"CRASH!"

You should have been able to hear it about 11 am Eastern time, it was so loud. But before you start worrying that I was injured it was more of a physiological crash then a physical one.

I have learned that there are 2 ways to form or change habits. The first is through repeated experience, and the second is through a significant emotional event. Today was a significant emotional event and as such we should find out if there's truth to the theory. I certainly have not learned through repeated experience.

Here's the story. It was long run day so I had some breakfast(2 toaster struddles and a coffee) and headed out, my fuel belt loaded with more than a litre of water. I had planned on doing the 4 different blocks around our house for a total of approximately 30 kms, but as soon as I got out there, the idea of going around in circles made me dizzy. So, since I had my water with me I headed due east on our road, intending to run to Aylmer and back for a similar total run. I felt great all the way out, so much so that at the turnaround I was surprised to suddenly feel a little tired. By the time I was halfway back I was starting to drag more than a little, and my heart rate was rising quickly. Meanwhile the wind had shifted and freshened as well. When I was within a couple of kms from home I didn't know if I was going to make it. Somehow and for some reason I stayed on my feet and when I got back to the driveway I almost lost it totally. I was pretty close to sitting down. I spent most of the afternoon in bed recovering.

So hopefully I've finally learned my lesson. Somehow I considered 30 kms just an easy run and clearly did not prepare properly. The toaster struddles had less than 200 calories each and apparently the 3 ice cream bars I had before going to bed didn't cut it. From now on, no more of that cheap hershey ice cream! Its only Haagen Dazs from here on in. Maybe I'll try to eat a little better before my run as well, and start drinking a sports drink instead of water. No kidding!

The worst part of a bad day like today is that I really didn't achieve much. A lousy workout like that does nothing to add to my fitness, and in actual fact may be counter-productive. I can't afford to let it happen again. So stupid!

I need a good rest tonite as I have a busy day planned tomorrow. A badly needed massage first thing in the morning followed by a 1000 metre swim, and then hopefully a 30 k bike, a short run , and weights in the evening. I need a confidence boost after todays debacle.

I wish to dedicate day 252 to Mr Sandy Wansbrough, my high school gym teacher who first got me into running. He'd be proud of me today.

...and so on yours truly...

“He was born stupid and greatly improved his birthright"---Samuel Butler

...and maybe true but not for endurance running...

“People need dreams, there's as much nourishment in 'em as food."---Dorothy Gilman

...and hopefully it's been given and I will take it...

“Lessons are not given, they are taken."---Cesare Pavese

love
peter