This race was probably the worst on that I have run all year. It was the first one that it was beautiful and sunny, and wouldn’t you know it, I got sick from the sun. Literally. I definitely overdressed so when we arrived, I had changed into a tank top and rolled up my leggings to make them capris. This was an afternoon race so the sun was already at its full potential for the day before the race even started. Couple that with not really drinking much beforehand, chugging a pre-workout and only having ate eggs; you can kind of guess how this race went. It was my slowest finish time this year but I also learned a lot about what I need and what my body can tolerate on a day like that. Granted, this ‘old body had not ran outside in the sunshine in quite some time.
There were a few things that I thought were very nice with this race. There were not a lot of people, for one. I overheard the director of the race say that everyone who pre-registered for the race, showed up. That is uncommon. There were probably 200 people (maybe even that was exaggerating) all together between the kids race, 5k run/walk, and the 10k. People of every age were there and everyone was chatty and helped each other along. The course was also very nice. It was some shade, mostly sun, but you ran on a bike path, up over the river, around an ice cream store (salivating at that point) and back down the bike path. There was also plenty of post run food and everyone stayed for the awards. The best part was that everyone clapped and cheered you on throughout the trail (which was so clearly marked) and they cheered you in when you finished, down to the last person. It was really a great experience and truly a fun race with the people involved. The not so fun part? Mile 2, my bladder couldn’t hold itself. I thought I had emptied it enough before the race but I soon discovered that was not the case and of course, like any trooper I could be, I ran and walked on as fast as I could. The only thing that got me to the finish line in the time that it did was the fact that I knew the bathroom was only a few steps away from the finish line. Of course hindsight for me would have been just to dash into the ice cream store and been merrily on my way. I honestly could have beaten my time if I would have thought ahead. Oh, well, life lesson number 1,285,673. I didn’t discover how sun sick I was until I got home. I knew that I felt a little warm but when I attempted to get into the shower, I became light headed. Kicking me for not carrying sun screen, there is now a tube that will hang out in my car always. My official time was 44:09. Honestly, for what the day was and the experience, I am happy with it. Sure, there are a million things that I could have done differently but being with my bestie the night before and sharing memories with her is what I love the most. Next Month, we are going to find 5k on our little trip and enjoy that too.
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