Tale o' Bitch Rib

I am still being haunted by the consequences of my battle with gravity during the 4th of July 50k....
Rib injuries SUCK....There aren't enough curse words to describe how much. It's a nauseating pain and I mean that quite literally. My husband was confident that I didn't break anything so I was hopeful that one rest day (two max) would suffice....Running business could then resume as usual. After completing advanced medial research (thanks Google), I discovered that one can run with bruised ribs IF they can tolerate the pain associated with their stupidity. Sounded like a challenge and Angela does not back down from a challenge. The first attempt occurred within 48 hours of injury, I slow jogged a three mile route home from work....The whole way, muttering phrases that would make even the most obscene sailor blush. The next day went much better - I managed over ten miles split between two runs. I noticed that the pain did subside slightly after about four miles (not disappear). Flatter road routes proved the safest option.....Hill repeats are tricky when deep breaths feel like tiny internal chest punches. This morning, I braved a hillier route....I was pleased to discover that running uphill offered pain relief due to the normal posturing of the body. However, running downhill was torture....I felt like I was being clubbed in the ribs with every stride. I'm just miserable. Each of the forty miles that I ran last week felt like a battle. I've grown resentful of those runners that I see sprinting along without a permanent painful grimace.

I'm off to the doctor this afternoon per my husband's request just to ensure that nothing is fractured / broken / dislocated...I wake up each morning hoping that the pain will have dissipated but NOPE...The universe continues to kick me in the lady parts.

*Update!

I went to the doctor and after a thorough examination, he's fairly confident that nothing is broken. He confirmed that I can continue to run. Absent a major fall where I just happen to land on the same bitch rib, it's not likely that I will cause further damage. He suggested that I keep to low, flat mileage for the remainder of this week and that I should be 100% by the end of the month. I have a short (10 mile) trail race scheduled for Saturday that may end up being my first "DNS"....I'm playing it VERY day-to-day and run-to-run.... I did bang out a wonderful eight mile run this morning before work so there's that....

Head over Heels (4th of July 50k)

I've just finished three of the hardest training weeks of my life....I am cranky, exhausted, starving and SORE.... In under 50 days, I'll be running the Squamish 50...Saying that I'm terrified might be the understatement of the year. 

The most glorious part of this past long weekend was that I ran on a different trail each day, each offering a unique benefit. 

Friday - Jeff and I patronized our favorite hiking spot...it's a three mile gradual incline (1200' gain)...We agreed that I would do running repeats while Jeff hiked with our dogs. Last year, it took me almost 50 minutes to reach the top. This year, I was able to reach the top in 37 minutes and the entire trip in 1:07.

2014

2015

After reaching the bottom, I ran back up to reunite with Jeff (about 2.25 miles) and then we walked down together.  

 

Saturday - The whole family went on a mellow 2.5 mile flat hike around Round Lake. Our youngest son HATES hiking....We're working hard to change that but this short adventure proved that we've got A LOT of work to do. After the hike, everyone hit the water while I ran back around.  

Sunday - I participated in my fourth 50k (sixth ultra). This race was purely for training purposes. After being plagued with stomach issues in my last four races, I am anxious to nail down nutrition. I did not taper for this...After my last 50, I had a lighter week only clocking in 66 miles and then the week leading up to the race looked like this.... 

M: 4 miles 

T: 10.4 miles

W: 10.7 miles

Th: 7.57 miles 

F: 10 + miles (Garmin is inaccurate on trails) 

S: 8.94 miles 

Sunday: 50k 

I still ran every day but tried to keep the mileage lower than usual in the few days leading up to the 50k. This is what I knew about the race - the aid stations would be relatively far apart (two >9 miles), the course was primarily double-track ATV trails and the elevation gain was approximately 5000' (decent but not torturous). A hydration pack was a necessity...a 20 oz handheld is just not enough fluid for long stretches in summer....at least not for me. In hindsight, I didn't need to fill the 2L bladder like I did but...better safe than sorry. I put 6 scoops of Tailwind in the bladder and then carried a 10 oz bottle with just pure water in the front pocket of my vest. 

During the prerace meeting, the RD advised that the terrain was atrocious and warned everyone (multiple times) to WATCH THEIR FOOTING. The first ten miles went smooth...I was starting to question what the hell he was talking about. Yes, the terrain was a bit rockier than preferred but nothing particularly technical. All the inclines were gradual enough that I was able to run up them without even getting winded. I was feeling spectacular rolling into the first aid station. I was second female and fourth overall. 

But things got ugly and fast. The trail became uneven and REALLY treacherous. It's hard to describe...this picture is not from the course but is very similar to how the terrain was... 

This may not look that bad but it's terrible to run on....it beats up your feet and the dodging around large rocks causes serious muscle fatigue. Around mile 12 - 13, I landed wrong on a rock and twisted my ankle....I could still run but it wasn't pleasant. Even though the inclines were still runnable, I started walking them....This was training and I was going to be conservative. Running uphill on rocky terrain was just too much of a risk. 

I was passed by three runners that seemed much more confident about the terrain. I was about 30 minutes behind my normal 50k pace....I began to make peace with the fact that it was going to be a long day. The first 20 miles of the course felt ALL uphill but then we were rewarded with sweet descent...About 1/4 mile from the mile 24 aid station, I tripped over a rock and then I was tumbling...head over fucking heels tumbling....The wind was knocked out of me. What just happened?!? Am I OK?!?  I moved to the side of the trail in order to assess my injuries. I questioned whether I should call it a day...I was about to enter the last manned aid station,  my last chance to throw in the towel....After shedding some tears out of frustration, I found myself hobbling down the hill with a firm resolve that the course would not conquer me. Absent a broken bone, I was going to finish. At the aid station, I cleaned myself up with baby wipes then guzzled down 1/2 can of Coke....and then I was off! Coming out the station, there was a decent 1/2 mile climb...I used that hike to regroup....I knew that I needed to get back into a more positive mental space. 

At mile 29, I was overjoyed when I could see the trail turn into road; I knew this was a sign that the final stretch was upon me....I followed the course markings until I was greeted by three fellow runners that gave me the worst news imaginable - we took a wrong turn somewhere, somehow. We spent 10 minutes trying to figure out what to do....there was no cell service and we couldn't figure out what happened. We walked back to the road and saw two individuals running toward us. One woman exclaimed, "That's my daughter!!!!" We were pointed in the right direction and started seeing pink ribbons again. We believe that someone removed the directional arrow sign that pointed us to the finish. All day long, I had encountered signs that had been knocked down and ribbons that were removed. It was clear that some douche thought this was a good prank. 

I finished in 6:52....Almost an hour slower than my slowest 50k (which I believe was a more challenging race). My husband even became concerned. In the end, a finish is all that matters. Additionally, I ran for close to seven hours with not a single stomach issue. I relied on liquids alone - Tailwind and Coke. I'm feeling a bit beaten up....For the first time in my life, I have bruised ribs which is a great compliment to the sore ankle, busted knee, swollen hip and blue shoulder BUT I could totally run today.... .well, if it didn't hurt to breathe and move. 

Pooping in the Woods.... (Trail Rail Run 50 Race Recap)

I would speculate that I sign up for more races than the average runner. My irrational fear of wildlife limits my willingness to spend time on trails alone.....Yes, this is embarrassing for a native Idahoan to admit. Trail races give me the chance to have valuable training experiences in a supported environment while providing the comfort associated with an organized event. Generally, I have only a couple races each year that I'm particularly stoked about and/or that I consider a "goal race"...The Trail Rail 50 happened to be one of those races.

One week prior to this event, I ran the second trail 1/2 marathon in a local State Park Series....it served as a wonderful confidence builder. I felt AMAZING the entire time....and not just physically but mentally. In spite of stomach cramping from mile 8 - 10 that slowed me down, I maintained a positive attitude and felt strong. As we crossed the finish line, I joked to the runner next to me, "We should do another loop!" He responded with a grunt, "Beer." While I totally understood his sentiment, I seriously would have done another loop had I not abandoned Jeff with an impatient Colton for over two hours.

Leading up to the race, I decided that I would not taper dramatically. I've noticed that I'm MUCH stronger on race day with a shorter taper....I continued to run each day but eliminated doubles and reduced distance.

M: 10 miles *only double day
T: 6.5 miles
W: 4 miles
Th: 6 miles
F: 3 miles
S: RACE DAY

The stomach cramps that plagued me during my half continued to be an annoyance throughout race week. Because they didn't interfere with running, I just wrote them off as race-related nerves / stress. 48 hours prior to the race, I noticed that I was losing weight and started becoming concerned but focused on keeping optimistic.

The morning of the race, I had to wake up at 3 AM in order to catch a shuttle from our hotel to the start line; this is the earliest that I've ever woken up for a race (or anything)....Even my digestive system knew that I should be sleeping and failed to function. I crammed down my usual breakfast and took my caffeine with me on the shuttle. About ten minutes before arriving at the start, I started feeling that familiar feeling....I needed a bathroom ASAP.... Of course, the bus driver got lost which created quite the internal panic as things became more urgent. Then the worst possible thing happened....As soon as we arrived, I realized the RD failed to order port-a-potties....there was ONE pit toilet for all the 50 mile racers and I was smack dab in the middle of the line. If you're in the dark about this fact, let me shine some light....every runner poops before a race (or at least desperately tries). A pre-race bathroom line moves slowly because everyone is attempting to pinch one off. My stomach was SCREAMING....Suddenly, I knew that I had to do something.... Before I knew it, I was rushing off into the forest and pulling down my pants.  The text message that I sent to my husband, "I just pooped in the woods. I'm not sure whether to be proud or mortified." And that was the moment that I finally became a true ultra runner.

I wrote this long-winded, detailed recap BUT ain't no one got time for that...

The highlight of this race was absolutely the course....What a breath-taking adventure! It was a point-to-point journey from Idaho (Mullan) to Montana (Saint Regis) utilizing old rail trails. I can see this being an excellent first ultra marathon. You're surrounded by nature without having to battle technical terrain. Aside from the gentle 1000' climb that occurs over the first eight miles, there's an overall downhill trend. A well-trained beast could easily run the entire 50 miles. Aid stations were plentiful - the longest stretch between was 8 miles (AS #1). After that, they were no further than 6 miles apart. I was able to run with a single 20 oz handheld.

My stomach DID NOT grant me any favors. I would approximate that I spent a good 1/2 hour utilizing the bathrooms along the course. I battled horrendous stomach cramping that I can only liken
to labor contractions one might feel when birthing the spawn of Satan. During the last 10 miles, I was overwhelmed with nausea unlike anything ever experienced in a race before....I was gagging with each sip of Tailwind. At mile 46, I vomited up hours of precious calories on the side of the trail....Already depleted from having explosive diarrhea, I was now literally running on empty. For a minute, I was scared....Was it safe to continue? Should I just lay down and wait for someone to come along? I decided just to walk the final five miles....it took forever....I wanted to scream....I cursed repeatedly.... I continued until I passed through that glorious finish line....Where I proceeded to immediately curl up in a ball and thank the universe that I no longer had to move.

So where were the positives?

1.) I ran 50 miles with a stomach virus....That makes me pretty bad ass.... or insane....

2.) Jeff reminded me how AMAZING of a husband (and person) that he is. A man who spends their birthday weekend shuffling from AS to AS in order to support and encourage their partner.... Well, that's a mighty, mighty good man.

MINE! 

3.) I learned that when you hit a mental low, turning on really horrendous 90's pop and serenading the bears helps immensely (Thank you Beyonce)

4.) I have the ability to run through tunnels without a headlamp WITHOUT falling on my face

5.) I PR'd in the 50k distance (5:15) AND the 50 mile distance (10:43)

6.) I figured out a walk / run interval that works when I'm physically struggling

7.) Again....I RAN 50 MILES (actually 51) WITH A STOMACH VIRUS.

The Riverside 24 Disaster

Early May, I spontaneously registered for one of those 24 hour races.....And it was the stupidest registration decision that I've ever made. While there was never an intention of running for 24 hours straight, I had ambitious (insane / stupid / delusional) hopes that I could throw down ten loops (six miles each)....Keep in mind, I just ran a 50 mile mountain race....

As the event neared, I was aware my endurance had not been restored....Even short runs were leaving me feeling on the brink of death....I'm sure that my suffering made me a joy to run with (Sorry Katie). I lowered my expectations...I figured I could feel pride about finishing five loops (50k). Furthermore, I'm super cheap so I wanted to justify the registration fee somewhat.

One super rad thing about (most) 24 hour events is that there is virtually no pressure....You can run what you want and how fast you want. I wanted to prepare like the Running Gods would be in my favor....You never know how a race is going to go down. If I was having a rare day where running felt effortless, I was going to go with that for as long as humanely possible.....or until my husband knocked me out (he was super concerned about pushing my body too far).

We packed a cooler full of the typical ultra yummies....Brownies, Soda, Chips, Candy, Sandwiches....We booked a hotel about ten minutes from the race venue so that Jeff (and the hooligans) would have somewhere nearby to chill out while I was torturing myself.

From the moment that we woke up on race day, I was overwhelmed. Children complaining and arguing for 70 miles in a car = STRESS.  I'll be real with you....Sometimes being a parent sucks. This was one of those days.  Even before the race started, my stomach was in knots that resulted in terrible cramps....and not the empty promise kind....

The adrenalin of the race beginning helped my stomach temporarily. The first loop went really smooth - I was the first female to finish, which was an ego boost. Because the race started at 11 AM, it was already HOT. I'd rather run 100 miles in the Arctic than 10 miles in the Sahara Desert.....and that is for real.

Winter running is the best....

Now this is where things get a bit.....embarrassing / deflating..... About 2 miles into the second loop, I couldn't run anymore. My stomach cramps came back with a vengeance. My legs felt like lead. I was feeling dizzy. My heart rate was out of control. I began a shuffle that was similar to what one might witness in the later stages of a long distance race. People were zooming by me, casting sympathetic glances in my direction and offering encouraging words that makes a suffering individual want to violently punch one in the face.

I knew that my day was done.

I had promised that I would run a loop with my oldest son...I knew hours into the race, I would be hobbling along at a pace that he could easily manage....I just didn't know that would happen 12 miles in. After chugging an ice cold Coke, we set out on what would be my final loop. The real victory of the day was that he conquered six miles....longer than he'd ever ran / hiked before....He's going into track next year and this was a great experience for him. Over the course of the summer, I'll be working with him on going through the Couch to 5k program in order to build up his endurance.

Band. Track. Math Club.
So proud of this dude. 

Four days out from that disaster....I can now feel my endurance coming back. I'm running double digit mileage again comfortably. I'm even running long distances at the end of the workday, which I tend to avoid. My next major race is three weeks from now....I'll be running the Trail Rail 50....I will be running from Idaho to Montana and I am EXCITED.

On a side note.....

I took my first running tumble. I'm surprised that I made it this long with how insanely clumsy that I am. Oddly, it wasn't even on a trail where one might expect....it was a road loop that I've ran so many times that I could navigate it with my eyes closed. My foot caught a loose rock as I was coming around the corner....and before I knew it, my face was colliding with the pavement (literally). I was 1/2 mile from home...The old me definitely would have called it a day, returning home in order to nurse my battle wounds and bruised ego....The new me squirted the gravel out of my bloody road rash and soldiered on. Proudest running moment of 2015.

Sun Mountain 50 Recap

My morning started just like every other race day....

I consumed my insanely healthy + delicious breakfast of two chocolate toaster pastries sandwiched together with almond butter while still laying under the blankets....After ensuring the bed was adequately covered in crumbs, I jumped straight for the caffeine (Amino Energy).

When I began racing last year, I was a frantic mess up until the point that I started running. Something has changed....I have enough races under my belt to realize that come race day, the outcome will be what it will be....stressing doesn't help matters much. My stomach is grateful that I am now flooded with a bizarre calmness before the running storm.

Hanging with Yoshimi moments before the start

Prior to the start, I lined up in the middle of the pack. I didn't want adrenalin pushing me to hold the pace of the frontrunners. On mental repeat was the saying, "If you feel like you are going slow, go slower..." This is a really common piece of advice for beginning ultra runners. A sustainable pace is absolutely critical for a strong finish....or perhaps finishing at all.

Aid Station #1 (6 miles)

The first handful of miles went by in a blur. Other than a slight incline here or there...the running was easy....perfect for warming up and finding a groove. I topped off the handheld with water then zoomed out of the station.

Aid Station #2 (14 miles)

The temperatures began to rise and the climbs became more frequent. Pace began to slow but I was still in terrific spirits (as demonstrated in the goofy photo below....and no, I have NO idea what the hell is up with my thigh).

At this aid station, I refilled my handheld and sucked down a few small cups of soda.

Aid Station #3 (20 miles)

Our first steep climb greeted us upon leaving the second aid station. Just when you'd think that you were almost at the top....it would switchback...Boom! More incline! This became the theme of the day. I should be thankful that brutal ascents were matched with glorious descents. However, the climbing meant that fatigued legs could only push so fast on the flats.I began integrating short intervals of walking.

I was almost bummed to have arrived at the third aid station thirty minutes ahead of the earliest expected time....This meant that Jeff had not arrived.

I refilled my handheld with water, adding in 200 calories of Tailwind. I inhaled like five slices of Watermelon + another few cups of soda.

Aid Station #4 (27 miles)

The heat REALLY began taking it's toll on me. We were running on farming / ranching land; there was significant exposure to the sun, which you could feel pounding down upon you. I was sucking down fluids FAST. I fixated upon rationing what I had. I slowed down to what felt like a crawl. I walked A LOT....I hated that I was walking so much....Beginning at mile 14, I began battling with nausea that continued to haunt me....Climbs made me want to vomit....and there was no shortage of climbs! Mentally, I was losing a battle.....

I was so relieved to see Jeff when I reached the station. The exchange was rather limited....At this point, I was talking in one word sentences. Simply seeing him and hearing his words of encouragement brightened my mood. It was time to throw on the hydration pack for extra fluids. He helped me pour another 200 calorie bag of Tailwind into my handheld. Now, I also had two 10oz bottles of pure water. From the aid station, I ate a handful of grapes (oh my god so delicious) and drank like five cups of soda.....On a quick side note, why are the cups so freaking small?!? We are talking shot glass size (maybe smaller than that even). 

Aid Station #5 (36 Miles)

Under normal circumstances, this was an easy section....mostly downhill, not technical....There comes a point in an ultra event where downhills begin to hurt. My problematic knee throbbed and I could feel the blisters forming on my feet. Now in uncharted mileage territory....muscles were rebelling, tightening up and cramping. I was moving slow enough to have conversations with those around me.

This aid station would be my last opportunity to pull from the race....I wouldn't see Jeff again and I wasn't carrying my phone. It would be a lie to say that I didn't seriously consider it. I reverted back to a race strategy that I use during marathons. Don't count miles, count aid stations. I just had to make it through ONE more and then I was home free. Even walking, I could make the finishing cut-off. 

Poor Jeff had to help me change my shoes.....I wasn't going to risk sitting down so I had to lean on him while he guided my swollen, rotten feet into the new kicks.

When I left the aid station, I put together my first coherent sentence in hours...."I'll see you at the finish." And with a renewed sense of confidence, I meant it....

Homeward Bound

Just when you think that it couldn't possibly get worse.....
The two steepest climbs were in the final 15 miles.
Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.
I couldn't listen to music anymore. I was functioning on a basic level.
Move forward. Move forward. Just keep moving.

After the final aid station (mile 44), there was a three mile ascent. Yes...THREE MILES! It was a complete sufferfest. I am SO glad that hiking was an integral part in my training. Dudes that looked in WAY better shape (physically) than me were having to step off the trail in order to regain composure....and I never saw them again. If a steep ascent at the end of a 50 mile race isn't enough torture....there was a barbed wire fence that runners had to climb over via ladder. Navigating a ladder when you have 45 miles on your legs...it's hilarious in a cruel joke way.

I would have been thrilled to reach the top of the final ascent IF I didn't know that I would have to turn around and run back down in order to reach the finish.

Something ignited within me as I began descending. At first, I was barely hobbling down...but then I was suddenly running again....and quickly!

The Final Descent 

My husband's first words to me were...."You did it!"
I think he was just as shocked as I was.
Hell...I'm still shocked.
Did it really happen?!?

 

Sun Mountain 50 (Countdown)

This post is a disaster....please stick with me....I started writing this BEFORE the Sun Mountain 50.
This is part one of a rather long recap....

Countdown

I'm a ball of nervous, frantic energy.....In 48 hours, I will be almost six hours into the Sun Mountain 50 miler. I'm hoping that I'll be hitting the 50k mark and still in relatively decent spirits.

I'm learning that A LOT of preparation goes into a race this long.

This is the first race that I've ever been remotely concerned about making the aid station cut-off times. I've poured over the elevation map in order to estimate timeframes in which I'll roll into the stations. Pacing is going to be REALLY hard....I have to be really conscious of sticking to a sustainable pace while simultaneously ensuring that I'm not having to sprint in order to make the cut-off. Sprinting (for me) is the discomfort equivalent of being repeatedly kicked in your girl parts. The bearded partner expects to touch bases along the course in order to provide moral support (SMOOCHIES). Yes, I have a goal for the finishing time of this race but I NEVER share until after the race.

Sun Mountain 50 Elevation Map (Provided by Rainshadow Running)

I've never prepared a drop bag before. I'll admit that I consulted my friend Google for advice. I'll have drop bags at the final three aid stations. I'm not 100% sure that I will need them. The aid stations WILL have Coke (favorite ultra fuel). Up until this point, I have been able to rely upon Tailwind with occasional sips of Coke. However, I know that I've had a problem taking in enough calories. I want to make sure that I have treats that I love....Maybe this will encourage adequate fueling.

Drop Bags will include:

Swedish Fish
Strawberry Yogurt-Covered Pretzels
Skittles
Peach Rings
Little Debbie Oatmeal Cream Cookies
Red Bull (8oz can)
Pepto Bismol Tablets

I plan on having a change of shoes placed in the drop bag at mile 36. Again, I'm not sure that I'll want to take the time and change shoes.....I'm afraid that once I sit down, I won't want to keep going.... But it might feel REALLY nice to put on a fresh pair of kicks.

In order to relieve nerves AND indulge in some needed carbs after a long day of stressing at the office, Jeff and I took a leisurely stroll downtown with our pups.....

My favorite running AND drinking partner 

Per usual, I did a shakeout run the morning prior to beginning our road adventure (3.5 miles)...I was super stoked that I felt fresher than I had in a LONG time - two weeks of light running does wonder to repair the aches and pains that have been plaguing you. 

We arrived in Winthrop around 3 PM.....Winthrop is a Western-themed town tucked away in rural Washington. After checking into the hotel, we drove to the trail head where the race would start. Yet again, I am SO glad that we scoped the situation out ahead of time. The race e-mail warned that mosquitoes were out....but nothing could prepare us for what exactly that meant. They were out in thick swarms. In general, I avoid spraying myself down with chemicals. I'd rather take the risks that come from a few mosquito bites BUT....10+ hours in a mosquito-laden environment? That requires some sort of protection. 

I was quite surprised that Winthrop didn't seem exactly dog-friendly. While walking Yoshimi downtown, an abundant amount of glares / grimaces were aimed in our direction....How can one not love that dog pictured above? We ended up ordering some takeout from a Mexican restaurant and calling it an early night.

Before I knew it, the alarm was screaming at me.......... 

Farragut Trail 1/2 Marathon

This past weekend, I ran my first half of 2015! It was odd running this distance again.... I knew that I wanted to participate in this race because it's one of our favorite places to have family hikes - Farragut State Park in Athol. The course would loop around the entire park...I would get to see different trail sections that I've always wanted to explore.

Farragut State Park 2014 (BABY YOSHIMI!)

This race served as my final "long" training run for Sun Mountain. I had no expectations of racing....Honestly, I'm a bit out of shape to compete or even PR in any distance right now. After the Spokane River Run 50k, I've been focused on just maintaining fitness while allowing my body to recover.....oh and eating A LOT of tacos....

I was SUPER grateful for a 9 AM start because it's a 30 minute drive from our home to the park.  Not having to wake up any earlier than a normal workday was nice. I understand early start times for LONG distances and / or during the brutal months of summer BUT otherwise I just think it's cruel. Not all runners are morning people (that message is intended for sadistic RDs).

I really enjoyed this course....it had a little bit of every kind of trail and a good portion was ran alongside the water. The elevation gain was moderate and only a small section (less than 1 mile) could be considered "technical".

I made a couple mistakes in this race....The first mistake was that I didn't eat close enough to the starting time. I had my normal breakfast about two hours prior and I bonked embarrassingly early (about 8 miles in).  I need to ensure that I'm putting something in my system within 30 - 45 minutes prior. I'm not someone that can run (or function) without something in my stomach. I was too confident in my decision to run without a water bottle. The aid stations were placed at miles 2, 7 and 11.....I've ran without water for 10 miles - why would there be any problem? Well....heat is my kryptonite....Even though some might consider 70 degrees comfortable, I'm used to running in 40-50 degree weather. The sudden spike in temperature is always difficult for me to acclimate to. Once I become thirsty, my whole mental attitude shifts into the negative and this affects my pace dramatically. Nine miles in, I could not think about anything other than the next aid station and how badly I wanted something to drink. Unfortunately, the final aid station was over one mile later than advertised.....That didn't help matters....

I finished in 2:16....this is a pretty slow time for me. I should have been able to comfortably finish this race in 2 hours (it ended up being closer to 14 miles). I'm not too defeated though....I didn't expect to push hard (that would be stupid during taper) AND I learned some valuable lessons that will help me in future races.