Well that is done and dusted. I won't lie....it was tough....so tough. But I finished it upright and smiling, a little bit faster than my "easy" training run I did of the course a few weeks ago and enjoyed the friendly comraderie of the other slower runners today.
I knew it wasn't going to be easy - I've been struggling quite a bit the last few months mentally and physically and had decided to make a doctor's appointment to get some things ruled out but wasn't able to get in until after my race. Then the icing on the cake was coming down with a cold this week - my appetite hasn't been great, my head is congested, I've been coughing lots and my energy is in the tank. I tried to not take any cold meds this morning but the phlegm/snot was so heavy, I broke down and took it. I'm not sure if it was a good or bad idea because I ended up lightheaded for most of the run with a tight chest and rough breathing. That was my cue to scale it back and just try to finish, which I did.
I purposely started at the back of the pack which meant I was stuck in a huge bottle neck at the beginning. There was a lot more walking here than I normally would do but while in the past I would've passed sooner to get ahead, today I enjoyed the snail pace and just went with the flow. I did pass a few people but was a lot more strategic in whether the energy required to pass was worth it. I was feeling pretty good for the first 6k or so given this slow pace and was "that" racer chatting with everyone and just loving life. Then we got to the third major hill at 8k and the long climb began. I was noticing my toes starting to cramp but felt not terrible at the aid station so grabbed a banana chunk and carried on, making the conscious decision to try and drink more Tailwind. This is a flat stretch I would normally run, but I was fading fast and the group I was cat &mousing with was hiking a fair bit, so we ran, we hiked, we ran, we chatted, we passed, got passed, climbed a couple more hills, grimaced for the cameraman perched on one of the sidehills....you get the drift.
Then we reached the Spring-fed coulee that is normally incredibly muddy even when it is dry. Well, we've had rain every day this week, stopping Thursday night. Mud is an understatement! I normally try to skirt around the mud a bit but with the 300 runners ahead of me and all the moisture, there was no avoiding....so I trudged on through the first mud pit. It completely covered my right foot with black sludge 😖, I could feel it squishing between my toes even with the toe socks. I was having issues with my poles since the second hill where they didn't seem to fully extend, but I couldn't figure out why they were so short so I just lengthened the adjustable shaft. Then I hit the mud and it became all to clear. With every step planting my pole in the thick mud, my poles would pull apart as I pulled it out of the mud. Initially I thought maybe the plastic sheath inside was stretched, then I realized that the top portion of the z pole was stuck so they weren't fully extended locking into place. I stopped and messed around with them but was only able to get one fully open. Oh well, one is better than none. I repositioned the other pole to try and get them closer to the same length and started the second to last climb.
This was where I made the decision that I would take next year off from racing and volunteer instead to work an aid station. I'm not a good racer but love the running and found training this year solo less enjoyable as the distances got longer. I like the hills but struggle big time on the climbs so that I'm moving at a crawl and would often stop to "catch my breath". At the top of this hill when I started to run on the flat, my left calf started to cramp. Hmmm. Definitely not my day, so I walked, I ran short spurts trying not to aggravate my cramping toes and calf. I got to the final aid station and I saw pickles and probably should've tried it, but was worried it would not agree with my very sensitive stomach so grabbed 2 orange slices and prepared for the final climb.
I know this climb very well and know how hard it is when I'm running well, so I walked, and I walked, and I walked some more watching the group get further and further ahead. Oh well. I slowly climbed the final side hill, made it to the ridge I normally love to run and tried a few short little runs, but just didn't have it in me. So I walked. I got to the final descent, saw the lovely lady that I was chatting with previously slowly making her way down this crazy hill. I packed up my poles and started running knowing how to navigate this section very well. I passed her and called out to her that we were on the homeward stretch and to enjoy her final km. We high-fived and she thanked me for being another smiley happy face out there. That felt so good! In my everyday life, I am not a smiley easy go lucky person and can be very hard on myself but running these trails has tested that and has made me accept my limitations and just enjoy what I can do. I went in to today knowing it wouldn't be a fast one and had resigned myself to just go with the flow and enjoy it....and I really did...and I guess it showed. Another bonus!
I crossed the finish line smiling, arms in the air, ecstatic to be done. Then I got very, very dizzy so I held onto hubby while they took off my timing chip, gave me my bling (a lovely stainless steel beer glass and badge) and made our way to the car. He fixed my pole, I took off all my gear and we headed to the beer garden for my complimentary beer and poutine. I told him I wasn't racing next year and the 50k was off my bucket list now. He was very supportive because he would love to run the trails with me but doesn't want to run long distance (and thinks the 50k is just crazy). But of course, once I was refuelled I was already thinking maybe I should run the 20k again next year🤔. I just need to get stronger legs - more glute work, more hill repeats, more strength training.....but a break would probably be good. I guess I'll decide when February rolls around.
We made our way to the 43k Aid station where my injured training partner was working, got some hugs and watched some of the amazing 50kers come through. I told her and her husband how I took the 50k off my bucket list and her hubby flat out told me nope, not allowed. We're all doing it for our 50 (of course he just placed 3rd in the 10k masters division and didn't run at all this year)....so maybe we'll plan to hike it and take the full 10 1/2 hours, but I don't think I could run it.....but at least there is a few more years before that decision needs to be made 😅.
Now time for a little break, some doctoring, and some short little runs for fun with hubby when I feel recovered enough.
Written by
SaskAlliecat
Half Marathon
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Thanks David. I've soaked in the hot tub, got a foot rub from my hubby (my feet are still cramping), have eaten pizza for supper, and am going to flake out in front of the tv until I fall asleep. Will hold off on any more beers until my cold has passed I think. But I enjoyed the post run beer for sure!
Congratulations Sask! I think you squeezed every ounce of enjoyment out of a very challenging run during a challenging time in your life. Good on you. Whatever you decide finally for next year you’ve done what you set out to do here. Great work!
Thanks Decker. It feels good to get it done and to feel ok afterwards. It will be interesting to see what the next year brings. I have mad respect for those of you that carry on to do a marathon but know that won't be in the cards for me any time soon.....and I'm ok with that. I think it might be fun to play with some speed stuff and working out with my husband and son to get stronger for running over the next year. I suspect I'll run that 20k again. It's just a question of when and if it will be for fun or during the event.
Isn't having doubts mid-training part of the marathon training plan😆. Seriously though, you've got a great group that you train with, you've done some amazing runs with some phenomenal distances covered. I know you'll rock the Marathon, as you have all your other goals and events.
Yeah you are right about the doubts. Thanks for the vote of confidence. 🙂 The run group is splintering a bit and so I’ve been doing more solo long runs. Physically I felt wrecked after 32 yesterday so 42 still seems a bit unattainable, but never say never.
That’s unfortunate that the group is having problems. Those are some long solo runs but I get it. I spent 3 3/4 hours in the hills on my own on my longest training run. It is a long time to get lost in your thoughts. At least on race day, the rest of the runners and the crowds will help. Our race is so isolated, you really look forward to the aid stations and if you meet up with another runner running the same type of race at that point to help break it up a bit. Running with the back of the pack that I did, there was quite a bit of support and that helped a bit. Of course as you climbed the last hill, you could see the finishing tent across the valley and still had 3 k to go.... that was a long 3 k 😥
Yeah there are some competing dynamics in the group. I am trying not to take sides. Some days you just want to run, know what I mean? Yes the long solo runs can go really well or poorly depending on how I manage my thoughts. On an isolated race like yours, that would probably multiply. Those last miles sometimes feel like they will never end, but it feels good when they do :).
Congratulations Sask! Upright and smiling sounds great! You faced many challenges and your hard work and perseverance payed off. I hope you’re enjoying a well earned rest. I didn’t know that poutine was available as far west as Saskatchewan. 😊👏
Thanks Lavender. It's amazing what we'll do for some poutine .... although 5k or 50k, we all get the beer and poutine. I just feel like I earned it a bit more this year having burned a few more calories. It is definitely newer in the prairies but it's been well received. The guys who supply the poutine, that is all they make. They have a food truck with multiple types to choose from. It really is a great post race meal when paired with beer 😁
Oh wow Sask, that sounds so tough! Absolute respect to you, well done. That was an amazing report, so honest and heartfelt that I felt as if I was there - only I never would be, that would be soooo out of my comfort zone! I hope you reciver from that terribly timed cold very soon. Be ultra kind to yourself - good as the poutine may have been, I'm sure you've just taken a serious battering and it will take more than poutine to help you bounce back properly😀 Recover well. Massive congratulations to you 🥇
Thanks Linda. It really is an amazing event and I love being a part of it. I’m taking it easy and passed on another celebratory beverage with supper. I took Monday off work so will rest an additional day but we’re back to the lake Sunday afternoon for some relaxing fun in the sun. Should be a nice day with the family.
Yay! Fantastic work Sask! You are my inspiration! Sounds like it was a tough race, but that you were tougher. 👍 I am in awe. It sounds like an amazing, friendly event, and I am so pleased to hear that you finished it smiling.
Brilliant run report, too. I was gripped all the way through. 😁
Thanks Sadie. It is a great race with a great group of runners, volunteers and organizers. That is why, run it or not, I want to be a part of it, even if it means skipping a year and volunteering.
Absolutely phenomenal Sask. Many people would have quit with that cold, so kudos to you for running regardless. 👊 Extra kudos for not letting the pole malfunctions faze you either. 👍
It sounds like an amazing experience. So grueling, and I can imagine your euphoria on passing the finish line. 🏃♀️🏅🎉
You’re an epic runner. I love reading your descriptive posts. Keep them coming, but first take some well earned rest! ❤️
Thanks cheeky. Surprisingly, the euphoria feeling didn't hit until after I had finished sharing my beer with hubby and drank a cola. I suspect my sugars, electrolytes and hydration were out of synch as well which didn't help with the run. Itis amazing though how I went from, nope don't need to do that again as I crossed the finish line to ya, I want to do it again just better with some strength training and my nutrition dialled in within the span of an hour. Ah...the runner's high...isn't it a great thing 😂
Brilliant report and a brilliant performance too. Very well done. Sounds really tough and it’s impressive how you got through it. Take it easy now. And be very proud.
Thanks Stephen. I am proud to have completed that with how hard it is. Of course, i would've loved to have ran it better, but given everything lately, it was a good as I could expect. It has been a tough year for racing. None have gone very well, time wise and in regard to how I have felt, so a step back is probably smart and focus on shorter distances and getting stronger so I can smash it if I decide to run it again.
Sounds like you handled it extremely well and absolutely you should be proud of such an enormous achievement. Don’t feel pressured about making any decisions about doing it again. You will know in due course.
OMG! That sounds so tough Saska! I know when I’ve had a cold I feel like a wimp for so long afterwards so I can’t imagine how you ran that feeling like you did.
You deserve a long rest now and lots of TLC and then lovely gentle joyful runs just for you.
Many congratulations and very well done to you, you superwoman you 🏃♀️🏃♀️💪💪
Oh no no no, the 50k will NOT be next year, if ever. We've got 4-5 years depending on who's 50th birthday we go off, and I'm not convinced it is ever in the cards for me, but I like to think I will do the 20k again, just stronger and better some day. It is nice though running where you can be the Chatty Cathy, laughing and having fun along the way.
That was a tough run Saskie. i was following you on Runkeeper Live and I could see how steep and hilly it was. There was never a doubt that you would finish it, no matter how difficult it was. I love the sound of easy runs for you, working on your core, running with hubby and taking care of yourself. You'll soon have your winter runs which you love and a doctor's visit to eliminate any health worries and an afternoon on the boat and a day off work. All sounds good to me
Thanks Paula. I think it is so neat that you were able to follow my race live from across the world and see the type of terrain and hills as I was climbing them. My hubby was following along and told me the first half was actually ran quite fast for me (itdidn't feel like it) then the wheels fell off as I hit all the hills in the last half. Oh well. You can only get better is what I used to think before this summer. However this summer training was an eye opener where that wasn't the case so time to change things up a bit, take a little break and get stronger.
Wow! What an amazing effort! Posts like this are so inspiring Sask.👍🏃🏽♀️👏👏I suspect this run may have massively improved the mental resilience needed to take on a 50k trail run...if you ever ? ...😉 Rest up well! 🙂
These types of runs definitely take some grit to get through but the feeling of accomplishment as you crest the hill and look down is undescribable. It is what has pushed me to go further and further but this year has shown me my limitations. At least I know what needs to be done. I am looking forward to a year of exploring the trails with my hubby though. He's enjoyed the few shorter runs we did out there, but then my training took off and he wasn't interested in that. Hopefully we get some mid-length runs in together next year.
So pleased you got round Allie, I hope you feel really proud of yourself. 💪All your training leading up to the event, then tackling that terrain when you weren't 100 per cent, that bling was well earned....🏅
Reading that report I could feel all of your emotions and see it all, it was so tough but you were tougher.x
I hope you recover well now, and your doctors appointment has a positive outcome.
Running for fun with your hubby and by yourself will be restorive I'm sure. Gently does it for a while you woman of steel! 😊xxx
Thanks Jan, it really was a day full of emotions. I am really looking forward to taking it easy for a bit and some pressure free runs. My husband wants to run with me so I should jump on that and enjoy some time together. Running with him should help increase my speed again.....or get me frustrated that he runs too fast 🙄. I guess we'll see which one it is 😂
Well done Allie- that wasn’t a race, it was an endurance test meets Hunger Games! And all when you were ill- incredible xxx
Brilliant well done. Loving the bling as well. Hope you enjoy your well earned break Your post is one i will use for inspiration when the doubts start to creep in. Enjoy your beer and pizza.
Brilliant run Sask!! The calorie count of the poutine was probably twice as much as you lost in the run!! Reward for hard work, guts and determination 🥇👏👏👏👏👏👏👏💪💪
At least this year I felt less guilty after eating the poutine and drinking the beer. The other 2 years I only ran the 5k and 10k but still got the beer and poutine. It is a pretty sweet deal 😋
so funny. during it, you think, ok that's enough etc. and then as soon as you've recuperated a bit, you are rearing to go out again! I think it might be nice just to run for running's sake a bit before deciding on another race.
My God that sounds SO unbelievably hard!!! AND with a thick cold?!!! I feel ill just thinking about even trying to attempt that being well! You are one tough, fit cookie!! I really respect your dedication and achievement, such inspiring stuff Sask.... enjoy your very well deserved day off and time with your family. Take it easy and look after you. xxx
Thanks FPF. I just had the best day at the lake with my family. It was the perfect recovery day 😊. My cold is still thick but a lazy day of sun was nice
Wow, epic, well done you. I'm not sure that 50km is a good idea, it might take the joy out of it. I'm thinking shorter fun runs with Mr SAc sounds much more fun and conducive to being the smiley person who loves running. Way to go!
That’s also my thought right now. I’m no longer saying never, but I definitely need to get back grounded to what made it fun in the first place.....and then reassess, whenever that may be. I’ve kind of brushed off all other activities in the summer in fear of getting injured before my race so taking a year off and getting back to water sports and just running whatever meets my fancy might be fun!
My goodness you are made of tough stuff Allie. How you got around that and was smiley and chatty, with a cold too, I do not know. You do deserve a day off being totally spoilt. Now how about a few 5ks with hubby before the snow starts falling again.
I like the idea of a useful piece of bling - a beer tumbler.
Congratulations you did brilliantly in my eyes. 🏃♀️👏🏻👏🏻👏🏻
Thanks Dexy. I'm so happy that I was able to let the race go and enjoy my day in the hills with a few hundred other runners.
It is hard to think of snow falling given we were boating yesterday, enjoying a 30 degree day. Didn't feel like the middle of September yesterday but in the blink of an eye, winter will be here so I will definitely be enjoying some runs before the snow flies.....and then will enjoy some wintery runs.
Good thanks. Had a difficult time at work earlier this year so walked more than I ran. Glad to say things have improved greatly so I'm back and thoroughly enjoying it! It's wonderful to see what everyone is up to and what you've achieved. Truly inspirational! 😀
Wow Allie, you are one amazing runner. That sounds such a tough course, you weren’t feeling great, but you battled through and finished smiling. Brilliant 😃👏🍻
I haven't but I'm itching to get out there and my legs aren't too sore. I may try to get out for a short little poodle tonight. I was thinking the next time I get out to the lake to pack up the houseboat I might run the 5k course and see how fast I can do it.
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