Day 3 (part 2)

“A retentive memory may be a good thing, but the ability to forget is the true token of greatness.”

~Elbert Hubbard








I left for home knowing I was over the halfway point. My legs felt awful as soon as I started running.

I ate my last Hammer Gel and Clif Shot Bloc when I arrived at UW after the morning run. I did this, knowing I had nothing left with me, because Jan was going to Bothell Ski and Bike and picking up a bunch more for me. I asked her if she wanted to meet me on the trail after her bike ride, that afternoon, because I think I could really use the company and I figured she could bring me a refill of Hammer Gel. I suppose I should have been more explicit when we spoke...

I don't remember most of the run. It was hard getting going, really hard. But, after 4-5 miles, I was rolling. I felt ok, but the important thing was that I had "a good focus" going, and was REALLY looking forward to the company and the gel. I was starving. It was raining harder.

I ran. And ran. I passed half way. I felt great, now. I decided not to stop because I would stop when I saw the girl. 5 miles to go. Where is she?

Pouring rain, I am soaked. Water everywhere, and mud, of course.

4.5 miles, I stop. Crap, I hope I didn't mess up and miss her somehow, although it's technically impossible I guess. I hoped everything was okay. I stretched and drank, and was really hungry. I decide after a few moments to start running again. And, of course, not 2 minutes later, who should come meandering down the trail on her little blue bike, in her rain jacket getting soaked? Jan! Yay!

With no Hammer Gel. It was, actually, a very funny moment. I didn't care too much because I only had 4 miles to go, approximately, and she brought me a bottle with our NEW Grapefruit flavored Sustain sports drink. THAT was super duper yummy.

She rode along with me, in the pouring rain, and I knew she must be getting cold. Finally she sped off to go home and take the dog for a Vibram run, and I motored along.

I made it to the busy intersection where I had to wait for the crosswalk light in 1:45. I will call it 1:47 for this run. Legs are tired, and they hurt, but good. No real issues except my toes--the joints are aching and the are getting pretty worn. We will see how it goes, but at this point, I was ecstatic because there are only 2 days left. Unbelievable.