I AM a TRIATHLETE - Part 6 - THE RUN

THE RUN --- aka One Hot Mess (1:19:23; 32nd out of 49 in my age group; 711 out of 822 total athletes)

As I started the run I saw Mark and my dad on the course. That was a total boost! My legs were already barely moving --- as I expected after the transition from the bike --- and the heat/sun was nearly unbearable.

I struggled along and already was hurting by the time we made the climb up the first hill toward Mile Marker 1.

Luckily, I paired up with another runner, Michelle, and we encouraged each other all the way to the finish line. Funny how that happens. In a moment of weakness and despair there's always someone there to help you along. So glad that I hooked up with her!

We instituted a smart strategy that incorporated walking and running. We walked through all the Aid Stations and took numerous drinks and ice cold sponges to cool ourselves off. I even ran through a set of sprinklers on Independence Ave to help cool down. The tourists thought I was completely nuts as they watched me from their shaded park bench. I was soaking wet and had squishy shoes when I finished the race.

Seriously, it was that hot. I saw folks laying on the ground along the route getting medical care, people being carted away in ambulances and even a couple folks just walk off the course and end their day. It was a little scary.

By mile 2.5 I was extremely overheated and my stomach was very upset. Even though I needed to continue drinking, each sip of water was making my stomach more upset. Nothing worse than wondering if you will throw up along the course. In the future, I'm totally going to bring a couple antacids and have them just in case.

I kept pushing one foot in front of another and moved closer to that finish line.

A few funny moments.

• As Michelle and I headed into the 9th Street Tunnel, a motorcycle cop was in there with his radio blaring. Michelle and I started belting out the words to the songs. I think I was losing my mind or something, but at moments like that you just gotta do something to get you laughing.
• Later we encountered a hip-hop Aid Station that was jamming some great music and the volunteers were literally dousing us with ice cold water. It was like a very low budget wet t-shirt contest. I've never felt better.
• As we got close to the finish line the DJ was playing tons of Lady GaGa...and Michelle and I seemed to be able to belt out every word. Hysterical!
  

When I came down the hill by the Capitol and saw Mark standing there and heard the music at the finish line I knew that the end of this epic journey was in our sights. We hunkered down, dug deep and ran the last half mile across the finish line.

It was fantastic to cross the finish and have one of my running coaches give me my medal. A handful of the Snapple Trainees and my family were lining the finish line too. It was fantastic to see them. How unexpected and quite a thrill.

Within minutes I forgot how difficult the run was and was elated by the experience.