Race Redemption

As you might recall, I decided to run the Fairfax Four Miler after a disastrous 15k experience as a chance end my racing year on a high note.  Up until earlier this week, I thought I was in good shape to take this race on and PR over last year's time.  A few painful runs on the treadmill had me believing otherwise, and if I wasn't annoyed at the thought of $35 going down the drain the smart move would have been to bag the race until after I saw my PT.

However, we all know I'm not that smart. I didn't run a step since Tuesday and spent the last 48 hours eating my way through Fort Lauderdale, FL. I slept for about 5 hours last night before getting up for a 7 am flight back to DC, but snagged a 3 hour nap later in the afternoon. I went to the race telling myself that I needed to take it easy and listen to my body. I was even tossing around the possibility of a DNF, given how much pain I was in on Tuesday.  Once there I ran into the CAR mafia and decided to start with them, as Liz told me they weren't out to race (thank God).  Chatting with the ladies took my mind off any nerves and soon enough we were on our way.

I'll spare you the mile by mile details and tell you that I finished in 35:55, a shiny PR over last year's inaugural attempt at this distance. I thought I had agreed with myself that I wasn't going to race it and for the first 3 miles I really don't think I did. But once I hit the three mile marker I saw that I had a chance to beat last year if I kicked it into gear. I wasn't experiencing any discomfort in my leg, so I threw caution to the wind and went for it. I'm really glad that I did. This has been an exciting racing year for me, a lot of ups and downs, but PRing in the last 3 of my 4 races really helped me end 2011 with some confidence in my potential as a runner.

I still need to keep an eye on my leg and I'm wondering if a combination of the treadmill and a pair of new shoes are to blame for the most recent incidences. I'm sending the shoes back this week but there isn't much to be done about the treadmill, as I can't train without it these days. I did foam roll and warm up a bit today, something that I don't generally do before a regular workout. Bad girl. I know that potential injuries tend to have multiple factors so I'm not ruling anything out.  You'll be the first ones to know as this situation continues, and thanks for the words of support earlier in the week. They were greatly appreciated.

This girl is beat and not planning on staying up until midnight. There is a hot shower in my future and then the comfort of my bed and its two purring denizens. Having a wonderful night, whatever your plans are, and congratulations on everything you've accomplished this year. Take a minute to pat yourself on the back, you deserve it. See you next year!