It's been 3 days since Ohlone and I can't stop thinking about it, mostly because my legs and feet won't let me. Hee hee hee. Just a few post race thoughts to share today. I don't think I included this in my race report but my Garmin recorded a net ascent of 10,440 feet and a net descent of 9,998 feet. That little device has always been pretty accurate for me, give or take a little, so I'm sure it's pretty close as far as elevation changes too. After having seen those numbers, it is no wonder the course was so difficult.
The day after the race (Monday), my legs felt bad and my feet felt worse, but I was okay. Maybe still high from the race effort. I remembered what my favorite in-law said to me the day before the race, and what I said back to him. He said, "GB, I can think of a thousand things I'd rather do than run for 31 miles over mountains and streams." I had to smile and immediately said, "I understand that. Let me ask you this... are you doing any of those 1,000 things?" He turned beet red and said, "Well, no."
Then he asked me why I would do such a thing and I said, "God gave me the gift of running, and I'm going to use it until I can't use it anymore." After that, he was speechless. Uncle Bob, you know I love you!!! :)
Monday night, my legs and feet were so swollen, like when I was pregnant. I could barely walk. My blisters had filled again with that juicy yellow/green crap. My hubby popped them again (he rocks). I didn't sleep well because the blanket kept irritating my feet, but when I took the blankie off my feet, I'd freeze. Did I tell you I'm a wuss???
Tuesday was just miserable. Oh my goodness, freaking miserable and way worse than Monday. I'm glad my husband was still on his 4 days off because if he was scheduled to go back to work, I would've asked him to call in sick. The blisters were back when I woke up, and I literally hobbled everywhere because my legs were just shot. I finally told my husband to tear the damn blisters open and let them drain. He did. Ouch! But they are ALL BETTER today!
Lastnight I finally took ibuprofen before bed and I woke up this morning feeling much better. Walking downstairs is still a challenge, but at least I can walk almost normal otherwise. I definitely won't be running until maybe Saturday, but I will pool run today and tomorrow. I need to get the blood flowing through my legs.
I know I always talk about prayer, but because it really has affected my life in wonderful ways. I prayed on the course, so much. I have been praying since (not every second, but often), to give thanks, and for a good recovery. I firmly believe that God really helps those who help themselves. When I prayed on the course, I said, "Jesus, I will push as hard as my body will let me, but I still need your help. Please help." And I know he did.
Okay, time to prepare lunch for the toddler before we pick the kids up from school. Hubby is back at work today. I've been eating very well, post race, to aid in recovery. I was pretty famished after Boston and ate everything in sight, but this time I'm kind of forcing myself to eat. I know my body needs it. Maybe I'm just too tired to eat like before, but I'm sure my appetite will be back soon.
To Mark Tanaka, Rick Gaston, Tom the Mountain Runner, Bob Gentile and Danny, thank you for urging me to give more ultras a shot. You guys are such phenomenal runners and to hear those encouraging words from you is very motivating. I definitely will be training for more ultras. I'd like to try some less strenuous 50Ks and then a 50 miler within the next 6-8 months. But my main focus for fall is running as close to a 3 hour marathon as possible. It's always been a goal of mine. And I know you know about those personal goals! :)
Run strong, everybody!
Managing Hydration When You Are a Runner
4 years ago
11 comments:
He He He. Looks like us rookies are learning some fun post-races lessons here. My body is finally coming back to normal today as well. I also discovered something else I picked up from Sunday - poison oak. Doesn't look too bad yet, but I knew something was missing from the race.
I am so proud of you!!! I would love to see you sign up for Firetrails as your first 50 miler. It was mine ;)
Skyline 50k would be a great one for you to run in August. I can see you easily running a sub 5 hour there.
I have hi hope for you ;)
I'm running Rio Del Lago 100 in September if your not busy you should come out and pace me. I will be running with Andy but it would be fun to have you motivate
us through the night.
You are a great runner and I really think you will be an amazing ultrarunner.
XOXO,
Catra
A friend of mine learned a trick from the Marathon Des Sables a few years back. After draining the blisters they run thread through it so that the fluid will continue to leak. I've never tried it myself. I just cut a v shaped incision and let it drain. I also wear socks to bed or put dressing on it.
Speaking of prayer. Monday I had coffee with a friend from church. He told me about a prayer group that was hastily put together the evening before for the brother in-law of our friend Karen. The guys name was Steve and he was airlifted out of a 50k. What are the odds of two Steve's collapsing in a hot 50k and being airlifted? As you probably heard by now he's ok. The prayer group was ecstatic, they had been praying since Sunday night. I got a hold of Karen and she filled me in. The family is so thankful to the folks who came to his aid.
Thank you for sharing all of your experiences. I'm a tired mother taking care of my two kids all day, and I'm wanting to get back out there and run, I just haven't found the motivation yet (excuses, excuses). I don't know how you get all your energy, I'm in awe!
I hear you. I look like my friend who was very recently pregnant waddling around awkwardly so as not to disturb the oh-so-sore muscles.
By the way-- I would LOVE to go running. My long run buddy just injured his knee, and while I'm sure it would be good for me to spend some time with him on the bike, I also really want to do some long runs. Where exactly do you live? Email me: victwasb at yahoo.com and let's do some trails!
V.
Swimming / Pool Running = Great Recovery! :D
Congratulations again on your ultra; great write-up by the way. I may have to put one of these on "my list," but I'm enjoying triathlons at the moment.
Hope you're feeling better soon, and good luck to your brother and his BQ attempt. I'm in a similar situation: if a good friend of mine qualifies, I'll go back.
Ultra runs follows Ultra Soreness :-)
Well for you cause ur soooo Speedy, next Ultra cause of how hard you push you may want to follow it with a 20 min ICE Bath to get those legs back to recovery faster!
also I think you should pace Catra at Rio Del Lago 100 in September! That would be awesome way to get tremendous insight on this ultra thing from one of the best, so join her if you can!!
Recover well GB, You Done so good!!
Doing two 10Ks may have helped you prepare for Ohlone 50K. I've always used mild track work to prepare me for races as long as they aren't too strenuous.
I do remember someone hugging Bobby Carpenter, the pacer, at the Shamrock'n Half Marathon. I hugged him too since we were on very consistent pace for the whole way.
I'll look out for you at future ultras. The 18 week Pfitzinger training plan for Twin Cities begins on Memorial Day for me.
Best,
Adrian
GB...you are amazing. I am struggling at week 8 of a 30-week marathon training program!! (I think I'm overtraining though, I will try not pushing my pace so far the next few runs and see if it helps).
Someday I will BQ...probably at age 60 or so when I can qualify with a 4+ hour time!! =)
Keep the faith
Ashley
Okay, I GUESS you're allowed to keep the focus on the marathon PR. Just keep those races mentioned above in mind at the very least after the speed work goal. And remember, as in the case of Mr. Running Blogger Scotty D. himself, you might find that racing ultras can yield surprising benefits with the marathon thing.
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