Quick Update.

Thank goodness we made it through the cold, rainy weekend of Thanksgiving. The week before the Decker 20 km i managed to do the mile repeats on Tuesday. We did 5 x 1 mile and averaged around 6 minute pace, with the last one at about 6:09. This was also my 11 yr. old boy's first workout. He did 3 x 1 mile and was so excited that he could hardly sleep that night. The kids are planning on the Festival of Lights run, so they are pumped.
Thursday, i did the 7 mile loop with the group and we did 1 minute medium, 1 minute easy. Even though it was supposed to be easy, i struggled a bit towards the end and couldn't see at all. Somehow i just didn't feel very rested with quick turnover. I felt rather slow and sluggish. So, Friday and Saturday i kept busy with other stuff besides running. Put the Christmas tree up...that is a weight workout! I was so glad Sunday morning arrived, because i felt as if i just added so much weight from going wild on a sweet tooth craving! I decided to try out my new running shoes, since they felt good on my sore achilles. Bad mistake! The first mile of the race my left foot was on fire. I had no idea how bad the hills would be, but decided to take it really easy the first 6 miles, only thing was...i felt horrible. Everytime someone passed me that i knew, i wanted to stop and cry. I wish i could let out a cry at the time, but i was too exhausted to even squeeze out a tear or too fearful thinking how in the world am i going to manage another 6 miles feeling like this? My foot, completely numb, and me wanting to go home. Then, i went into a weird zone of just going with the motions and the pain and i started gaining on a few people who passed me...hope! Then, i made it to the 11 mile mark and was so happy. Searching for the finish and i knew i was getting close...only with an extreme disappointment of realizing the end is NOT at the 12 mile marker. My legs were buckling, because i really thought it would be over at 12 miles...geez...that last bit almost put me over the edge. I was so happy to see Gilberts friendly face and all i could murmer was that i am very tired. My foot a complete, blood blister mess! But, i am so excited that i won my little $50 and happy that it covered the cost of my race. I treated the kids to Waffle House afterwards!
I am relieved it's over and have a new admiration for ultra distance people.