooong three miles and then I forgot all about it when the real big concern appeared, the ever-fun upset stomach.

Clothing and the heat/cold I've learned to deal with.  Side stitches can be worked out, even if I have to stop.  GI issues ruin everything!  You can't give up your pace/time goal and just enjoy the run.  You can't just ignore it and work through the pain.  Even after my pit stop, I still had an upset stomach.  All-in-all, I was still impressed with my 7:38 pace; just a tad faster than last week's 10.17 mile run.  But it was not an enjoyable run. 

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Questions

1.  What is the worst type of issue to get on a run?
Is it GI, wet socks, blisters, forgetting your body glide... ?  

2.  Have you ever had to stop to use the bathroom on a run?
If not, you are incredibly lucky and I hope it continues that way!  This was the 4th time I can recall stopping on a training run.  I also stopped twice during last year's marathon.


Swim fast.  Bike smart.  Run hard.