Runners Tell All Linkup: Go Before You Go

It's once again time to link up with fellow runner bloggers via The Lady Okie!




This month's topic is sharing a bad race or training experience and what you learned from it.

Without grossing you out with too many details, I will admit that my worst training experience (by far!) was a 5 mile run cut short by the call of nature that required a shower immediately upon returning home. 'Nuff said, right?

Since then, I've had a few more occasions where I've had to become one with nature because I was too far from home, but thankfully they are becoming a rarity. Thank God!

I've learned the hard way, that you have to go before you go. Also, I have to pay attention to what I'm eating before I run, as well as the day before I do a long run or race. Every runner is different, but lighter is better for me. I cannot do a huge spaghetti dinner the night before a race. I've learned that lean protein and veggies are better for me. I love to eat fish the night before a big run.

The morning of I prefer a Honey Stinger Waffle. I know some people can eat an entire bagel or toast with peanut butter, but that usually ends in disaster for me. I bring along energy chews to continue fueling during a long run. An embarrassing secret: I also take 2 immodium. Just to be safe.

If you're not a runner, this is probably totally grossing you out. I'm sorry. But, unfortunately, it is the nature of the beast. Running messes with your digestive system like no other. There's a lot of sloshing around, and more blood pumping, and general increase of "flow". You gotta do what you gotta do. I know it seems crazy that we runners would put up with all this just to run a little bit longer, but once you get addicted to those endorphins, they're hard to resist!

So, now that I've told you my dirty secrets, what are yours? Worst training experience?