Lake Youngs Ultra

I signed up for this race thinking it would be a good way to get a long training run in with a fun group of people.  As it got closer to the day of race I had decided I probably would not drive the two hour drive to run.  I had a cold and have been fighting tendonitis in my foot.  Kristjan and Riley were out of town at a baseball tournament and I did not want to leave Emma at home all day just so I could run.  I told Emma I was not going to go and she said she would come with me.  Hmmmm...my 16 year old was willing to get up at 4 AM and drive to Renton??? She had never come to a race before so I explained to her it probably would be no fun waiting around several hours for me.  My mom lives near the race start and she agreed to pick Emma up and be with her while I was running.  Even when everything seemed to be working out in favor of going I still was unsure about aggravating my foot or making it so the cold lasted even longer.  About 10PM Friday I decided I would go for it.  I am so glad I decided to race.  It was a small (about 130 people) race and very low key.  The 28.8 mile route went around Lake Youngs three times with an elevation gain of 900 feet per lap.  It was nice to run a fast course on a soft surface. With a cold it felt like I needed even more electrolytes and fluid than normal.  I stayed well hydrated with nuun held in my Nathan hand held water bottle.  I ended up setting a course record and placing first woman.  I am not promoting running when injured or sick but for me on this day it worked.  We just need to listen to our bodies and do what feels right.  I am a better mom, wife and friend when I can run.  I know that yesterday it was the right thing for me to do.  I feel better today.  My foot is healing.  Endorphins are still rushing.