Death by Double Digit Race.

Well...we did it. I'm not sure how...but we managed to make it through the course without any major injuries. Ah..."winging it" is just so...so...stupid. Deep down I know neither of us were in any condition to run 10 miles, but in true stubborn bull fashion, we pressed on and jsut went for it. Right about now, both Mike and I feel like death warmed over, mostly a combination of being sore and sleepy. I'm due for a nice lil' nap at the culmination of this post. Let's see how fast I can get through this...

So this morning, I was up by 5:45 and getting ready. Mike trailed just behind me, waking up with a really sore knee. No bueno. After gathering everything we needed in our amphipods, we jet out the door...about 10 minutes later than scheduled.

Traffic was pretty bad on Lake Shore Drive. Everyone and their brother and dogwalker and pharmacist was trying to get off on the same exit...bit massive traffic jam. 15 minutes later, we parked and headed to gear check and chip pick up. While we were headed to the restrooms, the "last call" for runners was going on...so we hustled to the start.

I saw Judy and Larry from the Phoenix marathon very briefly and then we were off running. Good start...but by the time we hit mile 1, I knew I was in trouble. Little Miss Runner Pants was right, the 10 mile run is like the 1 mile, just 10 times worse. By mile 2.5 my hip was killing me and by mile 3, Mike ran ahead (speedy gonzales show off). Miles 3-8 were pretty redundant...just me gritting through the pain and fighting back tears. The grounds crew was great (minus the kids having a water fight at the 8.5 aid station) and one of the guys on the bikes rode next to me for a bit...he was concerned about my hip.

The race just reaffirmed how runners are so stinkin' cool. Even though I was one of the last folks out on the course, folks headed back to the parking lot were cheering me on, giving me high fives and what not. They were so nice and supportive. Some could tell I was in a lot of pain and just kept on cheering.

The last bit of the race took you all the way around Soldier Field and then into the bowels of the stadium. The course popped you out on the end zone and you ran up the side of the field to the finish at the 50 yard line. Very cool. Since my hubby is as fast as lightning, he was able to get some pictures of me on the field and jumbotron (very cool). You can't really tell it's me...but it is!! Final time? A sad little 2:17ish...I wasn't the last to cross, but I probably was the last in my age group. Oh well...someone has to be last, why not let it be me?

So after I crossed, the tears ensued and I was led off the medical area. I took some water and iced for a bit and was then directed to the NUHS area--yes, National University of Health Sciences had a designated area at the finish line (Mike studies Chiropractics at NUHS so it was fun seeing some of his classmates). I filled out some paperwork and waited for my turn (picked up and drank the post-race beer, too!)...they did a bunch of stuff for my left hip flexor to make it feel really good. Apparently I have a bunch of adhesions and trigger point issues going on down there. Brilliant. But Leeanne gave me an awesome soft tissue massage and adjusted my neck and back (ahhh....HEAVEN!). Post race, we hit up Portillo's for some fabulously greasy food.

I'm just so glad it's over with. Now it's time to go and relax and treat myself to a lil' napperoo. Bring on the ice!

Needless to say, it's been a lesson learned for running a race that we're not prepared for...until next time...Ciao!