Blog Post

So I was sick all week, but gradually improving and by Friday morning thought I might even up my entry to the 50 mile. Why?  Just for the sheer joy of running long, one more reaaallly loooong run. My legs and my spirit were feeling great.  However,  I had developed strep throat early in the week, but with antibiotics on board, by Thursday was feeling more normal again. Friday morning's ez run felt great, but I had also started to develop a cough and runny nose. 1 kid at home with strep throat, the other with bronchitis....as it turns out I would end up with both. Funny how one refuses to listen to ones own body despite how adamantly she insists she does. Ahem.  So Friday night I ran fever and coughed all night. I laughed at the thought of running 50 miles but still believed I could run 25. Bwhahaha! 

I had one sole purpose. To get out and run for the pure joy of running..to race and enjoy racing...in the most beautiful fall weather and foliage we've had in years. To chase other runners...just one more time before my break. To just soak it all in and enjoy it. So coffee and breakfast down still trying to convince myself I felt better than I did, we were off to the start. The adrenaline kicked in and I was feeling very good when the race director started us. I felt great! For about 5 miles. Then the faucet turned on and the coughing started. I had opted to carry two handhelds. I wanted to see if I could pass up an aid station here or there and see if I liked 2 handhleds vs a pack. Then the snot poured. It was actually hilarious, and I was glad no one was around me at this point. My hands occupied with the bottles strapped to them made managing the downpour of snot near impossible. I would pull one handheld off and hold both in one hand and try and blow snot rockets, wipe, whatever. to control the fountain all the while running fast and trying not to trip on the millions of rocks and roots under the leaves. I had snot in my hair, all over my face, my shirt, my gloves, my handhelds...I looked like I had been slimed by the little green creature from Ghost Busters! I was glad I did not encounter the race photographer. By 8 miles my chest was getting tighter. At 9-10 miles I stopped at the potty to regroup and clean up. I got colder and tighter, coughing more. I FINALLY realized I had no business running any further, it was not necessary. I had fulfilled my goal. I could've finished it, but would have ended up a miserable mess by the end. I wanted to remember a good day. 

I walked back to the aid station and a quick ride back to the start finish where a warm building awaited. Sooo grateful to Josephine for making the strongest pot of coffee she could muster while I tried to hork a lung up on her floor. The caffeine and her kindness were just what I needed, opened my lungs back up and I could breathe again within about 20 minutes. I sat inside for a bit thinking about my run.  I debated whether or not I should have ever started out that day. Once I warmed up and settled down I went back outside and bantered with the race director, other volunteers and cheered on runners as they came through. I realized at the end of the day, I had really accomplished my mission. And yes, I should've started out that day, I got more than I asked for.  I got to run fast and free one more time, catching the most beautiful fall weather...likely the last of it. I got to chase other runners, laugh at myself, encourage and enjoy other's company. I was totally fulfilled. It was a great last run.