Sniffly yuck

I should have known something was wrong.

I went running last night, leaving far too late thanks to the bewildering miracle which is the end of Daylight Saving. It was nearly dark when I got to Albert Park Lake, but I looked on the bright side (no pun intended) that it woudn't be too hot to run. Little did I realise that the lack of a breeze (normally it's quite windy around Albert Park Lake) would mean it was more warm than usual. I also made the mistake of eating far too close to exercise. I thought as it was a light meal I'd be okay, but miso soup wasn't the wisest choice on reflection. Miso is made of soybeans - fermented soybeans - and without painting too graphic a picture I was in for the most uncomfortable run I've ever had.

First lesson learned - don't eat miso or any type of bean product before running.

I figured I'd try to beat my previous PB (Personal Best), or what should probably more accurately be termed my OPTRSF (Only Previous Time Recorded So Far). So I ran a little faster than last time. I felt I was pushing myself, especially given my level of discomfort, but I was determined to improve my time since my last attempt was a fairly easy jog. Then I started having trouble. Asthma. I haven't had an asthma attack during exercise all year, so I really wasn't expecting it.

Second lesson learned - carry your damn Ventolin even if you don't think you'll need it.

I kept persevering - figuring that the asthma wasn't too bad and if it got worse I could just stop and rest (my asthma is more chronic and annoying than life-threatening, so it wasn't as rash a decision as it may appear). And it got darker. And darker. Safety-wise it wasn't an issue. There was some sort of organised running event happening (they occur at odd times at the lake) so there were plenty of people around The problem was that I don't wear my prescription glasses when running. So in the gloaming I could barely see where my feet were landing. Luckily the running track is mostly smooth so I didn't trip, however it's not something I want to risk again.

Third lesson learned - don't run in the dark unless you duct-tape a torch to your groin.

Half way around the lake I started to get a weird cramp in my lower neck (the trapezius muscle). I'd had it a few months ago when I just started running and I'd usually stop when it got too bad. It felt like a stitch, but in the side of my neck, so it's most likely nothing to do with a stitch unless I have the most alien biology on the planet. This time I didn't want to stop and take it easy. I conquered the lake once and I was determined to do it again! So I tried to run through it.

Fourth lesson learned - there are some niggling pains you can run through, there are others that will mean you will be in severe pain for the rest of the night and (so far) the day after. Learn to tell the difference!

The good news was that I beat my PB / OPTRSF. I made it around the lake in... wait for it... 36 minutes! So I shaved all of 1 minute and 21 seconds off my previous time for the 4.9 km run. The previous run was comfortable. I hadn't stressed myself and I really, really enjoyed it. This run was hell. I was in pain, I was pushing myself and it was all for 1 minute and 21 seconds. What a rip off!

I think I know why, though. I woke up all sniffly and headachey today. I think my neck hurts from a viral infection, not a running ache. And that would explain the asthma too. I've got a damn cold. I tell you it's not fair when your nose runs faster than you do.

I hate being sick.