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.
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!
- 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)
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!