Crash and burn..First experience with not being able to finish a race, so a pretty disappointing day. I was on call for work Friday in Denver so I wasn't sure I would make it to the race. But as luck would have it I got released early and hopped on a jumpseat to Duluth. I got there about 10pm and since I had chosen a host family over the hotel, I met up with them and we toured the city until midnight. I never get more than 4 or 5 hours sleep night before anyways. They were a great family and it was a highlight of the trip. In the morning I was picked up by the van and spent the ride up talking to the Japanese team,very cool. I was a bit apprehensive about running today because of a sore tendon and lingering leg fatigue but everything kind of fell together for it so I went for it. The pace felt great and I fell into a perfect group running a 5:45 pace which was exactly my goal. But around mile 8 I already could feel that Achilles tendon and calf tightening up. I hung with the group through mile 11 and had to stop and try to stretch it out. I started again but coming through the half it became obvious it could be serious. I sat at a medical tent for two minutes watching runners go by and decided to just finish the race so I started again. I only hit mile 16 until I knew it was a day. Crap. What a downer. Dropping out of a race is the exact opposite feeling of finishing one well.. The EMT at the elite tent took some time with my ankle and insists it's a partial tendon tear, but I think I dropped out early enough that damage is minimal. The next few days will tell. | 