Well, not running for a couple weeks (pretty much) and heading out to conquer a 50K isn't advisable...all the time. Only when you're crazy...or bored :)
I started this race hoping I could hit my 50K in the 5:00:00 and that my shin/calf wouldn't die on me. I accomplished one of those goals, well maybe both.
I had to limp myself into a run the first few miles and they were a lot slower than I would've liked, but at least I was running. The shin/calf eventually warmed up and then I was on my way. Still a TON slower than the people I would've liked to have been running with, but we all get left behind sometime. I wasn't the happiest about it, but luckily there was one person (Curtis) that was willing to take it a tad slower (we were hitting 8:30AP laps, so nothing horrible!) and chat with me and keep me company. During the 3rd hour he left to go bike for an hour with the goal of 13.1, 1 hr bike, 13.1 - and he hit it!! Anyway, from all those 5 million boxing classes my hammies and glutes were tight and screaming at me. I begged around and found someone willing to give me IB. Thanks Joshua! It kept the aches at bay so I could finish.
When Curtis came back the last 2 hours he was a little behind his laps and times. I told him to leave me and go get his goal. I love that about runners. We are willing to stick with friends even if it means we occassionally sacrifice our goals! I was SO grateful for his company. Otherwise I would've spent 5 hours solo...blech! I do this as a social run and it sucks when you don't get that. I did get a couple laps in with Rachelle and Kristen, so I guess I shouldn't complain too much. I guess I'm just disappointed in myself that I couldn't keep up and chat with all my peeps.
I didn't plug into my music until the last 40 minutes, but it was a great change. Helped me push through those last few laps and get me closer to my goal. My shin was still feeling pretty good, even when I would stop and start again, which it usually would tighten up and I'd be hobbling again. It wasn't my shin making me hobble, but my hammies and glutes! I'd get them warmed up and not look too atrocious after a few steps.
I finished my 5:00:00 with supposedly 109 laps, or that is what they recorded. I truly don't think that even with my couple stops I ran a 4:30:00 full. It just doesn't seem to add up! Some people had their laps right on to what they'd manually recorded and others were short 3-7 laps. Looking at the overall, I truly think that people were about 15-20 ahead of what the clock was giving them. I always seem to have issues with this race and lap counting. I should learn and count it myself! But, I always think "I'll trust them this year!" Especially since I took 4th by ONE lap! ONE! ugh. Anyway, bygones.
So, since they'd only officially recorded 109 laps I went and ran 6 more after as they were cleaning up to hit my 115 laps and get to 32 miles. Okay, it is really like 31.6...but that is for the inside lane and I was always in lane 2 or 3, so I'm rounding up!
A great race and good times with friends as always. I took home a case of bananas, a box of otter pops and a box of Gu. SCORE! Much better than some stupid trophy and a pair of Altras...right? ;(
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