Alarm goes off at 5:30 but I’m already up. Shake Katie out of bed, quick snack and we’re out the door. I’m wearing the chip for the first leg of her family’s annual marathon relay, and running the full myself. Drop Katie at the spot we’ll do the exchange, big hug and a few words of encouragement then I’m off to the start. Its about 6:15am, the sky is looking nasty and it is humid as hell (bad analogy, I suspect hell might, in fact, be quite dry). Anyway, park the car, warm up on the way to the start, stretch out a bit, chat with a few familiar faces then seed myself in the chute. Getting close to start time, jesus, is it humid. Not even 7:00am and I’m already growing rice out here. Announcer comes on the PA and advises we’re delayed for 15 because of a problem on the course. No big deal, set my watch up, check my HR. F@#k. Strap isn’t transmitting. Not a big deal, pretty know what it’s going to read anyway but its still nice to have the data.
Gun goes off, we start shuffling. They start the 1/2, full and relay all at the same time so things are a little crowded for the first few k’s. I settle into a comfortable pace, but can’t believe how much I’m sweating. Got to be 90% humidity, and the temps is already well into the high 20c’s. First aid station and I top off some fluids - love the taste of Javex w/my Gatorade. Pace feels easy, spend the next 1/2 hour dodging run/walkers that are apparently oblivious to the fact that not everyone is planning to stop at the exact moment they are. Coming through the first 10k and it’s all systems go. I spot Katie beside my parents and give Dad an on the fly ‘happy Father’s day’. Give katie the chip and we run together for a bit before she tells me to go on at my pace 'cuz its a little quick for her. She’s a little worried about me, and tells me to be careful. Slow a bit through the next few stations to make sure I’m getting enough fluids, can’t remember ever sweating this much. Find a dude that is running my pace and we’re chatting and running well together. Quick ‘hi’ to Katie’s Brother at the next relay point, and then we’re through half marker. Check my watch and we’re 1:44 into the day. Quick inventory and legs are good, effort is comfortable, temp. is manageable. Check with my running buddy and he’s holding strong so we throttle up a little. Next few aid stations roll by and I walk them to make sure I get enough fluid in, still can’t believe the humidity - this is the prairies for chrissakes! Styling by mile 18 when I first notice the wheels starting to rattle. By mile 19 they are completely off. Have the quick ‘pain is temporary, pride is forever’ convesation with myself, but it’s not going to happen. My diaphram is spazzing out and it feels like I’m taking body shots to my ribs (I’m still recovering from a pretty serious accident last year that left me with 20+ broken ribs, a partially collapsed lung, and some other bad stuff). So now I walk, and try to get things settled again. Never really had any time goals for the day (this is more of a well suported training day for me) but it still sucks to be shutting down in such a complete and painful way. Oh well, it is what it is, and I try running again a few minutes later. That works for a few minutes, and then it’s the big hurt again. Be nice to have the HRM right now (and a bike) but neither is an option. Run the numbers quick. Home is about 2 miles away - due west. Finish line is ~6 miles away - due south. I go south. Try stretching it out like a stitch, but I’m clearly on the business end of a more serious problem. So I start the autopsy as I run/walk the longest 10k of my life. Upping the pace back at mile 14 was a clear no-no. I know it is a pace that my legs and fitness can hold, but this bitched lung and ribs are throwing something new into the mix. Going to have to do some more experimenting w/race pace before end of August.
Time passes slowly, but eventually I’m back near the stadium and cruise in the last few K’s. I’m scanning the stands for Katie and her crew and don’t even notice the clock as I cross the line, but my watch tells me I just rattled off a 4 1/2 hour marathon. Can’t say I’m happy, but glad that I stuck it out. Grab the medal and shirt, then walk over to meet up with my group. Glad to hear that katie’s run went well. She’s just started running this year, and was pretty hopped up from the days events. In the end it’s all good.
Head home for a quick shower, take a pass on brunch with a group of friends. Little siesta in the afternoon, then head over to my bro’s for a few beers and a burger with Dad and the family. I’m a little rattled about the race, but keep it to myself and enjoy the day (and the beer). All things considered, still a great day.
I’ll make an appt. with my docs this week and see if there’s any change since they took my last films. Otherwise, I’ve got some lessions learned, and things to figure out in the next two months.