I had a great time yesterday morning. We had 6 people in my car and I saw about 10 old friends when we got to the park, so I was very, very excited about the company for the morning. My race did not go that well, but I was not expecting it to. I ran exactly 15 minutes slower this year than I did last year, and I couldn't have run any faster yesterday.
I needed yesterday's run as a temporary goodbye to running and racing. As bad of an idea as it might have been to "race" after deciding I was in trouble, it was a good idea, for me. I was pretty sad Friday night when I was picking out my race outfit because I knew in the back of my head it would be a long time before I'd be doing that again. The worst part is I don't even know how long it will be. I ran by myself for a majority of the race, and I think I needed that too. It gave me some time to really come to terms with my present state of health, and the fact that I am going to have to back off, no matter what. I simply cannot continue like this, otherwise I run the risk of really damaging my body, and also of losing the desire to ever swim, bike, or run again.
The weather for the race was awesome - low 40s at the start and low 70s at the finish. The park was absolutely gorgeous, and I was so happy to be outside, despite how awful my running was. I kicked a stupid root around 10 miles in and I'm still not sure if 3 of my toes on my left foot will ever be the same. I contemplated quitting at the 12.5 mile aid station more than once, but when I got there, there didn't really seem to be any real reason to quit, so I marched on. I actually made a new friend on the way out of that aid station, and she helped the last few miles pass. Another good thing that came out of this race was the fact that I was easily able to come to terms with not doing Sunmart. I soaked up the atmosphere when I could, knowing I wouldn't have my annual 31 mile trek through the woods next month, and I made the most of it. I am ok with not doing Sunmart, and at this point actually have no desire to do it, because I know how awful I would feel while trying to do it. I also know I don't need the disappointment of any more sub-par race times.
Greyhound had us over for pizza, beer, and football after the race, and I think we all enjoyed it a lot. Thanks for that!!!
Several of my friends experienced the trails of Huntsville State Park for the first time and their experiences ranged from "awesome, I can't wait to come back" to "6 stitches..." to "well, I had 2.1 good miles before I sprained my ankle" to "never, ever again!"
I needed yesterday's run as a temporary goodbye to running and racing. As bad of an idea as it might have been to "race" after deciding I was in trouble, it was a good idea, for me. I was pretty sad Friday night when I was picking out my race outfit because I knew in the back of my head it would be a long time before I'd be doing that again. The worst part is I don't even know how long it will be. I ran by myself for a majority of the race, and I think I needed that too. It gave me some time to really come to terms with my present state of health, and the fact that I am going to have to back off, no matter what. I simply cannot continue like this, otherwise I run the risk of really damaging my body, and also of losing the desire to ever swim, bike, or run again.
The weather for the race was awesome - low 40s at the start and low 70s at the finish. The park was absolutely gorgeous, and I was so happy to be outside, despite how awful my running was. I kicked a stupid root around 10 miles in and I'm still not sure if 3 of my toes on my left foot will ever be the same. I contemplated quitting at the 12.5 mile aid station more than once, but when I got there, there didn't really seem to be any real reason to quit, so I marched on. I actually made a new friend on the way out of that aid station, and she helped the last few miles pass. Another good thing that came out of this race was the fact that I was easily able to come to terms with not doing Sunmart. I soaked up the atmosphere when I could, knowing I wouldn't have my annual 31 mile trek through the woods next month, and I made the most of it. I am ok with not doing Sunmart, and at this point actually have no desire to do it, because I know how awful I would feel while trying to do it. I also know I don't need the disappointment of any more sub-par race times.
Greyhound had us over for pizza, beer, and football after the race, and I think we all enjoyed it a lot. Thanks for that!!!
Several of my friends experienced the trails of Huntsville State Park for the first time and their experiences ranged from "awesome, I can't wait to come back" to "6 stitches..." to "well, I had 2.1 good miles before I sprained my ankle" to "never, ever again!"
Comments
you're smart to listen to your body. but, how difficult it must have been to pick out your outfit, knowing what you plan to do.
Glad you finished, it's a good way to finish off right before hitting the pause button.
you are going to come back stronger than ever.
As for Sunmart, too bad! Oh, and "Stiches, twisted ankles, and "never, ever again"??? Oh no... :-) I was in Houston over Labor Day and my friend and I did a run in Huntsville, so at least it won't be completely unfamiliar.
Oh, and are you going to be the next Bachelorette?? :-)