Been a while since I've updated and a lot has happened! After the Bear run in July I developed plantar fasciitis. Painful! Also knocked me out of the River Bound series' 15K trail run. This was most disappointing and had me a little freaked out because I was not able to train for a couple of weeks. I did not like the boot and wore it mostly at night to sleep in. It did help.
Then I got back on the horse, well I different kind of horse. I had my first duathlon! The Nutrithon event was a 5k run/25k bike ride/3k run. It was billed as good for a novice (that's me!) because it had gently rolling hills. My trusty Coach Tom thought this was just the challenge I needed. My trainer Kelly the Magnificent joined in as he said it would be great cross-training. I got to the event that morning and Coach Tom shove a chunk in my hand and said eat this....it was kind gross looking so I wasn't sure. He said it was carbs and I would need them. Then the ref guy proceeded to tell me I could not wear my ipod while I ran for the race. WHAT? OMG!Didn't see that one coming. I've been to races where they say that but it's not enforced. This time the guy was serious. So I had to suck it up. The 5K run wasn't too bad, I grabbed my trusty bike and off to the bike portion. Gently rolling hills my ass! During one particular climb I actually had the motorcycle cop stop and ask me if I was ok - I looked at him and said "Gently rolling hills my ass!" to which he replied "uh oh yeah, they totally lied about that". After this point every time he lapped me he gave me a big smile and thumbs up. Sometimes he was scream out the random number of tough hills left. I came to like the man. In any case by some miracle I made it to the transition point with the bike and started the 3k run. Now I have to tell you 3k is pretty much a nothing run, except after you get off the bike you feel a little weird running. And my legs in particular had decided to stop cooperating. Clearly they were pissed and wanted to rest. So basically I walked/ran the last part of the race. But I finished! Lucky for me Coach Tom was waiting for me at the finish line because I'm not sure I would have got my bike back on my car rack. Actually I think I might be doing more....it was hard but definitely different. The bike ride really makes you tough it out mentally which I hopes helps me on the half-marathon.
