We did get rained on a little at about 5:30, but it ended and the rest of the run the weather was decent. A little windy, but manageable. No worries there.
I was feeling pretty good for most of the first 18 miles. Somewhere around there I experimented with a new energy substance - Gu Chomps. I don't know why. Energy Gel usually if fine for me although after training for 6 marathons, it is a bit of a struggle to get them down. Once down though, I am usually fine. Plus, I KNOW I don't like chewy, gooey things when I run. The sticking to my teeth annoys me. So, I don't know WHAT possessed me.
Shortly after that, my side started hurting. No, not a "side ache" from breathing wrong - a true pain. I have had this before, even when I am not running. Normally ibuprofen helps, but unfortunately I didn't bring any and Tom didn't have any either.
We were on a good part of the run too... 45 minutes remaining, on the trail (nice soft, flat surface) with the wind (which was becoming strong) at our backs. The best way to end a long run! However, the pain in my side continued to increase and my excuses to stop increased in frequency. Finally, I told Tom to just go ahead. I would run/walk back to his house where we started. He asked if I wanted his phone, was I sure... etc., etc. - asking all the things a good, caring running partner should ask. (This should have made me see what was really going on).
Of course a few minutes later when I could still see Tom, but he was well out of earshot (I tried). I realized that I needed to be picked up ASAP. There was no 'run/walk' in my future. I just needed to curl up some where. So, for those who are not familiar with the area - the area where we were at is secluded - a old railroad track converted to a trail. No cars driving by to hail down and I was in serious trouble (I am not trying to make you feel guilty Tom, really!). I had no choice but to keep walking until I got to a nearby bike shop where I could call my husband. It was about 3/4 of a mile away and up over a bridge.
There was a pit toilet, so I decided to see if was open with the hope that maybe a "deposit" would make me feel better. I did have the sense to drop my fuel belt at the beginning of the path to the toilet just in case I passed out in there. Maybe if hubby or Tom came looking for me it would point them in the right direction. I know it sounds like I am joking, but I am totally serious.
I was happy that the bathroom was indeed open. Unfortunately, my deposit did not make me feel better. However, I told myself it did. There was no choice but to keep walking. I was on the verge of puking and severe pain in my side. The silver lining in this whole story is that I got to practice my marathon mantra. This time I chose - 1-2-3, 1-2-3, 1-2-3. In time with each step. It was the only way I could figure out to keep going and keep my mind from focusing on the pain.
I did make it to the bike shop without puking or passing out. I slowly walked in and asked the lady to call my husband. She went to hand me the phone and I asked, "Could you call him?" as I laid my head down on the counter. She did and after the confusion of Jim thinking she was calling "for" me (wanting to talk to me) and then that "she needs to be picked up" did NOT mean that I had ordered something that needing picking up, he came and got me.
The lady was very nice. She offered me a chair behind the counter where I promptly laid my head down and breathed.... She must have been a runner in the past because she did not ask me if I need anything, or if I was okay.. or any question which required me to talk. I know it might seem cold and heartless, but actually that is EXACTLY what I needed her to do.
Jim came and got me and after a long hot shower, I was, of course, totally fine even without ibuprofen.
So, which brings me to the Sullivan Curse. I realized, as I was lying on the desk at the bike shop, that my two most horrible runs in my history of marathon training have happened when I was running with one of the Sullivans. They are great to run with. They are excellent at keeping the chatter up with fun and interesting conversation, yet not dominating it. I realized that this is a ruse. They do this so you have no idea that anyone running solo with them is doomed to some horrific running ailment. I think the curse doesn't take affect when they are running with a group of people, because, well, it would just be too obvious. Either that it is a weak curse that is only effective on one person at a time. So, all you Sparta runners - keep this in mind if you ever run alone with one of the Sullivans.
