Two weeks of being 100% pain-free after an 8 week bout of a hip injury and I was ready to test the body. Back in February, a gym session involving several sets of split squat jumps followed a few days later by a 8 mile out and back trail run up Oswald's Dome (2300 vert straight up and back down) set the stage for a deep hip flexor injury. I was so thankful it was just that, as I had feared I had torn my hip labrum.
This course was pretty tame: smooth trail that rolled with no intense climbing or descending. I would call it a "roadie" course. Feeling like a poser (this was only my third trail race in 4 years), I lined up towards the back. The start felt fast, but it was mostly descending for the first 4 miles. I settled in to a nice steady pace, keeping some distance between me and the runner ahead. My mantra for the day was "pick up your damn feet." Tired of Superman'ing during my trail runs, I wanted to keep focused on the trail ahead, and not embarrass myself. I did have two dudes roll around in the dirt, one in front and one behind me, during the first few miles, which helped to remind me.
At the first aid station (mile 4), I grabbed a cup of Heed, swallowing half of it and wearing the rest. I didn't feel like I needed it, but wanted to stay ahead on hydration. I opted not to wear a pack or belt, as I can normally do this distance with minimal nutrition. It was also cool and humidity was low.
The middle third was rolling and the body was happy. As I began to pass a few runners, I shouted out some words of encouragement. Runners seem to differ from mountain bikers as they are not as talkative during the event. I suppose it has a lot to do how much more intense overall running is: it is hard to form words when the whole body is working. I also tried to smile, which was easy to do, because I really felt good today. And just happy that I CAN run.
I stopped briefly at the second aid station (mile 8) to gulp a gel and drink another cup of Heed. A couple miles later, I began to think that was a mistake as my gut started sloshing. Fortunately there were no eruptions during the remainder of the race.
The last third of the race gradually had you climbing back to the top of the mountain. Even though I still felt great, I suppose I was getting a little tired, as I hit a stob or root and almost ate dirt. My arms cartwheeled for a few strides and somehow I managed to save it. With two miles to go, I put the hammer down and went as hard as I could. I was happy that the final 1/2 mile stretch was uphill. I am definitely a better climber than descender, and with the fatigue finally settling in, crashing uphill would be less traumatic than on a descent.
I crossed the finish line in 2:07:32, 1st AG and 4th O/A. I bested what I thought my finishing time was going to be and I felt good the whole race, so I was completely satisfied with my performance. And my hip was happy, so that was a bonus. The course kinda felt like it was mostly downhill. I kept waiting for a climb that would have me hurtin' but it never came. I guess that says something about my training leading up to this event, so thanks Coach!
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| There were 5 in my age group. |
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