This 26.2K race had a 3.5 hour time limit. Our goal was to finish in that time and figured at our pace we will be dragging in with the sag wagon. Started off easy for the first few miles knowing exactly when those hills are going to try and kill us. My running group was out in full force supporting us on the course. One officer was directing us on a wrong turn off Dunloggin. I refused and told him that was the old course and we had to go straight. He eventually believed us but he had already sent people up the hill. It would have been a very hill road that added an extra half mile. He was sincerely apologetic and even drove by later still apologizing. Then came Toll House Road at which point I question why on earth did I listen to Melinda in doing this race. It did sound like a good challenge at the time and I was excited about it. But what the hell was I thinking? If I can get to mile 10 I will be fine because the worst would be over. At mile 11, the sag wagon wasn’t too far behind. He moved ahead of us on trails like he was leading sheep to the slaughter. He reminded me of the swag bus on the MCM course like grim reapers waiting to pick you up.

At mile 14 I thought, is this what it feels like to hit the wall? I wasn’t sore or aching just tired. More of my running group was out there to help me along and cheer. I didn’t want to run anymore but I didn’t have any choice. Especially when I passed the injured “slow Kenyan” at 14.5 miles (sign on his back said so). I gave him thumbs up and said less then 2 miles to go. He responded, “Sure, I have been hearing that for 5 damn miles!” I swore honesty and showed him my Garmin read out. Then I got a big smile.

At mile 15, I didn’t think I had absolutely anything left but my group kept pushing me on and I dug deep and I mean really, really deep to pick up the pace for that last mile. 26.2K is loooooong. I could not imagine wanting to do 26.2 miles. I didn’t hit my goal but I was close. Better yet, other than tired legs, I wasn’t achy or sore after the race. A day later, slightly, I mean slightly sore legs and that’s hit. I feel great. Maybe a marathon is in my future.




nothing

Walked, stretched, hydrate and ate.


nothing.