First and foremost I finished. My official time was 46 minutes and 40 seconds. That was apparently good enough for sixth place among 40-44 Men. That sounds pretty good. But it was a major struggle.
It started out well enough despite the frigid morning temperatures. I felt great as I socialized a bit before the race. I actually felt as good as I have throughout this entire process. But almost as soon as I hit the start line and started to run, I didn't feel right.
I could feel my legs slightly cramping. In reality I was running a bit faster than I have been. But I didn't realize that at the time. I kept thinking it would get better. And it wasn't bad as I got past the Convention Center and through downtown. As we turned and I went up the first major hill, I still thought I'd be OK.
Then as we turned to go up Quawpaw and the major uphill portion of the course, I just didn't feel like I was getting loose. Up the hill we went and back down. Then as we started uphill again, it felt like somebody shot me in the back of the left leg. It was a cramp and among the worst I've ever felt.
I ran through it for a while but I was going slower and slower. I finally decided it would be better if I walked for a while. For the rest of that uphill climb I alternated running and walking, just trying to get through it.
A guy with a cane passed me at one point. Then a guy walking a dog went past. I was really discouraged.
Finally we reached the summit and started back down. And I was running fast. Well, not fast for most people but fast for me. I grabbed some water at the water station. But it wasn't getting any better. I started walking again. I was walking as fast as I could, but I was so disappointed.
I picked it up and ran a bit and walked some more. Then I looked at my watch. I really wasn't having that bad of a time. If I could finish strong I could really have a pretty decent time (all things considered).
As we neared the home stretch I was jogging. Slowly jogging but jogging just the same. I passed a couple of people. I really wanted to pass the guy with the cane. But I never saw him. Maybe I passed him earlier but didn't see him.
I could see my co-workers cheering me on at the finish line as I crossed. They were much happier than me. I was really disappointed.
They told me I did really well and that this is a pretty difficult 5k course. But I want to do better. I want to run the whole thing at some point.
Still, it was a great experience. It's something I never thought I could do. And I made it. Sort of.
No comments:
Post a Comment