Today was the annual First Dam run. I felt good going into it, trying to carry momentum from the state meet. In the morning for breakfast I ate some grapes that might or might not have been bad. I warmed up a mile and saw Tyler at the starting area. I thought he would be my main competition in this race. We lined up and there was a small lead group of about 8 or so. We were all close and two guys that didn't know what they were doing were leading. Then Tyler made his move and started gaping. Almost at the same time me and a local triathlete named Glenn surged away from the group at around mile 1, which was about 7 minutes. We caught Tyler and I kept my momentum to gap them a little. I held my lead till about mile 3 which I was at 17:40. There they both caught me and we ran as a pack. Me and Tyler alternated the lead and started gaping Glenn. Then at about mile 4, instead disaster struck. I took a big breath so I could make a move on Tyler but when I did my stomach felt it was an overinflated balloon. It wasn't a side ache, it was more of a stomach ache. Also at that time my headache that was minor the whole morning until that point flared. I slowly started loosing Tyler and I tried to make one final comeback but to no avail. Soon Glen caught me and he was going strong, he encouraged me and that helped me keep up but it was temporary. By mile 5 I lost Glen too and just struggled to keep going. The last 400 meters it eased up and I got a strong finish. At the finish I nearly collapsed and had to sit down just hold my stomach and take it in. Tyler finished first a minute ahead of me and Glenn was 4 seconds behind him. I got home, drank some tea and took a nap. I woke up with my stomach feeling better so i convinced myself to go on 35 mile ride around Benson and Mendon. It was really pretty but I went way fast the last 15 miles cause it was getting late.
| 