Let's start with my training. While my training last year went very well, this year's was 10 times better. I missed less than 5 runs (and those were only short runs) this time around and rocked my long runs. I did have the occasional "bad day," but for the most part, I felt that my training had me prepared to finish in a good time (for me). I also incorporated yoga into my cross-training (I did zero cross-training last year), which worked wonders. I think that all training programs should involve yoga. As for the physical part, I was very well-prepared, and that allowed me to be confident, as well as mentally prepared.
Let's move forward to race day. It was perfect. I could not have asked for better weather, and I felt great! Everything was going smoothly until mile 8. My left knee started to KILL ME. Literally kill me. I recognized this pain as an exacerbation of a previous basketball injury, and I prayed so hard for the pain to go away (I still had 18 miles to go!). I made it to mile 20 (limping at that point), and I just had to walk. I wanted so badly to quit, but that's not in my blood. The tears started flowing immediately, not because I was in pain, but because I felt so defeated. I literally felt like I had just lost the National Championship. Ok, that may be a little dramatic, but it's true. I am very competitive, mostly with myself, and I HATE to lose. What bothers me the most is that I felt great, except for my knee. I never felt thirsty, nor did I ever hit a wall. It was so frustrating!!!
I guess I'll just have to chalk this one up as a loss and get ready for the next race, while also taking care of my knee. I do feel like I know why it acted up, but I'll explain that in another post.
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