Well, I managed to run and finish my first (and more than likely last) 1/2 marathon. It was a really good experience, but I am not sure I would want to put my body through it again. I managed to run almost the entire race...I only walked for about 2 minutes total the whole time. Mind you, some of the running was really just a fast walk. I finished the first 10K in an hour, so I was happy with that because I was taking it easy in order to not kill myself. After about 9k I ran the race alone. Vicky had gone ahead (and ended up finishing in 1hour 57 minutes!) and Michelle was a little behind me. I had my iPod on and was enjoying the alone time and the scenery. I ended up finishing in 2 hours and 10 minutes.
The trail was pretty cool. There was about 3 or 4k that ran along the beach in Ucluelet and it was beautiful. My iPod also seemed to be totally in synch with what I needed for the day. I think I may have only forwarded past 3 songs. Every time a new song started I got a bolt of energy and was immediately taken back to a time that that particular song reminded me of. It was a pretty surreal experience actually. I don't think I have ever pushed myself as hard before (at least not in a long time). I actually felt fine throughout the run...it was just the last 2K that were hard and the calves and thighs had pretty much had enough. Amazingly my lungs and my stamina were still good. I was able to sprint the last few meters even.
As soon as I stopped running I immediately started getting major stomach cramps. I tried eating some post race carbs, which seemed to work for a bit, but not long. Vicki was having the same experience as me and we were not happy. After the race we went back to the cabin we stayed in the night before, which was super cute. The three of us who ran all showered and got ready and then we were off to Tofino for lunch. Vicki and I were both still not feeling well, but I managed to eat and drink some tea. Throughout the drive back to Nanaimo I had waves of nausea...Vicki was much worse...she slept most of the time and was starting to get a little delusional. We were both very dehydrated and that is why we were both not good. I was drinking lots of water and Powerade, but my body wouldn't absorb it. As soon as I drank I had to pee it all out. I am still not 100% today, but much better. Though I should mention that I can barely walk. My thighs are so incredibly sore I can't even believe it. The stairs at the office are quite daunting. My boss was keeled over in laughter at me trying to navigate the stairs this morning.
I am kind of all over the place with this post. I should go back to Saturday morning. Michelle, Sandra and I ended up flying over to Nanaimo on a float plane (my first time!!). It was pretty cool except the city was pretty socked in. We landed at about 12:30 and Stacey and Vicki were waiting for us. We stopped by Sandra's parents and had lunch and then we were on our way to Ucluelet. We got to the cabin and sat around and then headed into the town to register for the race and go to the carb load dinner. I have to say, this was a highlight for me...guilt-free carbs!!! The dessert buffet was to die for!!!
After dinner we headed back to the cabin and just sat around and relaxed and had a few glasses of wine. We were all in bed before 10. I slept really well and we were up at about 7:30 on Sunday and I started the getting ready. The race started at 9 and we were back at the cabins after by noon. So not a bad way to spend a Sunday morning.
Michelle and I flew home at 6:30 last night and it was much better this time because it was a clear and sunny night. The coolest thing was flying over the Aquarium and seeing the beluga whales swimming around from up top. I don't know why that excited me so much, but it really did. The bad part was seeing the Stanley Park devestation that is still horrible months after the crazy winter wind storms. I have to say...flying instead of taking the ferry was such a good idea. It is only 20 minutes and so painless. I am not sure I would take the ferry again now. T and I are wanting to go to Tofino camping this summer so in that case we would have to drive, but otherwise I am not so sure. After that the next trip is for Rob and Michelle's wedding...might have to think about flying for that. On the way to Nanaimo we stopped by there wedding site...it is so nice. Even though I felt like I wanted to die inside I put on my nice face for Michelle!
I think because of the state of my knees I am going to stay away from running like this now. I am very interested in starting to train for the adventure races that happen in BC. I think it seems like way more fun because you get to do so many different disciplines. Mountain biking, rappeling, trail running, kayaking, etc. There is a training course coming up in August that I think I am going to take to see if I like it. I do like the feeling that comes with pushing my body like that. It is good to know that I can do it. I was thinking about it yesterday after the race....a year ago at this time I weighed close to 200 pounds. It is amazing how much things can change in a year...I have to say I am pretty damn proud of myself!
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