HYDRATE, already and Potty mouth!

I have become arrogant on my runs.

Let me start at the beginning: In preparing for any run... and I mean ANY run, even a 3 miler, I ALWAYS brought water or Gatorade with me. It could be 13 degrees or 95 degrees. As I got "better" at running, I would not bring fluids with me on runs if they were under 6 miles.... whether it was 13 degrees or 95 degrees.

TG has given me *insert expletive here* about it. He doesn't even have a fancy hydration belt like me (I have 3, btw) and he ALWAYS, well when I run with him; he carries fluids.  On the 40 mile bike ride, most of the riders carried 2 water bottles - not me... just one. The chick that carried one (which was way larger than mine) even stopped to refill it half way through. I had some left in my bottle when I finished (oops).

Yesterday, I ended up working longer than I would have liked which meant I had to run in the afternoon before the kids got off the bus. And to top that off, I "forgot" to eat breakfast - I know... how do you forget? Well, it was a busy morning, and I was planning to just grab a Luna protein bar on my way out - I didn't. So by 1pm (last meal was at 5:30 the night before), I was obviously FAMISHED. So I shoved an apple, chicken and spinach salad with blue cheese in my mouth until I was full. And 20 minutes later, I decided if I was going to run, it had to be then. (Not a good idea - I knew it wasn't).

Since it was like 85 degrees in full sun, I filled two bottles with Gatorade, strapped on my belt and headed out. I even put ice cubs in the bottles so it would stay cool. And the 3rd bottle I put water in, you know, in case I wanted to douse my head with it.

I was feeling good. Mile 1 was just over 8 minutes. By Mile 2, I started to get a little stomach cramp - I figured it was my blue cheese. By mile 2.5, I started to feel "pukatastic" (thanks Elaine for the new word). Just over mile 3, I puked 1/2 of my salad up. I felt better. And when I reached to take a swig, you know... to get that nasty taste out of my mouth - I had NONE. Yep, I left all three of them on the counter. *insert expletive here*.

To top it off, I was now barely running 9 minute miles. I decided since I had nothing to drink and my stomach WAS NOT feeling it, I would stay on the trails to keep out of the sun. And then I got lost. I quickly switched the Garmin to show me the time - 3:15pm *insert expletive here*; the kids get off the bus at 3:45 (if it is on time) *insert another expletive here!*

And of course, I did not bring my phone to "phone a friend" or to see if my husband was going to be late. UGH! I started to sprint. I started to feel even more nauseous, but I had to make it back to the kids. I followed the golf course (it backs up to our neighborhood) and figured I should hit a street... eventually.

3:30 (still completely lost) *insert several expletives in a row* and I was getting to chills (dehydrated). And not only was this a trail, it is rolling hills. I mean, I actually made a mental note about practicing hill work on these trails... seriously a challenge.

I saw a small bridge up ahead and felt relieved... it looked familiar. I was close to the neighborhood. 3:38 pm .... UGH!

It looked very similar to this!

By now I was running under 8 minute miles. I would stop every now and then, and fold in half expecting vomit (no such luck). As I stepped on one side of the bridge... I noticed a large black hose in front of me MOVE. It wasn't a hose. It wasn't a black snake. It looked like a water moccasin. *insert a very LOUD expletive* here. Thankfully, the vibration of my steps scared it away from its nice sunbathing spot and it disappeared off the side. I think I was sprinting  by this point.

I finally made it to the neighborhood and past bus stops before ours and parents were still waiting. THANK GOD for substitute bus drivers or I may have not been home to get the kids... but thankfully as I was sprinting home, my husband was pulling in. Yay!

I promptly came inside (forget the kids - I was about to pass out) and drank all three bottles and another glass, and put my head under the facet.

Lesson learned: I REALLY need to hydrate more. I need to quit being lazy or feeling arrogant.... that I am "too good" to wear a water belt. ALL the cool kids are doing it, right? YOU BETTER!

How are you preparing for warmer weather?

BTW: There were no children or old people in range to hear my potty mouth.