Oh, where to begin? Let’s start with the poor preparation. As I mentioned in the last post, running didn’t seem to make it on to the schedule this week. Not once. So, I was a little concerned about my long run. Do you remember what happened the last time no midweek running happened? And that was only a seven mile long run (which, incidentally, was what I thought my midweek run would have been on Wednesday)? No? Let me refresh your memory. It was awful. I thought I was going to die and that was only seven miles.
In an attempt to make this long run as painless as possible, I first decided that this had to be a one way run, so I called my dad Friday (I was worried I would get home after he was already in bed) and asked him if he would pick me up at the end of my run and take me back to my car. He said, “Of course” and then I told him I’d call when I got to the end and tell him where I was on the trail. I figured I’d be starting about 6:30, so I told him I should be done by, or before 9:30.
Then, I made sure to be as prepared as possible before I went to bed. I got home early Friday night, after a fabulous HSM2 party. I planned to leave really early to avoid any possible heat issues. Then, when I got home Friday night, I discovered, as I laid out my running garb (clothes, energy stuff, fuel belt, etc.), filled my water bottles and put them in the freezer (thanks for the tip, Holly) I discovered that my socks, the ones I know work on long runs, were dirty. So sad. I put them in the washer (with a full load…I’m no water waster) and then headed to bed, deciding, since I had to dry the socks, I would get up at the same time, and just start my run a little later. Yes, that’s how I feel about my socks. It’s 16 miles. I’m not going to risk blisters with socks I don’t know.
The nice thing about having a little extra time for the sock drying was that I remembered to eat. I have discovered that Power Bars and Cliff Bars are really the only thing I can eat before a long run. I ate my Vanilla Crisp Power Bar, greased my body (remembering last week’s painful underarm chafe-age), put the running clothes on (sans socks and shoes), pulled my hair up, I pulled my water bottles out of the freezer (thanks for the tip, Holly) and then I finally noticed the faint sound of drops on the roof, rain drops. That’s right. No wonder it looked so dark. I knew, when I began this training, that inclement weather was likely to happen for at least one long run and so, I had already decided that it was not going to stop me.
I donned my nice warms socks and shoes, grabbed my stuff and headed out. I headed up the canyon. While the rain at my house had slowed to a drizzle, such was not the case up South Fork. It was raining. Hard. I had made this decision months earlier, so it was not a question that I would be getting out of my car and running. It actually felt fantastic to be out in the rain. I haven’t run in the rain in ages, at least not in a downpour. I was loving it. And then it slowed.
The rest of my run passed about as expected. It was long and hard. And by the end, I thought I might not make it. I hit 14.5 miles and I had this thought…”I’m almost there”. Well, the problem with thoughts is that your body often communicates them to your body and “almost” in my head and “almost” in my body are two very different things. It took everything in me to keep going. And, at this point, walking, which I needed to do on occasion for my heart, was probably the worst thing for my poor knees. It gave my body time to realize just how much pain it was in, and it did not want to cooperate. Somehow, I kept going.
I also decided at the 14.5 mile mark, that I would do the last 1.5 miles as an out and back, because I had just passed an intersection I knew and it would be easy to tell my dad where to pick me up. When I hit the turn around point, I couldn’t do it. I knew my body would quit. At that same moment, there was a slight break in my music, and I heard my phone ringing. I was almost there. .75 miles to go. There would be no phone answering. I kept pushing and pushing. I had to finish this damn run (sorry about the expletive…but that’s what I was really thinking).
Finally, it was over. I had conquered my 16 mile Goliath. I called my dad. He was already out and about…looking for me? It was after I got off the phone that I listened to my message. I should have saved it so that I could write it down word for word. Basically, it went something like this, “Chloe, this is Dad. Just wondering where you’re at. You didn’t answer your phone (really, is that why you’re leaving me a message?). I hope you’re not dead on the trail somewhere. I’m going to head out and start looking for you.”
And that was the highlight of my run. I was laughing so hard. I know it’s probably not that funny to you, but it was just what I needed. I told him I’d be done around 9:30, so when it was 10:00 and he hadn’t heard from me, he started to worry. He called me three times. I seriously adore my dad. I got the same feeling I had when he called and woke me up at 3:45 am last Monday because he hadn’t seen my car. I don’t think he worried as much about me when I was a teenager. It’s really quite cute.
Anyway, today my body is definitely sore. Part of it, I’m sure, is that I didn’t stretch after. I know, it’s horrible, but when I called my dad, I still had about .4 miles to go to get to where he could pick me up and I was moving at snail’s pace. I think an old lady with a walker could have out paced me. Seriously. And all I kept thinking, once I stopped laughing after listening to the message, was, “Wow…and my body is supposed to go 10.2 miles farther than this. Huh.”
My playlist, once again, was the same, with the exception of slow songs. Although, after this run, I’m ready for a change, so look for a new playlist next week.
And here’s a great post someone else wrote. Check it out.
existential dilemmas 
I love running in the rain. Good job on your 16 miles. I’m so sad right now that I can’t run. It’s KILLING me!
Who knew this post would be such a hit? Thanks for the comments. I love them. I’m so glad so many of you know what I’m talking about with my dad…it means that you are as lucky/blessed as I am.k – It really is crazy. And, prepared or not, all the books say you can’t skip those long runs…and I’m kind of a nerd, so I just do what they tell me.Jenny – It is such a great feeling!Abbie – the extra weight is totally worth it. I would never make it that far without the water. Also, I’ve recently lost 20-some pounds, so carrying 40 oz in water (2.5 lbs) isn’t really that big of a deal).Thom – You are lucky to have such a great mom. While the calls may seem a little overprotective, it sure is nice to know how much you’re loved.Dancin’ Queen – It was hilarious…but I love that I know that’s how my dad shows his affection. He’s not one for sappy emotions, but there’s the love under the humor. He loves to see us smile and laugh.Holly – I need to get the bar (or whatever it’s called) that you recommended on your blog. I saw it at the running store on Saturday, I just need to save some money to get it (or figure out an alternate method).Zach – We really do need to get together. I’m sad I wasn’t in town for the Provo River and this weekend my long run is the Hobble Creek half. How was your run on Saturday?Shelah – If I can run 16 miles, you can, too. Seriously. I think it’s time you broke that 13.1 mark. Find someone who will do it with you. Much more enjoyable that way.Erika – You need to get your own blog. But I do love that you shared that story about Dad. He really is amazing. Sarah – I’m glad you like my dad. He really is so funny. Hannah – I really do feel like it was such an accomplishment with as hard as it was.Scott – Yes, my dad deserves a high five, and thanks for remembering me.Adriane – We are going to seriously rock Del Sol! We definitely need to get together. I hope you’re enjoying the book!Amy – That is seriously such a compliment. I love blogging for me, but it really is fun to feel like I do it well. Glad you enjoyed the post.Jen – I’ll try and send some tunes your way.
ah– i am so late posting on this! i love this post- congrats on the 16 miles! i think it’s so sweet that your dad came to find you. 🙂 i love seeing your playlists, too- i feel the need to shake mine up and other people’s lists always give me ideas!
I have read a few posts about long runs, but yours wins that award. Congrats on a great run and not being dead (that part made me laugh, ’cause if it was my mom/dad, they would have freaked at about 9:35.
oh my heck, enough already, right? well, i am also doing weight watchers…but of the online variety. we also have THAT in common. plus, i can already tell you’re cool. and i am, too. so there you go.
chloe! i am rachelle’s friend, adriane (aka a stalker of your blog). let me just say…you’re inspiring! i just purchased the non-runner’s marathon guide for women (per your recommendation). you know. because i’m a non-runner. and also a woman. and, if i’m going to be ready for the del sol come feb. 29, i’m going to need some help!! so…the next time you and chelle get together, i’m definitely coming, too. ps…your dad reminds me of mine. 🙂 i love cute dads!
give your dad a high FIVE from me. what a guy! (oh, and you did pretty okay with the run too…) 🙂
Your dad is so cute! I love that he was already out looking for you.Congrats on the 16 mile run! It being a killer would make it that much more of an accomplishment for me! You so rock.
I like that Nev.And congrats on running 16 freakin’ miles. I bow down.
Dad’s awesome. I just talked to him on the phone, and he admitted that the reason he loves “yardwork” so much is because he’s still a farmboy at heart (which, as he pointed out, makes us “farmer’s daughters”, whatever that implies.) He also is incredibly gifted at yardwork: About ten years ago, he had his dream house built in our hometown. Our Dad and brothers did the landscape design and most of the landscape creation, and then our Dad did most of the maintainance. I recently went by the house and talked to the new owner. The new owner liked the landscape design so much that he has made no changes to it; however, he now has a team of about five gardners out there a few times a week, and even with all those people spending all that time, they still can’t get the yard looking as nice as when our Dad spent one day a week out there alone with only the occasional assist.
Wow! You are amazing. I think that I have a mental block against any run that’s longer than a half-marathon, which is the longest distance I’ve run so far. I’ve been doing 12 pretty regularly, and I’m terrified of going over 13.1. I know it’s dumb, but that’s me. I like the frozen water idea. I’ve been filling my bottles w/room temp water so they don’t drip on me, but having really cold water might be worth the drips. Anyway, way to go! It sounds like a great run!
Great run, Chloe! I enjoyed reading about it. One of these weeks it will work to run the same trail at the same time!
You got it done Chloe!! That’s excellent!! I was almost spitting out my oatmeal when I read your dad’s message! What a hoot!! But a very sweet hoot. :)Get some rest and stretch out your hard working legs (please).
How sweet of your dad, even if it is a little funny!
Congrats on the Run!I love the story about your father. My mother does the same thing. Since I moved home about a year ago she calls me every day at exactly 5:30 to find out when I am coming home from work. No matter how many times I tell her that I will call her and not to worry, the phone always rings.Parents are great! GR8!
You did 14.5 miles, that’s great!!! And very inspiring!!!Question: Does carrying the water bottle (translate extra weight) help?I’ve always wanted to but the extra weight while running…well isn’t exactly enough to make the thought of dehydration so terrible.
My dad would do the same thing. I think it is such a great feeling to know that someone is so worried about me. I know you enjoy your Dad, he sounds super. Congrats on your run!
great job for getting out there and actually getting the run in even if you didn’t think you were prepared. think how far you’ve come… you just ran 16 miles! crazy!