Ash Wednesday

Ash Wednesday is the start of Lent. It is also a day of fasting. Usually I have no problems fasting, but I did this year.

I had to photograph a basketball game out of the county Tuesday. The round trip to and from the game was 130 miles. I like to run twice on Tuesdays. I run in the morning when I get home from work. Then I run again later in the day. I planned on running long Wednesday since I had to work Tuesday night.

I took a banana and a protein bar to work with me on Wednesday morning. I ate both of those before 7: 30 a.m. After I left work, I got on my treadmill for a long run. I decided to run a marathon. I don't know if running a marathon was a smart idea. When I hit 16 miles, I really felt like stopping. I told myself to run to 18 miles. Once I got to 18 miles, I told myself to run to 22 miles. When I reached 22 miles, I knew I would be able to run the last four miles. When I was doubting myself, it was because I didn't know if I could make it on a empty stomach. I did.

After running, I had a glass of water with a protein mix. That filled me up for about an hour. I was hungry. I couldn't deny myself any longer. I broke down and ate some food. But not too much. I ate a small cinnamon raisin bagel, a handful of raisins and a banana. I know that those healthy snacks will carry me through until dinner.

I know I ate more food then I should have on Ash Wednesday. I couldn't help it. I'm always really hungry after running long distances. I'll be sure to fast better on Good Friday. I won't plan on running a marathon that day.