As with many of the K100 teams - it wouldn't be a complete experience if your team didn't have a little drama. Ours came in the form of a runner dropping out the day before. Therese stepped up immediately and offered to run a second leg to save us from scrambling for a 10th runner.
Therese had come off leg 4 and immediately moved in as a shuttle and support driver for legs 6 and 7. She hadn't had a chance to stretch or eat. Before she went to the start of leg 8, she wanted to make sure she had a backup in case she couldn't do it. I said I was feeling good so could step in if she needed it - never expecting she actually might. She's a superstar runner. I don't think she even took a walk break on leg 4!
But by 5k, she was suffering with knee issues. I had to prepare to take over. Alida had left her gatorade in Sue's truck so I chugged that and a downed a gel. I guzzled some water and suited up in my rain gear. Of course - it was raining again.
It was tough to get to Therese to hand off, though. The traffic through leg 8 was really slow and congested. The forced starts for legs 9 and 10 were at the same time so everyone was trying to get there in time. But by 7k, we had caught up to her and she was really struggling. I hopped out and a quick picture was snapped...
Then I was off. The idea was to just run fora bit to give Therese a break and then she'd take over close to the finish.
But I felt amazing out there. So strong. So fast. I was having the time of my life!
By 4k - I said the leg was mine and I took the bib and went on to rock it! The rain cleared up and I ditched the hat and jacket with Sue. At the one mile to the finish point, I got one last drink from Sue and told her to head to the finish to cheer me in.
Here I am, finishing super strong.
This was the end of about 30k for me in a single day!!!
There's still more...to be continued...
Way to run girl!
ReplyDelete