Back In The Game

I had this race over the weekend. It was a half marathon. I had signed up for the ultra marathon because a) I wanted redemption from my failed attempt and b) one of my friends signed up for it, so, I figured "hey, instant training buddy".

But, life got in the way. I was super busy with work. Sick. A lot. Tired, and just plain burnt out.

Running wasn't fun anymore. It was a chore to get up before the sun to get in a few miles. It was a chore to attempt to race home from work and get in a few miles before having to cook dinner and settle in for the evening. It was just too much.

So, I wasn't running. A secret I hopefully was able to keep from you all, but, I wouldn't be surprised if you figured it out either. I wasn't exactly spouting off about my awesomely wonderful 15 mile runs.

I knew that if I didn't run on Sunday, I would regret it. I would kick myself and I'd be annoyed.

I also knew that it could end very, very badly, but, at least I'd have a shiny new medal and a few miles under my belt so gosh darn it, let's do it.

So, I did. 13.1 miles, done and done.

It was a strange race.

My Garmin decided to die minutes before the start, we were almost late to the start and the course changed so much to become flatter, that instead of being hilly but at least scenic and interesting, it was flat and boring as all get out.

I was bored out of my ever loving mind. My iPod was handy, but, I couldn't see my pace so I had no mental games to play with myself, so, it was just "keep a'movin'" until I couldn't.

Luckily, by mile 8, the miles started ticking off faster and after a hell of a hill climb at mile 9, I was on the downhill (literally) stretch home.

Today, I'm sore, go figure, but, I managed to pull out another race.

Two massive blisters, a swollen ankle and exhaustion, but, I'm still so glad I'm a runner. It's who I am, after all.

Here's hoping I'm back in the game!

(in case you're wondering, my knee and IT Band held up amazingly! I'm hopeful this is a sign of good things to come)