Sunday, April 6, 2008

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.

3 comments:

Jenn said...

I know it sucks you had to miss the race, but you really did make the right decision. I promise :-) I think you'll have a great White Lake race too because of it.

Hope you're feeling better today Fave :-)

mommy to 2, feels like 4. said...

You were missed! Just think next year it will be perfect weather and an ideal day to get your PR. And you will be able to do it dry!!!

TriGirl 40 said...

We missed you racing, but really appreciate you coming out to cheer us on.

There are a few other 10Ks coming up that are calling your name for that big PR.