3/01/2009

9 mile run report and my new fear of dogs

Today, I embarked upon my longest run yet, 9 miles. It is actually kind of hard to find good routes for long runs in New Orleans because the city just isn't that big. So I drove to City Park and followed this route (click here for map). It took me through some really pretty parts of Mid-City and the French Quarter. It is important to me to have an interesting route. I hate having a boring route. It makes the run that much more unbearable. Today, I used my new fuel belt for the first time and also tried out GU. Having the water handy really helped me. I took the GU at the 45 minute mark and it definitely gave me a burst of energy. I was totally racing through the Quarter. But then I hit mile 6 and felt a blister forming in the arch of my left foot and also I was having some weird pain in the second toe on my left foot. Those last three miles were tough and my toe pain was getting really bad the last half mile, but I made it and I'm pretty darn proud of myself!

In other news, it seems that in response to getting bit by that dog last year, I have developed a bit of a fear of big dogs while I'm running. The last couple of weeks, I have been getting nervous as I approach big dogs on my runs in the park. I am really nervous I am going to startle them as I run by and they will attack me. Today, as I rounded a corner, I did just that with a Husky (the same breed that bit me, coincidentally) and he lunged at me. It scared the shit out of me and really freaked me out since that is exactly the fear I have been having. I'm not sure what to do about it other than just try to avoid areas where big dogs are.

Other than that, my weekend was uneventful just as planned.

8 comments:

Sharon the K said...

Sara,

Some animal training techniques that seem to work are water pistols and a really loud noisemaker (like some pennies in a soda can) - or, maybe, try a loud whistle?
Congrats on your fortitude!

Unknown said...

Hello Sara, you especially asked so I wanted to comment! I think it is incredible to run 9 miles, I can't run 1/2. I'm sorry of your incident with dogs, I have felt similar on the dog but sounds like you have better reason. Keep up the good work!

Meredith said...

Nine miles? I am seriously impressed! Maybe I should hire you to be my personal trainer!

Sara said...

Sharon,

Actually a whistle isn't a bad idea just for safety in general. I might start that.

Sara

Sara said...

Meredith,

Anytime you want me to get your ass in gear, let me know!

Sara

Unknown said...

Awesome Sara! When's the half marathon?!! Began training for one but my foot is bothering me.

Sara said...

Stacy,

I am training for the Nashville Country Music Half-Marathon at the end of April. Let me know if you want to join me!

Sara

Sasha said...

Girl, you are awesome! Congrats on your great work! You have now surpassed me in training! :-)

I ran 8 yesterday and that was my longest run so far. I'm doing my first half in April too- the OKC Memorial Marathon half. I ran a 10K leg of the relay last year.

Keep in touch and let me know how your training progresses.