The Missing Captain or Workout #1 for July

I woke up this morning ready and rearing for a good run. I was so excited. It was going to be a warm day, so I woke up early, to beat the heat. I got dressed and ready to run, got Peach ready, went downstairs, and discovered my husband wasn't there.

I checked the garage, the yard, the restrooms, the rest of the house. I noticed his wallet was still at home, but his phone was missing. There was no note. I went outside and MY car was gone.

I tried calling his phone, but there was no answer. I thought maybe the grocery store...but he left coupons at home that he would have taken, and his wallet. I thought of several things, but nothing added up. I started to worry. I was up EARLY.

I thought about starting my run, since it would help pass the time, and keep me from obsessing since he was probably *fine*. But I remembered the jogging stroller was in the car! sigh...

After about an hour, hour and a half of playing with my Peach and coming mentally unglued, he walks in the door. He was playing tennis with friends, at the park. He thought he told me about it, but maybe not. I notified him that he was grounded *wink*, and after a justified "talk", Peach and I left 3 hours late for the run.

I noticed the day had already gotten warm, and it was more humid than I was prepared for. We set off, and at the time to run, I was excited. It felt natural, and I was ready for it. I was glad to be running, and I was enjoying myself. I made it to the park, looped it once without issue --imagining that the dog show going on was not a critical audience, but rather a cheering section-- and just into the second loop I started seeing stars.

Feeling like that was just silliness because I was barely over halfway through my run, I pressed on. I hardly remember the rest of the run. I know I slowed to a walk more than on Thursday, but not much more. I was just overwhelmed. I pushed myself through the last minute, did the cool down, making it home, or 2 1/2 miles (or so?).

I was frustrated that I didn't run the entirety, but I was almost out of my mind with exhaustion, that I didn't care much. I saw my neighbor (and church friend) KZ outside, prepping to leave. I knew I had to get her photo taken for a church project, so I grabbed my camera and walked over there, immediately. We talked for a little while, she asked me what my 4th of July plans were when it happened...

I wasn't hot anymore. In fact, I was cold. Really cold. Stars. Spinning. My stomach turned. I said to KZ, "It's Peach's birthday, so we're going to my parents and... I'm not feeling well. I need to go." Poor KZ. If you're reading this, KZ, I'm so sorry. I was either going to pass out on her front walk, or throw up. How awful.

I slogged back home, and collapsed on the bathroom floor.

When I got my wits about me, I managed to get to the sofa, where a shower of sweat ran from me. Every inch of me was covered in a significant amount of sweat.

Heat exhaustion? I'm not sure. Possible. It's easier to diagnose when you're not the one feeling it.

It took a good half gallon of water and an hour or so before I felt functional. I'm so thankful it wasn't worse. I'm so thankful no one had to clean up after me. I don't ever want to do that again.

From now on, I will prepare better if I have to run in heat. I will try to run earlier. I will listen better to my body cues.

Am I ready for Monday's 5K? Probably not. But I will give it my best. That is certain. I will likely come in last or near last, but I will more than likely be pleased at my ability, and for the hard work thus far.

Wish me luck!