Running within your limits

     Today was a rough day for running. I got to my trail and immediately did not feel like being there. All i could think about was how badly I wanted to be home eating pizza and cake...and yet I was here - stretching in the wind and rain in my tank top and spandex. The easy choice would have been to go home - I was tired, (I did not get more than 3 hours of sleep both Friday and Saturday as I was going in front of the promotion board Sunday) a bit dehydrated and very hungry. However, taking the easy way out has never gotten me anywhere, so I began running.
     It is very easy to get discouraged when you go out for a training run and are not able to perform at the level you had planned. At this point what is most important is putting the miles under your feet and getting your body used to burning fuel slowly. One of my favorite quotes from Dean Karnazes: "Run when you can, walk if you have to, crawl if you must; just never give up." Push yourself to finish your training, but listen to what your body is telling you. If your goal is 20 miles and you start seeing stars at 10 - take a break, hydrate, and determine if pushing yourself on this run will hurt you more than it will benefit you. If you have to stop it is OKAY. Your body is a machine and as long as you train and fuel properly then you will bounce back in no time.
     I have learned that how you perform during your run is not entirely affected by what you do the night before the race. It is entirely affected by the weeks and months leading up to it. You must be completely hydrated at least 72 hours before your race and the types of food you eat during the week before your race will affect your endurance levels as well. Dont think that because you drank a gallon of water, got 8 hours of sleep, and ate spaghetti the day before a race that your body is well nourished enough to perform. I have been following the Paleo Diet for Athletes strictly for over a week and I have never had more natural energy in my life. I highly recommend this eating plan for all endurance athletes. Ill go more in depth on this diet later.