January 17, 2007

back to difficult runs

I did a few miles of bike ride Monday and got out for a run today. Whatever the reasons, this 2-mile run was far more difficult than any of the half-marathon. What the hell?

It wasn't the legs. I felt minor shin splint on the left, but nothing major, and I attribute that to using the newer pair of shoes, not the old broken in ones I've been running in. The lungs were in hell. I coughed the entire way, spitting up loads of junk. I don't think I spit anything up during the half-marathon. Could it be the 30-degree temperature drop? The 50% humidity drop? The fact that I've been doing all my therapy, including the hypertonic saline, for three days and that tends to irritate the lungs a little bit anyway? I mean, how does one go from a relatively-easy half-marathon with no lung issues to speak of to all of a sudden gasping for oxygen at a twelve-minute pace?

I'll see how Friday's run goes (planning 4 miles) and if I like it, I'll sign up for the Manhattan Half, which is Sunday. If I don't think my lungs can handle the cold, dry air for 13 miles, I'm not going to risk a repeat of lasts year's 3+ hours disaster and I'll just go volunteer or something.

4 comments:

Laurie said...

I'm sure the weather has something to do with it. There are just so many variables that it is hard to know exactly what it is. I hope your next run is better.

runner26 said...

I've had plenty of those short, crappy runs...

I'm in for the half. I will probably bonk, but am hoping just to get out there and have fun. Good luck, whatever you decide to do!

Ryan said...

Hey thx for stopping bye, you have a great blog here! I'm looking into that issue right now, again thx and keep up the running!

runliarun said...

Listen to your body. Your body knows.