Had a rough week of sleepless nights, back and butt pains. I took Th and Fri off of running because I didn’t want to hurt myself more. I even scheduled a last minute massage. Needless, to say I was nervous going into the race. I just built myself up and thought “I’m still gonna get after it”.
Race started super well and I had a ton of confidence and swagger. Had an early Matt Searle sighting but not too many other familiar faces. I ran every mile through the first half exactly how I wanted, not too fast but still had some fun. Easiest Veyo I can remember. Best part, my butt/back pain seemed like a non issue (thank you St. George Day Spa). Ross and I taped some hydration stuff to mile posts and those were clutch at different points of the race.
At around mile 14 I was ready to roll out my second dose of “anti-cramp” pills but the pills were all stuck together. For like 4-5 miles I tried loosening those bad boys. At around 19 I tossed them to the side. Cramps twinges started to roll on the fun downhills, I started to loose my speed confidence.
Got to mi gente at mile 22 and stopped to put some icy hot on my legs. Jake Saari Trevor Prior Benji Williams some guy called brennan and Mr. President jumped in with me and provided some much needed support in the way of conversation and beverage. They witnessed the start of some cramping.
Made a business decision to slow down and straight leg shuffle down to Diagonal. I did the math and figured 3 10 minute miles would still get me a sub 3:10. Right at mile 24 I high fived a student and turned into a statue. Both hamstrings and quads seized and I just stood there for like 30 seconds. Someone rubbed more icy hot on my legs and I walked for a minute.
I moved on very pessimistic not sure how I was going to make the last 1.8 miles without cramping. Luckily Dave Holt spawned in and helped me get to the last turn of the race. He kept telling me I wasn’t going to cramp, and he was right. I endured and got to that finish line. Officially 3:08:55 and a new STG PR!
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