I do not ever want to go through what I went though today again - ever.It was pouring down rain, it was incredibly windy, and by mile 2 I was soaked to the bone and my shoes were sloshing. At mile 14 my right knee and IT band decided that they had had enough and were done for the day. It was so painful, all I could do was limp along and walk the remainder of the course. I kept trying to run, and would run for about three seconds and then the shooting pain would start again. It was so upsetting.
My frustration must have shown on my face, because when I crossed the finish line the announced said my name, that I was from San Francisco and then looked at me and said, (shaking his head) "Jennie, Jennie, Jennie," right out of Forrest Gump.
My sentiments exactly -- "And that's all I have to say about that."
9 comments:
Jennie, Jennie, Jennie...
I hope you are not injured!!
So you toughed it out from mile 14. Seriously when are you going to quit all this marathon, Ironman nonsense and just the rest of us fools in ultras? It takes that kind of stubborn - ess to finish our races.
Anyway rest up and I hope the IT feels better soon. I suffer from chronic IT and have had days similar to yours. If you want my thoughts on the injury and recovery just hit me on email.
correction..."join the rest of us fools..".
Rick, you should be a lobbyist. : )
After yesterday I definately want to spend more time on trails and less time on pavement, so it could be sooner than you think.
And Paul has some ultra-distance race in mind... I am getting hit in all directions.
When you have the discipline, the work hard ethic, the spirit to endure, a depth for physical suffering, a flair for the ridiculous and questionable, you will have many options in endurance sports:) Haha, enjoy.
Soon your disappointment will be over and I hope then you can appreciate more what you've accomplished. It's just one race and you'll be back for more. It's a good story to tell too with your fellow athletes...and it's all yours! Again enjoy.
As big a fan as I am about learning how to suffer during a race, you also have know when to dial it back down so you don't injure and set yourself back.
Push to the edge without going over the cliff to the injured reserved list!
And I still expect you to be able to drop me on a ride sometime this season! :-)
[Looking for a bright spot...]
Well Jennie at least this time it didn't come after 9-10 previous hours in the water & saddle.
or...
How considerate of you to allow 1032 other runners to 'go on ahead'.
Straight up, my first ultra (Ohlone 50K, May 07) was an epic hobbling struggle through a bruised tibia, sprained MCL, and Ibuprofen abuse-induced thigh/calf cramps that together left me unable to run for the seven weeks that followed.
Now I'm racing a 50K every other week, and back at full training within two days...point is it get's easier, and you'll find success, no doubt.
I think you proved your heart/desire with the finish alone, the easy choice would have been to DNF...well done.
Will G.
Much as your physical ailments worry me, it's your poor heart I worry about. You have had some tough times in the past few months. I sure hope they are behind you now.
How are you feeling today? Are you in pain?
Love you.
Will, I do try to be considerate as possible, so of course I, out of the kindness of my heart, allowed (and thank you for pointing this out) 1032 others to finish before me, including the 70+ year old man who blew past me about .2 miles from the finish line. ; ) Thank you for your note.
And thank to everyone for your kind words and support. I am not one who likes to fail and this past weekend was a tough one for me. But, I made some discoveries and have had a conversation with my coach about what I want to see change for Ironman, so all will be well.
And, Mom, I have wonderful parents who have taught me well how to pick myself up after a fall and excel!
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