What a wonderful race! I had a lot of things working against me; foot tendons, not getting my long run in, and I came down with a cold two days before the race. But nothing stopped me. There was never any doubt in my mind I would finish, I just knew it wouldn't be in the time I imagined. I packed my watch but didn't even wear it. I didn't want to worry about the time. I wanted to take the whole race at a comfortable pace and I did. The town was beautiful and there were enthusiastic spectators the whole way. LOVED the junk food stations. It's amazing what a piece of lemon poppy seed cake, or jelly filled donut can do for your stamina! Stayed away from the shots of Vodka and beer (although not all runners did). They were probably the ones puking at the end. RAD and QP were waiting for me at the end along with MR, my hubby, and niece. When I hobbled over to the fence I told my husband I think I need a band-aid because my left foot has felt wet since mile 13. He said "are you sure it's not sweat?". I pulled off my shoe and my whole sock was soaked with blood. Some first aid guys saw my foot, told me to sit, and called me a wheelchair. I was loving the attention! I even had them swing by the food tent so I could pick up some peaches to eat while they fixed my foot. Turned out to be a little scratch from my toenail but it bled like crazy! The next day, I could barely walk. My left foot had a quarter size blister right in the middle of the sole of my foot. The little cut that bled like crazy is fine but the 2nd toe on my right foot hurts like crazy. The tip of the toe and the whole nail is purple. I guess I'll be loosing that nail. A famous runner once told me "toenails are for sissies". Thanks for the encouraging advice QP. It was great exchanging battle stories with QP and RAD. Loved the race...can't wait to do it again next year.
| 