Today was the 15th Annual Tim Kennard 10 Mile River Run & 5K Run/Walk. I registered for the 10 miler about 2 months ago, then promptly injured myself. (If you’ve read my recent blog posts, you know all about my achilles injury!) I have not run at all in over 6 weeks, so I downgraded myself to the 5K because I knew I wouldn’t be ready for 10 miles. Walking hasn’t been a problem for me, so I figured I could walk the entire 5K if I had to.
The weather was nice today. It was cool, in the upper 30’s, with a light breeze. We could have done without the breeze in these temperatures, but at least it was very light. It was clear and sunny, so that helped ease the discomfort of the coldness (for me anyway). I didn’t have enough fingers and toes to count how many half-naked people I saw on the course! One guy was wearing shorts and no shirt, countless others were in shorts and tanks. I don’t know how they do it. I wish I could do that. If I did, my entire body would seize up with a Raynaud’s event. I was covered from the tip of my head to my toes, with Hot Hands insole foot warmers in place and hand warmers in the pockets of my jacket. Not my personal ideal running conditions, but I’m happy it wasn’t raining or snowing, or, worse, blowing gale-force winds. For late March on the middle East Coast, it was decent.
I was dreading the start line, I can’t lie. I just knew that my first attempt at “lift off” would lead to pain or discomfort and I would be further disheartened. Did I mention how I have not run an inch in over 6 weeks? I did a little on the bike and some on the elliptical, but that isn’t running. My plan was to walk for 5 minutes, then attempt to run until I felt any type of discomfort, then walk/run from that point on as needed. I don’t know who I was trying to fool because as soon as the gate was open I took off like a dog breaking loose from his leash (only much slower).
To make a short story shorter, I ran the whole darn thing! I felt good the entire time and finished with a time of 27 minutes and some change. Nothing close to a PR for a 5K, but way better than I would have ever even thought given my current circumstances. And I know I’m going to pay for it. That dull ache on the lateral side of my achilles has been there since I started my heel lift exercises prescribed by my PT. My PT has not cleared me for running yet, but she knew I was going to walk/run this 5K. She told me if it hurts to stop! It never hurt beyond that dull ache. So I continued and pushed through. I finished with an official time of 27:31. WHOA. I was bookin’ it harder than I realized.
Because I already registered for the run way back when I figured I’d, at least, show up and get my shirt and take a DNS. Then I could support and encourage all of the other runners! Thankfully I was able to default to lesser mileage. I knew in my brain I needed to take it easy, but I didn’t…
I haven’t run in 6+weeks and managed to pull this out of my ass today. I’m going to pay for it in the coming days and will likely get a scolding from my PT this week. I didn’t want to do this, it just happened! The dangers of organized races. It gives me hope for the marathon that I will not run in late April! But maybe, just MAYBE I will be able to do the half?
I say as I am icing my ankle/achilles and noticing some swelling and such.
At least I got some cool stuff this year! Awesome shirt and my first bling from Tim Kennard!
Run for the Animals is next. From now til then it will be determined whether or not I might be able to do a half marathon (marathon is OUT) in Salisbury on April 28. I’m going to go for it!
AnimalWhiz 