A Wake Up Call

Since I started training for my first half marathon back in December, I've had my fair share of ups and downs.  But this past week, I went through runners purgatory.  I needed to document my journey in order to not repeat the same mistakes again.  My long runs have worked their way up to 9 miles, and this time, I was supposed to run 10 miles.  I got about 3 done and was experiencing what I suspected was the beginning of the "runners trots,"  where your digestive system just gets angry and cramp at you for not properly prepping for a run.  To avoid the trots, you're supposed to not eat a lot of fiber and protein the night before a really long run (10 miles for me).  I stopped at a Starbucks restroom with no relief, and just kept going.  At 6 miles, I stopped running.  The stomach cramps were unbearable and I was at the point of wondering if I was going to pass out.  Not good.  So here were the details of the previous 24 hours, in order to never repeat them again:

• Slept horribly the night before, maybe got 5 hours
• Had a strong cup of black coffee when I woke up, which did help me empty out a little unneeded pounds (sorry, gross.)
• Ate english muffin with peanut butter for breakfast, 2 hours before run
• Ate almost no carbs night before, and only carbs that who day was a multi grain wrap for lunch
• Not diligent enough with water prep day before or morning of
• Drank 5 hour energy as an experiment - would it make me run better?  
• Experiencing dehydration s/sx at the end of the run and throughout the rest of the day: dizziness, weakness, dry skin, stomach problems, decreased urine output, increased digestive activity, pale skin and increased HR

All in all, I think I was super dehydrated and improperly fueled.  The excess caffeine didn't help the digestive system, and also I think my body reacts to Gatorade.  I just never feel great with Gatorade as my hydration.  I'll stick with water.

Tips from friends:

• Have a carb-heavy meal the night before, with low protein and low fiber to keep the digestive system at a proper pace during the run
• Hydrate during run, 4 oz every 15 minutes
• Fuel with snacks every 45 minutes into a run
• Sleep night before
• Jillian Michaels says the equivalent of 1 medium cup of coffee 45 minutes before you exercise will help with fat burning/endurance during a workout