It was probably the longest and hardest 2 miles I had ever done. My legs simply stopped cooperating after 11 miles. I was alone and frustrated and questioning how and (for just a few seconds) IF I could make it. It's pretty amazing all the encouragement complete strangers, volunteers and spectators give you when they see you struggling. LOL, maybe that's just a perspective thing as they have more time to encourage folks that are moving slowly!!!!
My calves (which have been my nemesis lately) had all but thrown in the towel. The positive and encouraging thing was that they had lasted as long as they had, and I was very happy with that. I was teetering on the very edge of some serious calf cramping, which I absolutely needed to avoid.... Maybe it was lack of training; maybe it was some dehydration; maybe it was starting too fast, or lack of sleep or just a less than perfect day... but, I do believe if I been able to train better and get some more experience in handling longer distances and, of course, without injury that I could have lasted those two extra miles. I commit to myself to that for the next one....
- I learned that even though I had tried to take it more easy than usual during the week prior, I had probably still over-done it. Maybe I shouldn't even have done the Stadium.
- I learned that although frustrating, I never wanted to quit.... all I could focus on during those last 2 miles was the best way to finish. In hindsight, really proud of that one.
- I learned it's ok when things go not as expected, and to just try to do the best from that point forward.
- I learned I shouldn't run in new shoes... but didn't really have an alternative.
- I learned to pay better attention to shoe lacing and tightness.
- I learned that I should err on the side of hydration as opposed to restroom avoidance.
- I learned that there is still so much to learn about what works for me and what doesn't.
- I learned that you can't underestimate the importance of proper training and that simply winging training is not the best method for me.
- I learned that injury avoidance is always the smartest choice (and happy I chose to walk when needed) no matter how frustrating.
- I learned that you can always learn something from a race, whatever the outcome.
- I learned that coming off of a difficult winter (read some of the more recent blog posts), that I was able to run a race without pain for the first 7 miles.... amazing progress even from just a week ago... so must be doing something right.
- I learned that nerves means it all absolutely matters, and they can be kept at bay.
- I learned (but I already really knew) there are so many amazing folks out there doing and learning the same exact things.
- I learned that listening to my body and adjusting to what needed to happen has absolutely avoided another injury.
- I learned that I can be very proud of something that was frustrating at the time, was by no means perfect, was a definite struggle and that right now I can absolutely feel very good about it all.
Smuttynose, I'm coming for you!!! Lobster Rolls are incentive all by themselves to maybe even aim for a PR, but if that doesn't happen. it will still be an awesome day.