The last 2 weeks have been brutal. Not so much the runs themselves, but the weather. It seems to be even worse on our group runs where I manage to find myself drenched in sweat after just 20 minutes.

Following up on my fantastic 15 miler, I was very pretty pumped to tackle a mere 13 the following Saturday. It wasn’t easy. The course was hilly, or as the coaches like to point out… “it’s rolling.” But it was the humidity that did the damage. Tough to breath, which equates to tough to run. The last few miles turned out to be enjoyable as the rain came, and I almost felt like a kid outside playing.

The mid week group runs for the last 2 weeks have been interval training consising of 7 and 8 miles total distance. Both nights were challenging as once again the humidity came rolling in and slowed the pace down. The first run we made interesting by incorporating some elementary school attitude by completing ranger runs… or to be politically incorrect – Indian runs – which is what they were called when I was a little tot. It was challenging, but made the time go by quickly by having something else to focus on besides the miles. Even though on both of these runs, I struggled at the beginning, I started to feel much stronger towards the end of the run. That has been pretty consistent in my illustrious running career.

Last Saturday’s long run – once again – the longest run EVA – consisted of 17 miles down the C&O tow path. Starting @ 6am when it was still dark, we journeyed from Poolesville to the Great Falls overlook, and then back again. Not only was the humidity a force to be reckoned with, but the sun came out with a vengance… and it was hot. By the turnaround point I had already gone through all of my gatorade and was filling up with water. In addition, I had the call that every runner dreads – and made a pit stop. It wasn’t pretty, and I barely made it. The last 8.5 miles would have been unbearable. And by the time I had headed back there was no one around.

So I started back after sneaking a peak at the overlook, which was very unimpressive. Surprised after almost 2 miles to not see anyone from Fleet Feet out on the course in either direction, I surmised that I was going to be the last runner back. I must have lost track of time during my pit stop and everybody had made it to the turnaround and was already headed back. After just a few weeks I went from the front of the pack, to the back. I was confident that I would finish – but didn’t want anyone worrying as to where I was.

As I continued on, I heard the soft footsteps of speedy Joel coming up behind me. Quite a turn of events, as he is always the fastest one out. It turns out, I was actually out in front. (the majority of the group had continued a little further on to check out the “real” scenic Falls overlook) So as Joel passed by me around the 12 mile mark, I felt much better about my situation. However it wouldn’t last for long. The heat was kicking my ass. I was hungry. I was dehydrated. And I was starting to walk more each mile. 

Slowly but surely I was passed by swarms of Fleet Feet peeps. First it was the 10’s and then the 11’s. I was hurting and trying my best to ration out the remainder of my water over the last few miles. It now felt like I was walking more than I was running, but my feet were still moving. Each mile felt like a huge milestone and I began focusing on how glad I would be when this run was completed. With just under a mile to go – one of the previous finishers approached me like an angel with a bottle full of ice cold water. Suddenly I started to feel like a new man.

After already completing 17 miles, several of the individuals who had already completed their runs ventured back out to assist other runners who were struggling. It was a unselfish act by many that was appreciated more than words could describe at the time. I was able to muster up the energy to run home the majority of that last mile and finish on a high note. It became evident in the parking lot that most of the group struggled and we were all glad it was over.

Much was learned on this run, and while I doubt November in NYC will bring this kind of heat and humidity, it’s important to remember that every day does not go as planned.