Saturday was not my day. The first five miles of the race I had this feeling things were not going well. Funny thing with running (and life), you can be so prepared and doing great and then WHAM! Something happens that reminds you we are here to learn and sometimes the lessons can be tough. I am a pretty stubborn Aries and even though a little voice in my head was saying, "Drop out Monica, save yourself for Cascade Crest" I just couldn't do it until I...
1. tripped and fell within the first 10 miles
2. had a terrible time breathing the first climb
3. had cramping calves
4. had an upset stomach
5. tripped and fell again during the decent
6. had cramping hamstrings
7. tripped and fell for the 3rd time coming out of the aid station at 27 miles
Photo by Glenn
OK...I do have a reputation of tripping but this was getting ridiculous!
OK...I do have a reputation of tripping but this was getting ridiculous!
8. got to the top of Sunset and decided my stomach could not handle the 6 mile road down.
So, I did it. I dropped at 37 miles. Terrible, terrible feeling. I have never dropped before and I hope I never do again. I sit here the next day wondering if I should have made myself finish. Really though, what would that prove? At least now I can focus on CCC100 and work on what went wrong yesterday.
What I loved about this weekend was I got to hang out with some amazingly awesome, kind, fun, intelligent, positive, talented runners and volunteers. The first and second place women were both 40+ and they ran incredibly well! Susannah set a new course record, Kami was second. That gives me hope for some better running to come the next few years! Annie placed 3rd. I am so glad I have visited with her during a couple races. She is one of the nicest women I know. I also got to meet Devon. She is going to pace me at CCC. Krissy accidentally double booked so she suggested her friend. Devon is full of personality and seems like a great gal (not to mention a super speedy runner)! I can't wait to get to know her better.
So, the good definitely outweighs the bad. I am so thankful for all the good running has brought me.
