Thank you for all the kind comments on my Hungryland race recap! You might have some burning questions- did Ralph complete his 100 mile quest? How many other people ran four loops? Unfortunately I can’t answer those because the race results are not available yet! I don’t know why it’s taking so long, but I do know that there’s a LOT of post-race work for the race director- cleaning everything up and removing all the markers and flags from the trail. We’ll get the results soon, I’m sure.
Anyway. When we left off last time, I had just finished my 60 miles. I got in my car for the hour drive home, thinking I would have something to eat and drink on the way. But I took one sip of water and was overcome with a wave of nausea. I had to pull to the side of the road to throw up. UGH. I started driving again, tried to sip water, had to pull over again. Okay! No food or water right now.
When I got home I hightailed it into a hot shower, but when I got out I was freezing cold. So cold that I was shivering and my teeth were chattering. I got right into bed and started calling out requests to my husband. Can I have a second quilt? Can you bring me my toothbrush? and toothpaste? and a bowl to spit in? My husband was VERY accommodating (I mean- he’s not my butler) and kindly brought me everything I needed. I lay there shivering until I fell asleep.
Sunday morning I woke up feeling sore (oh really? I wonder why!) and kind of spacey. I published my “Weekly Rundown” blog post, and yes I did notice much later on that I misspelled “Rundown” in the title (thanks for not laughing at me too much). My stomach was still a little off, but overall… it was a really nice day.
One of the best decisions I ever made was to take MONDAY off of work. I don’t know about you, but when I have a day off, it’s often marred by the thought that I have to work the next day. On Sunday, I had the glorious feeling of TWO FULL DAYS OFF stretching ahead of me. My quads were VERY sore, but I had no injuries. My feet were fine- no blisters or black toenails (unlike my 50 mile race last year) and I was able to just relax and soak it all in- I’ve been planning and dreaming about this race for a long time, and I did it.
So… what is next? There’s a couple different ways to answer that. Immediately next, once I’m fully recovered, I’m going to have a phase where I focus on strength. I’ll write more about that in another post. As far as running- well of course I’m thinking about more races!
Next year I’d like to have another big race, and I’m considering doing this one again, with the goal of running a fifth loop (to bring the total mileage up to 71.5). Ultrarunning is all about problem solving, and I’ve got some problems to solve. I didn’t mention it in the race recap, but I had some serious chafing in, well sorry for TMI, but in my crotch. By the last loop, every time I peed, I was in agony (THE BURNING). Lube did nothing, and I ended up pouring cold water from my water bottle down my shorts multiple times. I would like to figure that one out.
But the main problem was my stomach. You might remember I was very nauseous before the 4th loop, and I’m imagining- based on the fact that I threw up twice on the way home- that I would have had stomach problems if I had attempted a 5th loop. This is a common problem for ultrarunners- stomach issues are the #1 cause of DNFs- and everyone has to figure it out in their own way.
So! Those are my thoughts right now. This race again in a year, and hopefully a fun 50K in the fall or early winter as well. For this week, lots of gentle yoga.
Can you fully relax if you know you have to work the next day?
Any runners out there have advice for crotch chafing???
28 Responses
I don’t have advice for crotch chafing, but I’ve been there friend. Once was due to some ill fitting leggings, and during my high volume running phase in 2020 I had The Ingrown Bikini Line Hair From Hell story that I won’t share here but we can discuss it over drinks sometime.
If you didn’t throw up until after 60 miles, I’d say that you’re probably well ahead of the curve.
Okay, that could be a “fun” conversation! And I guess you’re right- I didn’t actually throw up till after 60 miles so I guess that…. good? Not throwing up at all would be even better.
Glad you enjoyed a restful day off! I see Foxy made it his mission to make sure you took it easy. Do you take the week off from running now, or do you walk/short runs?
I did nor run 60 miles Saturday, but I did walk 60 minutes in your honor. I really need to get outside and move more.
AW! Did you really??? I haven’t run OR walked yet this week, but I think I’ll get out for a walk today. I’m feeling ready!
I think for the chafing you’re just going to have to experiment with soft underwear. I assume you do wear underwear as some don’t – if not, then I imagine it’s the seam. BEWARE the completely seamless underwear though – I got some (cheap) ones and my leggings kept sliding down! For the nausea, I suppose starting those ginger things that helped earlier so they’re through your whole system, maybe. I reckon you’ll be able to run on and only be sick after, though.
Yes, maybe I should have just kept with the ginger chews periodically. And, I do not wear underwear because my shorts have a built-in liner. Perhaps time to try some new shorts!
Congratulations on your race!!! Amazing Jenny, its funny, the way you wrote the recap made me imagine that the first few loops were done over a few hours (my brain glossed over the fact that they were over 14 miles each), and then suddenly it was dark, and I realized, OMG, you’ve been running ALL DAY! And kept going at night. So impressive. Loved the description of Ralph as wildly optimistic – what a character haha. What a fantastic idea to have an extra day off, I totally agree that a day off is more relaxing when there’s no work the next day either. Particularly when you are recoving after something physically challenging.
Thank you Sophie! It’s funny you say that, because while I was running the race it felt like time had no meaning. When I was heading out for my third loop I was wondering if I should bring my headlamp- my husband was like, no, you won’t need it this early! and I was like “Why? What time does it get dark?” I really had no idea where I was in the day.
Ooh so sorry about the crotch chafing, that must be so painful! I wonder if it helps to have tight gym shorts (the biking shorts type) instead of the airy type of shorts you usually wear? I understand it will be warm in Florida but if they’re sweat wicking it shouldn’t be a problem. I used mine all the time last year for walking in Italy in up to 35C and it was fine. Of course I don’t know how it would be to run 60 miles in them! But worth trying?
We watch a lot of ultrarunning videos on YouTube. Regarding GI issues, every time we get to a Sally McRae video, I say something like “ooh yeah, that’s the one who vomits all the time!” So I guess you’re in good company, at least.
Haha, I’m sure Sally would groan at being described as “the one who vomits all the time.” She has had some epic stomach issues.
Yes, I usually wear looser, more airy shorts. The kind you’re describing might help, and people were definitely wearing them. Maaaybe ‘ll try them on a long run and see.
I don’t think my version of ‘running’ comes anywhere near your version, so alas – no crotch chafing here. I am able to relax when I have to work the next day, but I think it helps that my ‘work’ is still in my house and I can show up in my pjs if I wanted. I do appreciate the ‘no work tomorrow’ zone though and even though my work life is still homey and chaotic but doable, I do like the idea of having no work. In other words, I cannot wait for summer. I’m off all summer!
Even if I worked in my home, I would still feel slightly stressed at the thought of work the next day- especially since your work is HARD. All those babies!!!
I have no advice for your stomach or your chafing, but I’m sure you’ll get lots of good advice from people who know! Enjoy your day off and some nice gentle yoga! I hope you have some yummy treats too.
Thank you Nicole! I’ve definitely been enjoying my yoga! And some treats : )
I always try to take the Monday off work after a Saturday race just so I have an extra day to recover! Sometimes I’m able to take another day or two off as well and that really helps, especially because my races have mostly been a few hours drive away from me so I don’t usually head home until the day after the race. So I’m glad you had two days off after your big race! My next race starts on a Wednesday and could potentially go til Saturday morning but I already took that whole week off and I have limited PTO until it resets in July so I will sadly have to go back to work Monday. But maybe I can figure out a way to wfh or something that day so it’s less stressful!
I get nausea issues on long runs when it’s really hot and it makes it hard to eat anything, but then that kinda makes the nausea worse? If I take in plenty of electrolytes and eat smaller amounts more frequently it seems to help.
Okay, maybe I was getting behind on my electrolytes. It definitely helped to take a salt pill. And, it’s really hard to eat in the heat. NOTHING seems appetizing.
Is your next race part of Cocodona? What are you doing?
I love that you said ultra running is about problem solving. I’ve never had these issues other than upset stomach after a gel with no water. I’d be curious to learn how you fix those issues.
Yes, two days of full rest sounds lovely and lowers anxiety level during rest.
Congrats again Jenny.
Thank you Coco! When I figure out how to fix the stomach issues I’ll definitely let you know.
Jenny, here’s a secret. I can relax no matter what. I am a lady who likes leisure. Work the next day? A cuddle with the cat while reading will fix that. A big thing I don’t want to do (this month it was meeting with the tax preparer)? A nap will solve that. I can compartmentalize like nobody else! And I don’t think it’s a good thing, to be honest, but it is true.
I’m excited to hear about what’s next for you! I never have fitness goals, so I live vicariously through you.
Hmm! I also like cat cuddles, reading, and naps. I just want it to last at least two days, lol.
Days off are different depending on whether it’s a day off with our without my kids. Honestly, when it’s a day off with kids, I am usually looking forward to going back to work/having the kids in school/preschool. They are wonderful little people but it is not really relaxing to be around them. When I have a day off WITHOUT kids, I live in the moment and soak up the free time! I can see how you are thinking ahead to having to work the next day since you never get 2 days off in a row, though!
I’m not helpful for the chafing thing – I would probably cover myself in vaseline, but it’s tough to reapply that to your lady bits in public!! 😛 And for your stomach, maybe you needed more electrolytes or sodium? I am sure you’ll find a solution. It sucks that a symptom of dehydration is nausea vomiting since the thing your body needs makes you feel worse/vomit! Not cool body!
Yes, more electrolytes could fix the issue. And covering myself in vaseline IS feasible- I wouldn’t be shy about reapplying out on the trail.
I agree that a day off with little kids is not a day off! I hope you have a day off without kids somewhere in your future.
Oh boy – do you know why your body reacted like that after the race? I am fascinated by the way our body reacts to the things we put it through! I’m guessing it was just the adrenaline comedown, maybe? I’m glad it didn’t last beyond that first night, though!
I’m VERY glad you gave yourself Monday, off, too! I don’t necessarily get the Sunday scaries but I do feel a little more “pressed” to enjoy my Sunday before the work week starts so I get it!
No I really don’t know exactly what was going on. Why was I shivering??? For that matter, why was I throwing up? It’s a mystery I would like to solve.
I’m so sorry you had stomach and chafing issues. I hope you can figure it out. My dermatologist suggested Vaseline which works much better for preventing saddle sores than any of the expensive ointments I’ve purchased and tried. Maybe it’s worth a try for you?
Yep, it’s worth a try! It’s also a lot cheaper than the lube I was (uselessly) applying.
Oof, what a rough ride home. What a great idea to take Monday off! I am like you; if I know I have to work the next day, my head is already in work during my day off. (That maybe makes some points to work on for me about being present and having better work boundaries, haha!) I’m excited to learn about how you’ll be focusing on strength and wish you luck figuring out the cooling and the chafing (OUCH!); both of which seem to be something you have to experiment with to find what works for you…
I’m so glad you had some down time.
I’ve chafed down there and it’s brutal. Is it possible to bring a couple of pairs of shorts and change when you stop at your camp? What I learned from obsessively watching the Barkley Marathons is everything needs to be as dry as possible. They are always changing socks and shoes. Worth a shot?