I thought this race was going to be pretty painful in a completely euphoric sort of way. I hadn't been running much in the two weeks prior to the race due to a faint "tickle" I started feeling in my knees after a 13-mile training run, and my legs were feeling like they were settling into the sleepy lifestyle. Several trips to the pool, some time spent in the weight room, and a few hikes along the Potomac were supposed to keep my body savvy to action, but let's be honest--these things just don't quite cut it. So: I fully planned on showing up on race day as a (happy) pig to the slaughter. In other words, I expected to love every second of staring off into beautiful SW landscapes while killing my knees and, potentially, my quads etc. But I surprised myself. From the first step, I felt amazing. Mile 1 went by in a swift 6:42, to which I responded by promptly slowing down. The next couple miles averaged around 7:15, which felt much more reasonable to my legs, but still seemed risky to the thought. I maintained this pace for the next few miles and found it to be completely relaxed and perfect for said landscape staring. At mile 7 (with a quick gatorade/pee break), I realized that everything really was cool, the knees and muscles felt great, and that I could stop worrying and chill out. I then decided that as long as I was still having fun and smiling, I would continue or even quicken the pace. The rest of the run proved to be thoroughly enjoyable and I allowed myself to drift off and contemplate the cross-beds in the sandstones to my left and the sounds of the river to my right. Sounds completely corny, but it's the absolute truth. I couldn't have had a better time, and I was so happy to to feel healthy again.
Mile times: 1: 6:42
2,3: 14:28
4: 7:17
5: 7:15
6: 7:19
7: 7:19
8: 7:20
9: 7:22
10: 7:22
11 7:07
12: 7:04
13.1: 7:27
It strikes me that I felt so good after the time off. I know everyone's body works differently, and perhaps mine is especially wired for a hearty taper. I've never really tapered before because I never had much reason to (i'm not a marathoner; seems more appropriate for the 20+ mile runs). I'm going to play around with this a bit more and experiment over the spring and summer to see how my body responds. Such a great race! I'm so glad I could make it back for this thing. Of
course, an important hi-light is the post-race brurgers, which I'm sure
will be described in full detail on David Nelson's blog (with
pictures??). Thanks for a great time at the cabin, guys. Much needed good times.
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