ouch

Nine miles today. Thought I was ready. Thought I was just going to trot along with my really good endurance and it was going to be no thang at all. Been following the plan (with the notable exception of cross-training, which I know I just need to get on the horse with that) and doing everything I'm supposed to do, but the legs were just not in it to win it today. Miles 1-5 were pretty normal, miles 6-8 were difficult but manageable, and the last mile, especially leading into the home stretch, were just about intolerable. I have at least two hot spots on my right foot (not the same spot as before, brand new hot spots) and a little bit of chafing under my right arm (but not my left - weird?!) but the biggest ouch came - and this is where it gets a little icky - as soon as I crossed the 9 mile mark, hit the button on my watch, and immediately started to dry heave. Thankfully, there were no cars on the street as I plunged toward the ground not once or twice, but probably five times. Nothing came up, and I managed to get across the street and grab onto a fence to get my balance, but wow y'all.

According to my timer, I averaged just over an 11-minute mile. This is not bad at all, especially for long distance. It's only about a minute over my short run time, which is how it should be. But I finished nearly three hours ago and I'm still just plumb wore out. I did a good stretch (thanks to the fantastic videos on RunnersWorld.com) and cool down. Washing my hair took far too much energy. Eating breakfast took even more, ridiculous. And now, I'm going to curl up in my special living room chair and try to let my muscles rest. Oy gevalt. Do I seriously have to do 10 miles next weekend?? Hal Higdon, why do you torment me so??