THE RUNNING LEG—13.1 MILES
The realization that this would be my longest run of the year was certainly at the forefront of my thoughts. Until that day my longest run was 12 miles, and it wasn’t at the end of an hour swim or a 56 mile bike ride. The enormity of the task before me certainly weighed heavily on my already tired legs but I chose to take this heat just like all the others, one mile at a time.
The loop was essentially 4 consecutive 5 kilometer runs. I settled into a pace and the first mile marker quickly came into view. I glance at my watch and saw that I was right on pace: a 9 minute mile. If I could hold this pace I would be able to finish in about 2 hours.
Before long the 1st aid station came into view and we were greeted with water, salt capsules, cold sponges & other things to help ease our physical pains. My main goal during the run was to stick to the plan & maintain my own pace to meet my goal time. To do so I knew I’d have to stay both cool & hydrated. To that end, I stop & take some sponges putting them inside my running shirt & grab a glass of water.
Heading back out, it wasn’t long before the second station came into view. This one had a pleasant surprise, however; snowballs! There was a large pile of snow which they are making into snow balls & throwing to the runners. I grab one out of the air & rub it over my face. After another drink I am back to running at my steady pace.
The first turn around is quickly approaching & I notice my friend John coming back towards me. I’m sure we both looked rough at this point but we cheer each other on & keep up our individual paces. I quickly do the math in my head & realize John & I must be running comparable times. With renewed vigor I try to keep my pace & concentrate on making the first turnaround. I make a turn into a shaded development & the mats for the first turn around come into view.
As I made the turn I also made a crucial mistake. My sock had slipped down a bit & I wanted to keep moving without slowing down. As my leg came up I reached down trying to adjust my sock while still running. The maneuver instantly sent my hamstring into an excruciating cramp. I was forced to stop to stretch it out &nd begin a hobbled gate in an attempt to keep going. Quickly blocking out the pain I settled back into a pace that would keep me on schedule.
The scenes were quickly changing along the roadside as I went from grabbing oranges from some residents, to enjoying a group of cheerleaders cheering everyone on and listening to a stereo set up playing “Eye of the Tiger”. This sunny stretch of the road quickly gave way to shade & we were back along the shores of the lake. The snow pile quickly came into view & I found myself welcoming another snowball as I shouted “over here!” A snowball sailed over the other runners & landed in my appreciative cupped hands. With another cool snowball to supplement my water, I push on.
Running back on the first loop I came to the crest of the last hill before the downhill run back into the park. I crossed through the archway that would mark the final mile of the run the next time I come back through it. With resignation I accepted that this lap wasn’t that much anticipated last mile and began the downhill run into the park.
As I made the left turn into the running chutes I seeded myself into the one that would send me back out for another lap. I made the turn back out onto the course realizing that I was now halfway through the run course; only 6.5 more miles to go! Heading back out onto the course I glanced at my watch again, noting that I was now a few minutes under my goal time.
By this time I was heading back into the shaded shoreline quickly overtaking Team Hoyt. Mr. Hoyt was along the side of the road & appeared to be adjusting his shoes. With a shout of encouragement I pass them & say a prayer for them.
At this point in the run there were many people on the course. Some were running a fast pace while others were walking. I repeated the cycle of checking my watch at each mile marker & making a silent note of my times. As each aid station came into view I methodically repeated the hydration process & worked to keep up my pace.
One of the mind distractions created for participants that were employed throughout the run course, were little signs with funny or illogical statements on them. Some that I remember were: “power corrupts and absolute power is kind of cool!”, “why did kamikaze pilots wear helmets?”, and “a fool and his money are quickly parted but he can throw one great party!” There were many more that I can’t remember. I’m also sure that in my fatigued state they were probably seemed much funnier than they do now.
The miles quickly passed as did the aid stations. This time around the scenery was familiar & seemed to come up much quicker. By now there were many more people who were walking & I methodically weaved my way in & out of the different groups of runners. I ran back by the snow pile passing John again. Glancing at my watch I guessed that we were now close to the same pace. I shouted encouragement to him & received a thumbs up in response.
Putting my head down I headed back into the turns that would mark the turn around point for the last 5K back to the finish line. Making the final turnaround I began the run back.
My hamstring was still hurting but I was determined to finish within my goal time. I was able to maintain my pace until I got to the last hill on the run. I ended up walking up the hill, giving some of my time cushion back. As soon as I crested the hill I began to push to make myself get back into the rhythm of running.
Quickly the archway marking the last mile came into view & I made the turn down into the park & the final ascent down the hill. Getting closer to the park, the crowds begin to increase & the shouting did as well. I hear the clang of cowbells as people shake them & see a blur of homemade signs as I make the final few turns.
