Running journal, Monday, 2006-05-29

Running journal, Monday, 2006-05-29
Resting heart rate: 61 bpm (60 second test)
Day: Thursday
Date: 2006-05-29
Weather: Mostly sunny, 2 m/s wind
Temp: 27.78 C (82 F)
Time: 12:47-20:48 (16:20 split)
Terrain: flat
Comments: Came back from vacation Sunday evening and decided to run a full marathon today. Then I decided to go five miles farther than I did previously to give myself more endurance. As I ran past the 17-mile marker, a trio of bikers passed me and asked, "Are you Russian?" I did not respond since they asked after I passed, but I thought about saying "Nyet." As I passed the 18-mile marker on the way out, I noticed lots of cheering people out on the American River on rafts. Three police vehicles were in the parking lot and a crowd had assembled on the banks of the river. Apparently people beached their rafts and were enjoying themselves with drinks and food. The cheers occurred as a motorized orange raft passed carrying several passengers, one with a video camera enclosed in a waterproof cover. Fun. At the 11-marker I noticed someone has used chalk to write "I *heart* U" using one of the numerals, and also added some flowers. I enjoy seeing clever, positive graffiti. As I approached the 10-mile marker, a father and son passed me on bikes, and I overheard the son ask the father how old he was. The father said he was 40, and the son replied, "I thought you were 39.99." I laughed, I love it. There is no water from the Watt Avenue bridge (around eight-mile marker) and the six-mile marker where I turned around. Those four miles were tough, in direct sunlight, no water. I realized at that point that the heat affected my distance, bringing the wall in closer. At the 13-mile marker, I stopped, and relaxed on the ground, exhausted, arms tingling a bit. A passing runner called out to a man standing behind me, "Is he all right?" The man behind me said yes, and the runner said, "When I see a runner on the ground I get nervous." I felt happy to hear this concern. I lay there for about 15 minutes, then I got up, dusted myself off, and began walking back the last seven miles. As I walked, I felt better and better. I noticed that my hands were swollen, not sure why. At the 14-mile marker, I heard a man to my left say "Please, please." I looked and an older man with a cane was on his knees on a trail in the tall grass. I walked over and helped him to his feet, and walked him up to the bike trail. He was covered in stickies from plants, and spoke little English (sounded Russian). He saw his nephew, and called out to him. They thanked me and I wished them a good evening. The parks were full of people enjoying Memorial Day. As I walked back along the mile 17-marker, I noticed a white bird of prey hovering in the air, then diving into the tall grass out of sight. As I approached, I heard a screeching sound like a hawk. While I've seen birds hover, I have not seen them dive. I noticed on the return that people have added graffiti of a tail to the "winding road" sign, and the words"Snake Xing." Cute. Along the 14-mile marker there is a downed branch that looks a lot like a dragon's head. As I walked, the sun set, and bugs and other animals came out to feed. I saw six deer, a rabbit, and felt many mosquitos. Passed an Asian family with fishing poles, a couple walking with arms around each other, and bikes with lights on. I have decided a number of things from today's run. First, new shoes. Second, run in the morning. Third, bring water. I think without the heat I might have made the full distance.
Time: 481 minutes (8:01)
Goal Time: n/a
Distance: 45.16 km (28 mi) http://www.gmap-pedometer.com/?r=210093
Total Distance For Year: 646.0 km (386.5 mi)
Weight (after run): unknown
Any irregular feelings, aches, pains, heart rate, and so forth?: sore knee joints, sore muscles. Left big toe a bit sore but ok.
Foods eaten today: oatmeal with brown sugar, raisins, and soy milk, stuffing