So, this past Saturday I ran Iowa's largest distance classic, Dam to Dam 20K. This would be my longest race to date, in fact, I've never raced longer than a 5K (mistake #1). I have run many long runs ranging from 8-13 miles every weekend, but my weekly training was lacking. About 6 weeks ago I ended up injuring my leg and had several xrays, followed by an MRI. The conlcusion...a stress reaction. What is that you ask? I was told it is a stress fracture waiting to happen. The sports doc gave me permission to run the race, but only train with zero pain until then. That left me opting for the elliptical most days and missing out on the planned tempo runs, speed workouts and even easy runs. My weekly plan of 30 miles quickly turned to 16. YIkes!! My final long run on the TM was brilliant by my standards. I ran 2 miles hard and walked 1 minute to simulate water stops. I was able to proceed for 10 miles before I had to get off because the TM's filled up. NO problem, I had gained the confidence I needed.
The entire family and I headed to Des Moines on Friday evening for packet pickup. I was anxious, but still feeling a little confidence carry over from my last run. Here was HUGE mistake #2. I know that my perceived effort on the TM is different than the road. I battled to keep my pace on the road the first runs I did in the spring. However, what I didn't realize is over the 12.4 mile distance, just how much the effort would consume me. Lesson #1...train more outside in the elements!!!!!!
The kids (yes, there are 5 if you haven't realized), hubby and I got back to the hotel at about 9pm. We got them all settled and I tried to get to rest. I watched the entire movie Titanic and was still far from dreamland. I beleive I saw every 15 minute increment until 1:19 am and then may have slept for a few minutes at a time until 4:30am. Yes, I'm sure I got no more than 1 1/2 hours of sleep.
When the wakeup call came I drug myslef out of bead and got into my race gear. I tried to force myself to eat a banana and some Cheerios. (which I may have gotten down 1/2) Fueling properly just might be another issue ya think? I headed to get on the bus at 5:00am.
The first few miles of the race went relatively well. I was on pace (wanted to finish in sub 2) for about the first half, then things went bad fast. I got sick about mile 6. I think I drank too much too quickly due to not being used to the humidity. After that I was cautious about what I drank, which I think proceeded to dehydrate me even further. By mile 8 I was walking as much as I was running. So much for running 2 miles hard and walking 1 minute. I was barely running a 1/2 mile then walking a 1/2 mile. My legs felt numb and I had to concentrate on evey step to make sure my feet were hitting the ground. I was never soo happy to see my kids and hubby at the finish. Bless there hearts, my kids were all holding signs that said "my mommy rocks"!! So sweet, especially since I was far from rocking it. My pace was nearly 3 minutes PER MILE off from what I had hoped. I guess the bright side is that I learned alot of lessons and I have set a really low bar to shatter next year. Oh yes, and I'm sportin' the bling to prove it, which makes it all worth it.
