The stuff of nightmares

I'm not talking about a bad run, I'm talking about a migraine! Ahhhh, last Wednesday one of the worst migraines I've had in quite a long time happened. I'm almost 100 percent sure it was exercise-induced. Or, maybe a tiny chance it's stress related because flood. ;)

The problem with these 4:30 a.m. runs is I have to get the family up at 5 and we have to be out the door by 6. It makes the mornings getting ready sort of stressful and doesn't leave much time for hydration or breakfast. I've got to figure out a way to solve this. I'd prefer something other than getting up at 4 a.m., but ehhhhhhh, not looking too good.

This freaking migraine lasted for three days. I missed work Thursday and to be honest, I should have missed work Friday. But I went in anyway.

It took three days, lots of water, vomiting, stomach issues (always triggers IBS episodes), eye pain, but damnit I was a new woman Saturday morning.

I should have run this weekend, but honestly, I was really scared I would have a rebound headache. That has happened before and I just didn't want to chance it.

I used to get migraines often. Enough so I had to get a prescription, but the last couple of years have been really good to my head. With the exception of PMS headaches, I don't get them too often anymore. So naturally I didn't have a prescription.

Excedrin Migraine helped somewhat, but I feel like all that really is is a big shot of caffeine. Sometimes you just have to power through till it's over.

Hence, here we are today. I'm ready and able to get out on the road this week and I"m looking forward to it.

So I've come to learn the best way to avoid migraines is DRINK WATER before/after and basically like forever when running. Also, try to handle your stress as best as possible. HAHAHAHAHAH! OMG there is no handling of stress these days other than wanting to be in a fetal position under the bed. But, I'm surviving just fine!

13-minute range!

Today I will pat myself on the back and toot my own horn. It's not often I achieve something that allows me to do all that, but I will do it today!

First, it was only one mile. Second, it's still very slow compared to most runners. Third, it was only one mile ...

This is my third week of running again so I went from a 15:36 to a 13:36. I'm hitting my goals on my spreadsheet, but of course, I have a really long way to go.

I think I am going to hold off one more week on adding another mile. I'm going to keep trying to improve on the one mile.

I've found the key is to not look at your watch. I was obsessively looking at my paces and honestly that would slow me down mentally. I still look at it several times though, but I look at the distance rather than the pace.

From .72 on I thought I would trip or barf, and I did neither. So it's a win!!

What's the slowest mile you've run compared to the fastest? Do you celebrate the little victories? For me, it's the only thing keeping me going. :)