Running on Empty!

A ten mile run was scheduled over the weekend. Sunday, I woke up around 6:00 a.m. and checked the weather forecast for the day. It was predicted to be around 80 degrees by early afternoon. I took my time, feeding the cats and dogs, doing some laundry–then, looked at the clock and it was already 7:30. Time was getting away and I knew it would soon be too warm to run without overheating. 

Although I was–all too–aware of the importance of fueling my body with energy food before heading outside for a long run, I didn’t eat one bite–or even have a glass of water. My focus was instead on beating the heat.

The first five miles was meditative as usual–I listened to the birds chirping, my feet hitting the pavement, my breath moving in and out, then…EXHAUSTION!!! It happened quickly and without warning. My legs felt like two cement blocks, my arms barely able to swing back and forth, my body too weak to run full force and my thinking unfocused and scattered. Why didn’t I throw in the towel and walk home? Giving up–was not an option, is never an option. I got through the next four miles with sheer resolve.

By the time I finished the ten miles, I was feeling dizzy and so weak that walking in the door was a challenge. The phone rang the second I walked in. I dragged my body to the phone, picked it up and forcibly said, “Hello.” My brother was on the phone and heard my noticeably weak voice on the other end. He asked questions, my answers were incoherent—and, I knew it. All I could think was, “I need fuel, I need energy.” A strawberry, banana smoothie and big bowl of oatmeal hit the spot. It took about 15 minutes before the food took effect–my body and mind were soon fueled with energy.

This morning, I woke a little earlier than normal to get prepared for a five mile run. A bowl of oatmeal, an apple, a little time for the energy to kick in–and out the door I went. Today, I was back to my old self. I was focused on the run, not the finish line.

Running on empty? –never again.

Have you ever ran or worked out on empty?  Comments welcome…

Gale Compton