Rescued on a Long Run

I had such a nice relaxing weekend.  I spent all of my Saturday morning reading and lounging.  I eventually got my butt up and cleaned house (while listening to an audio book).  Could I be a bigger nerd?  Later in the day, Angela and I went out for some dinner and watched a movie with some popcorn. I call that: the perfect Saturday.


Sunday was long-run day – with 16 on the books. Unfortunately, I was solo because Ang was at a weekend-long yoga training. Sometimes I enjoy long runs by myself, so I was thinking positively. I headed out at 11:20 or so. Big mistake. It’s summer. Summer means HOT. Sun. I live 20 minutes from Mexico, literally. The sun is deceivingly hot. I ran from home to Ocean Beach and made my way up to Sunset Cliffs. By the time I hit 10 miles, I was out of water and thirsty as ever. I was starting to feel weak and tired. My 2 pieces of toast weren’t doing much for me anymore.

First stop, Ocean Beach

Unfortunately, there weren’t any water fountains or stores to buy water. It was hard to run for more than 3 minutes at a time. I was constantly walking. Eventually I spotted a tiny, run down gas station that looked entirely out of place in this beach town. It belonged in Idaho somewhere next to a cornfield. I bought a bottle of water and some Mike ‘n Ikes. When you’re desperate for calories, anything sounds good. Sadly, I spilled most of my water before I even had the chance to drink it! Butter fingers.

Next stop, Sunset Cliffs, watching Cliff Divers. 

I was tempted to jump in myself.

I chilled out for a few minutes and began to run again. Every so often I stopped and walked. I felt weaker and more fatigued the farther I went. Thank goodness I had lunch plans with my friend Sarah, who began texting me. I should’ve been home by then and was still in Ocean Beach – about 5 miles from home. She so lovingly offered to rescue me but I tried to be tough. By mile 12 I was practically begging her to pick me up.

There she was at mile 13.6 with a vegan blueberry muffin in hand and a huge bottle of H20. That is love right there! She took me straight to Tender Greens for some replenishment where I had a fantastic sandwich filled with veggies and a salad of arugula and cherry tomatoes. It hit the spot.

I recouped at home before embarking on yet another eating extravaganza at our friends’ home. We enjoyed some stuffed peppers with homemade polenta and some vegan chocolate cake. I may have eaten my weight in guacamole and helped myself to a second piece of cake. Don’t judge me.

Today, I still feel groggy and tired. Even slightly nauseous. Can heat have this long of an effect on you?

Have you made the mistake of running too late on a summer day?

I’ve made this mistake before, last summer.  It can get ugly very quickly.  Like the time Ang started retching from dehydration.  Dry heaving is never fun for the heaver… or the observer.