I’ve just run the last timed race I plan to in 2010 — my feet and hip and ankles hope so, anyway — so here’s a recap. Because you care.
- Dexter-Ann Arbor Half Marathon: Too warm and humid, but beautiful — how have I not run this race before?; 1 EotT [1]
- Sylvania (Sprint) Triathlon: See previous entry, if you’re interested in details — I didn’t drown, I didn’t crash, I didn’t cramp; 0 EotT, but lots of…The Doors. Really? I mean, sure, they do things differently in Ohio. I know that. But still, The Doors?
- Running the Rails 10K: Very hot and humid (racing in August? What was I thinking?), no music, and a slow time with a bonus serving of humility [2]
- Dances with Dirt 100K relay: Cool and rainy, which mixed well with the pre-existing muck; this year’s legs were Butt Kicker, Stripper Pole, and Where’s the F’N Bridge…they left me bloody, bruised, and happy
- Detroit Half Marathon: Cool, beautiful on both sides of the U.S./Canada border, an ankle roll at the start, and a personal best for this distance; 2 EotT (one via a marching band, for special torture)
I was lucky to enjoy decent health (with a couple rounds of physical therapy, natch) throughout, so it was a year with many enjoyable events, made even better because Kat ran versions of all but Dirt. Way to go, Kat!
Now to rest my feet and hip and ankles. And maybe see the physical therapist again.
[1] EotT = Eye of the Tiger by whoever wrote and/or sang the miserable thing with the express purpose of inspiring everyone in the world but me to put forth maximum effort. (All I do is grit my teeth.) It’s the song Mephistopheles has on repeat over the PA system during interval training in Dante’s 10th circle.
[2] Around the second mile I heard some quick stepping behind and then beside me, and it was a younger runner (maybe not even in his teens) stomping past me. Noisily, it seemed to me. Smug older runner that I am, I think to myself, “I’ve seen this before many times. And in another two miles I’ll see you again, this time with a fist buried in your side to try and relieve a cramp. I will say something sympathetic and inspiring, get a tepid response, and then will leave you far, far behind.” So…that didn’t happen. I didn’t speed up and if he slowed down you couldn’t prove it by me. Well done, kid, and thanks for the life lesson!
