Monument Avenue 10k

Yesterday was the Monument Avenue 10k. An annual event that I love. It's one of th elargest 10k's in the country. And an amazing community race with lots of first timers and pros too. With 30,000 of my closest friends I was looking forward to the challenge yet again.

As the days drew near, I found myself receiving IV fluids. The BRAT diet - bananas, rice, applesauce, and toast. Gatorade and Ginger Ale. Although there was nothing I could keep - not even water. I had the stomach plague. But it's ok - the doctors say 48-72 hours. Ok - that means by Friday I will be fine.

Friday came...and I was still in bed.

Like a girl, I cried. But I knew no matter how much I was trying to convince myself that I could...I knew couldn't. I had to bow out of the race.

Race morning I was up at 4am. Staring out the window wishing my stomach worked and I felt better. I convinced my cousin to take the train in town and do her first run race ever. I sent her training schedules and the time was here...for her. Without me. Kindly she offered to lay in bed and watch movies all day, but I couldn't let her do that. So we mosied off to the races and I paried her up aith my friend and team mate, TG Snells and they were off for the start line. Cousing ran past me around mile 5 looking strong and finished her first 10k ever with an impressive 1:09. So proud of her!

But as I stood there in the rain watching friends and team mates going past it hurt. I felt like someone cut off my legs. I wanted so bad to take off 10 mintues from my time last year. And now for another year I will have to continue to carry my 2007 time - that I wasn't happy with. Sure there are other 10k's - but they are not the same. It's so frustrating. I just want to scream at the stomach gods.

I always say that everything happens for a reason. Well I sure hope there was a good reason for me to have to lay in bed for a week and miss an amazing experience.