8 Miles is a lot harder than it looks............

Today was LRD....Long Run Day. 8 miles according to my half-marathon training schedule. Did the first 4.31 with my running buddy. We made a big loop to get in the distance...and the route wasn't bad. Some of the hills were rough. Dogs made themselves scarce, but I carried a big stick just in case. The heat today was the worst thing. Felt like I was running with a blanket wrapped around my shoulders. My friend had somewhere to be so she didn't want to try to run another loop, and I had to go to the bathroom. I haven't quite gotten comfortable enough to get behind a tree, so I drove home and used the facilities there. I took a few sips of cold water--that is a recipe for vomit. When it hit my stomach I could feel the naseau coming, and that ringing sound in my ears. Not good. I took a few sips of Gatorade, and that took care of my problem thankfully. I didn't know how I would continue running while carrying a bucket.  Then I hit the road again for the last 4.05 miles. Whew! The temperature was even hotter. And that little hateful dog at the end of the road started with me again. I was ready for it--had me a big stick and used my mean voice. It finally went back home. I couldn't use my intervals for running/walking because my app works about half the time, so I just ran when I felt like it and when I needed a break I stopped and walked, and then started again. I think I like this better than anticipating when that lady in my phone is going to say "Next interval...." I may just trash the app and go back to my regular iPod and Timex Ironman watch, especially if I know how long the route is. Most of my run was in full sun, so thankfully I remembered my visor. It also serves as a sweat band. I was so tempted to sit down on the side of the road in the shade and call Steven or the boys to get me on the golf cart, but I didn't. I persevered and finished that 8 miles. I chanted "I can do ALL things through Christ who strengthens me" over and over and over, especially the last mile. My total time--1 hour 47 minutes for 8 miles. I was also killing two birds with one stone by completing a Virtual 10K!  Not to shabby considering I really slowed my pace down. My average was 13.4 minutes/mile. When I made it to the porch after cooling down, I sat in a rocking chair under a ceiling fan. I drank 2 bottles of Gatorade...one of G2 and one regular diluted with water. I felt sloshy. I stretched, going through my routine like I always do...except I did it under the ceiling fan in my bedroom. I was STARVING! Next time I have to eat a little something before my long run besides Gatorade Energy gels. I tolerate them a lot better than the GU Gel...that stuff leaves an aftertaste like no other. And feels like a brick sitting in the bottom of my stomach. I ate grits for breakfast because that's really all I had.....and now I could eat a giant steak dinner complete w/ baked potato, salad and about 6 yeast rolls. Plus some sweet tea. And dessert. But, I won't! I'll try greek yogurt with an apple and see if that settles my stomach a little bit.  My legs are still jello-y but I've got to get up and move so I don't get "stove-up" as our Nanny used to call it! Next long run day I will either be on a treadmill in air conditioning or I will start earlier so the heat doesn't zap me. Now I am having a bad cough....feels like bronchitis coming on. Gotta get more Mucinex. My shower is calling....