At the pre race meeting the race director warned us that even though we trained hard and planned for EVERY possible thing that could go wrong; the ONE thing we didn't expect would go wrong. The race started with a beautiful sunrise from atop the mountain and feeling confident and well rested for the long day ahead. It was at unlucky mile 13 my right knee(ITband) started to hover at an 8 or 9 on the pain scale.I tried to remain postive stopped stretched drank water but it just wouldn't give! Sometimes these things have a way of working out over the miles. Or as another runner put it,"give it a chance to poop or get off the pot". Well it pooped. I was muscling the uphills pain free and walking the downhills in pain. By the time chris met me at mile 52(midnightish) it was 30 degrees in the valleys and I was reduced to a hobble on the downhills. It was the longest and most depressing 10 miles of my life. The most frustrating part was everything else was ready for more, my feet were holding up, all muscles were good, I was keeping up on the nutrition,but not being able run broke me.
On the other hand it feels good to be humbled.There has not been a race I have not been able to finish and to have found one is satisfying. Because now I must redeem myself.
Ryan: I know just what y went thru as my it band gave out on my 1st ultra & I had to walk out the last 7-8miles. I didn't want to do anymore long races but with proper rest & your encouragement I did a marathon on the same trail only 2 months later with success. So never give up on your dream. I am very proud of y!
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Hey Ryan, not having ever run a marathon, I can't imagine what you went through, but you sure have a great attitude about it. And, I know you will as you said, redeem yourself. Just take care of yourself now and know that Mel and I have you in our thoughts and prayers. Claudia
ReplyDeleteRyan, thats so weird that I txted you last night about listening to your body...I guess I must have known something wasn't right. I'm so sad for your but please don't let this get you down even though I know you feel like your at rock bottom right now. The only direction you can go is up. Like I said you are an amazing athlete...I'm so proud of you and you need to be proud of yourself too. :) Take care...kc
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