Good runs, bad runs

I ran in the local 5K road race on the 4th of July. It was hot (OK, hot for Vermont) and humid. The water fountain was shut off, and although I brought Gatorade with me I really wanted a drink of water before the run started. Oh well, it's only 3.1 miles so I should be OK.

Not.

The first mile was fine, the second mile OK, and then it hit. I was nauseated, my legs felt like lead, and I wanted to stop. Other runners started passing me. I was determined to keep running, although more slowly, to the finish. I did manage to outkick one person at the end (she's only 20 years older than I am!) but felt completely horrible.

Today I ran 12 miles on a less humid, cooler day. While I didn't feel great, it wasn't horrible either. In fact, my pace was about what I would expect for a a steady long run.

So what's the difference? Maybe the weather, maybe the beverage choice, perhaps just a different day and different circumstances. The point is, sometimes runs feel great, sometimes they're just OK, and other times they're downright awful. I never really know what to expect heading into a run, and just need to let it flow and see what happens.

Now I'll have to sign up for another 5K this summer to try and redeem myself!

Keep on running,
Lynn