Run: 90 minutes of easy distance, hilly. Last 20 minutes at race pace.
Distance: 9.4 miles
Time: 93:11
Performance Stats (out of 5 ★)
Legs: ★ ★ ★ ★
Gut: ★ .5
Energy: ★ ★ ★ ★
Mind: ★ ★ ★
Overall: ★ ★ ★
Soundtrack: Led Zepplin, Led Zepplin (Disc 2 and 4)
You can't having a running blog without eventually tackling the issue of the bathroom. Now I'll try not to get into too much detail, but this post will cover the concept that I like to call the "poop emergency". Most everyone has heard of this concept when they start thinking about distance running, and certainly there must be something to it. So here goes.
Now I've never had the whole catastrophe of not making it to a safe at least semi-private location for this on a long run, or in a race, but I've certainly seen it happen. I think the concept is either: 1) you don't want to give up the time to find a secure location to take care of things, and therefore slow up your pace or 2) the proper locale just doesn't present itself in time. Either which way, things are pretty uncomfortable, and then rhythmic pounding of the pavement does little to help.
Now the smartest of runners will have this all wrapped up before the start of a serious race or long distance run, but sometimes this just cannot be planned for. When you find yourself stuck, it usually comes on gradually, but then there comes the moment where action is required. When the brain-intestine link decides it's time, the clock is ticking. When reasonable alternatives do not present themselves, it's time to look for plans B, C and D.
When you find your location, it's close to the best thing in the world. It's nice to catch a break from the race pace, but even better is getting back into the race. It becomes like you are running a whole other race, and for a few miles you can take on anything. It's like all the emotion and turmoil of running the race and crossing the finish line all wrapped up into a two minute reenactment in a cruel (and usually hilarious after the fact) mini theater.
So prepare as best you can, but if you are going to find yourself going out for more and more long distance runs, beware of the "poop emergency", and watch as your cut off for things that you thought you would never do begins to become much more flexible!