It was the day I had been hoping for and dreading at the same time. Sunday was my first race back since my injury took me out of action. While I felt better and under the wonderful care of Joey and Chris at PhysioSports I knew my foot was stronger, this would be the first and only test I got at seeing whether we could amp up the running part of my training like I would need to for Ironman Texas.
Not ready yet for the half marathon, I was cleared to do the relay, and I was lucky enough to find a partner in Rebecca Cruz. We had similar paces, so neither of us would feel like we had held the other back. Plus, both of us were coming off injury, so that made it all the sweeter.
I couldn't sleep Saturday night. I wasn't stressed, just a little nervous and anxious over what the verdict would be. After about three hours sleep, I gave up, got ready and left the house. Doh! Forgot my Garmin! Luckily I was only a few blocks from the house. Got inside, and Bear was howling - forgot to feed the dogs too. Fed them, grabbed my Garmin, and left. Halfway there, I realized I forgot my chip - double DOH! Turned around, got home, and Bear was howling - forgot to let them back out again. Let the dogs out, got my chip and there was my bib - golly! I have never been so scatterbrained before a race! After a brief flurry of activity looking for my race belt, I was finally ready.
Getting to the race site, I tried not to think. When those of you who know me stop laughing, please keep reading. I said I TRIED not to think. I quickly found tons of people I knew, and we do what absolutely must be done before any race....stretch? Nah...take pictures!
We were given a late start due to the fog, but it didn't matter to me. I had only two goals - run my entire part of the relay (7.25 miles) and try to stay as close to 10 min pace as possible. Anything better was frosting as far as I was concerned. Everyone was chatting, laughing and taking last minute pictures. I love this, I thought. Then the countdown began...
While I was standing with friends near the front of the pack, I knew I should give those behind me the chance to pass me - I was not winning any awards today. Music playing, I tried to focus only on my cadence and breathing, and not to think about my foot at all. Soon, who comes running up behind me but the Ultra guru himself, Frank. I had seen him at packet pickup the day before, and he had said he would pace me. I hadn't seen him at the start, so I thought he went ahead. Turns out he was in the very back, and slowly moved up while he looked for me - cool!
We came up to Sebastian Buitron, the next generation of Ironman athletes. He and I talk Ironman like others talk about football - we like discussing stats, races, and qualities of our favorite pro Ironman athletes. For a few miles we all kinda drifted along together. Then at about mile three, I found that a slower pace was triggering my IT band soreness. I apologized to Sebastian, but had to push it a little harder. Off Frank and I went...
No pain at all from my foot, but my IT band continued to tighten. This was the same thing that happened to me in Austin at the Half Ironman before it locked and I wanted to cut it off. But I figured I need to have an Ironman mentality, so since it was tight and not painful, I didn't stop. Frank was awesome, he kept chatting with me, and encouraged me to keep my pace up.
At mile 6, the band began to loosen a bit. Very grateful, I picked up my pace. At this point, my foot ached slightly, but not even enough to mention. I picked up the pace again in the last .75 miles, hitting a 9 min pace. I was thrilled. I had done it! Relief flowed through me as I hugged Rebecca at the hand off point and saw her beetle off. Now Ironman was a reality for me. No more uncertainty, I was on the mend and could handle distances on my foot again....YES!!! My eyes actually welled with happiness, knowing the worst was behind me. Sure I had work to do, but now I had the chance to do Ironman the way I wanted to.
I went back to the finish line, wanting to see my friends finish if I could. The finish line of the race is where the magic happens, people pushing themselves in those last few yards, and their supporters out there in full force, cheering them on as if their yells alone could carry the runners over the line. I cheered my head off as people I knew crossed - Marcos, Felipe, Javier, Carly (smiling, as always). As I joined the finishers in the recovery tent, I let it all sink in. And while I didn't have a camera in hand, I took a mental picture of everything going on around me, so if I ever had to face being out for a longer period of time again, I would remember how sweet it was to come back.
As I watched my friends, smiles on their faces, I began to really realize what this community and sport means to me. Whether it was their first race ever, first race back from injury, or another chance at a PR, races are the culmination of hours of sacrifice, dedication, sweat and tears. And we get to share the accomplishment with others who feel the same way.
I was happy to run into Gina, who has always been a great encouragement to me. Big hugs, quick recaps of each other's race, pictures (of course) and more hugs. Such a positive person!
David Zuniga and Yanory Hernandez once again showed why they are so inspiring. I think all of us hope we can be them when we grow up...
As I left the race, I began to feel very, very happy. The last few years have been rough, and the last four months have been particularly trying. Now I could see it all coming together. There are just over three months to my first Ironman, and those magic words. While it won't be easy, and there may still be days I struggle, I overcame my fears during my injury, and know I became stronger because of them. I really needed a nap, but too happy to sleep, I went and tackled my swim workout instead. Man that hot tub felt great afterwards!
Sunday I was told something that meant a lot to me - I have an Ironman soul. That meant a lot, and I hope that I can live up to that ideal.
Three months and six days from now....Ironman Texas! Thanks to all of you who continue to follow my journey, and inspire me to reach higher. :)
