There is no doubt that I hoped to feel better while racing the trials. I tried to hang on for all it was worth. I ignored the cramping in my legs for 18 miles, distracting myself with positive thoughts and determination. Approaching mile 16, I realized there are times where one is better off listening to their body and this was one of those times. I knew I would be disappointed, but I would also be more pissed with myself if I struggled through the pain and ended up hurt (like I had in 2010 at TRR).
In the past couple years, I would run through everything in a race regardless, but 34 miles on a hip stress fracture made me realize there are times when stopping is a better result. So, as soon as I saw my dad at mile 18, I pulled aside. There were some tears and lots of thoughts (was it the massage the night before? or all those hiccups in my training over the past few months? or the cold that just started to clear up after three weeks?). I could make myself crazy with too much thinking, so instead I decided to let it go, drink some wine, spend a wonderful time with family, and think about all I have to be grateful for. Plain and simple, I reached my goal of making it to that start line. I got to partake in something that I never expected to be a part of. I wore bun huggers for the first time (an accomplishment in itself). And, I have many more miles, ups and downs, and adventures ahead of me. So now it’s time to rest and get eager for all that’s ahead.
