Ok, major milestone last night because I did my 6 mile run (second week in a row that my long run was over my previous milestone of 5) and while the prior time it was really, really tough, particuclarly during the last few miles...this time, it was fabulous!

I was incredibly well hydrated and rested, having spent most of that day and Saturday relaxing, eating, drinking, relaxing, hypnotherapy, reading, relaxing...I was actually kind of sluggish starting out from all the resting, but it paid off in spades.  I had on my SUPERHERO tights, I had my e*gel handy for the one hour point, had cold water, a good jogbra on...everything was in check.

The first three miles were an absolute joy - and I have to stop here and remind myself that just a couple of months ago, I couldn't run 5 minutes straight, let alone coast through 3 miles with a smile.  I decided to approach the run as 2, 3-mile stints, so i took a 30 second walk break at the first 3 mile marker.  Not long enough to get too mellow, just enough time to drink more, chew down some gel and then I was off for 3-mile set number two.  It was really, really good.  There were moments when I got psyched out but somehow I was able to pull myself out of that  and get back to feeling strong, coasting. Sometimes I'd tell myself to just get to the 5 mile mark and I'd walk again, but the little voice of intuition said not to even bother, that I was strong and doing well, just go for the whole distance.  So that's exactly what i did.

The run was fabulous! I sweat like a pro, stayed in the aerobic training zone (you burn so many caolries during these long runs, and I feel my metabolism speed up for days afterwards) and just really felt good about myself.

However, there were two things at the end that concerned me a tiny bit; at the risk of being a bit gross here, both last night and the prior weekend I found myself having to go to the bathroom really badly after the run was over but while I still needed to cool down and stretch.  And I'm not talking about number one. As much as I sweat during the run, that's not an issue. Even with the water I'm sucking down, I'm just breaking even until afterwards, when I replenish.  But having lower abdomen cramping as my body DEMANDS I hit the loo...that's just so odd to me! It's only happened the last two weekends, that I can recall. But it's almost like the running starts a whole cleansing cycle that includes my intestines. Eek. So I ran in, did what I had to do, came back and continued my walk and cool down/stretch phase....but then my treadmill just gently stopped. It was still on, but the belt just stopped. I'm not sure why, but it did this last weekend too so it seems to have something to do with how long it had been running. I have to wonder if it needs to be replaced soon, but it's only a few years old (maybe 4 or 5) and it seems in good condition.  It's a big, sturdy treadmill, and of course my warrantee was only for about 2 years. I was able to use this emergency breaker on/off switch on the front of the motor cover and it started up again just fine. But what the hell? Was it too much for the treadmill to make 100 minutes? Last week I thought it was because the powerstrip in front of the motor had bumped into that on/off switch, and I was able to do the same thing to keep it going. This week, the power strip was far enough away that it wasn't the issue.

Not sure if it's worth trying to get it looked at. Someone would have to come out to my place and frankly, that skeeves me out. I don't want some random service tech in my apartment. And the unit is WAY too big for transporting to a shop. I have to wonder if the Universe is pushing me to move my long runs outside, since this has never happened with a short run. If so, I'll have to plot out a good 6 miler for this weekend. I'm hoping my treadmill hangs in there until I can afford to replace her with a new, better Proform!

The bathroom issue...not sure what can be done. I'm a VERY regular gal, I go a few times per day, so I guess the running just stimulates something there. Not a bad thing, just odd timing. ;)

I also notice that today, while my knees are sore and my lower back is a bit sore as well (my bed seems in need of replacing soon too!) I feel damn good! My energy is high, no desire or need for caffeine, and I think hydration and rest are the keys. I added some Gatorade powder mix to SmartWater and sipped that a lot yesterday. Makes me a tad acidic, but I took some enzymes and cayene to counter that. Bottled Gatorade uses corn syrup, but the powder doesn't. Weird.

The main difference between how I feel today versus after my short runs, where I don't have the usual post workout recovery drink with a 1:4 protein to carb ration, is phenomenal.  Obviously, that's a key ingredient my body really needs. I skip  them sometimes because honestly, sometimes I don't want something sweet and thick after a run. But I'll just suck it up..or suck it down, whatever. Because I feel better today, after a 6 mile run, than I did last week after easy 3 milers when I didn't have that recovery drink. Duly noted.

Tonight...it's sloth night! I might do some yoga...I might not. But I'll make sure there's loads of rest and hydration and alkalyzing drinks.