speedvegan

Time 1:58:01 | Pace 9:01 | Age Group 35/148

Flat out to the finish !

Splits
Mile 1: 9:09
Mile 2: 8:59
Mile 3: 9:01
Mile 4: 9:12
Mile 5: 9:09
Mile 6: 9:25
Mile 7: 9:20
Mile 8: 8:46
Mile 9: 8:52
Mile 10: 8:48
Mile 11: 9:03
Mile 12: 8:59
Mile 13: 8:13

Naturally, after reading my last race report, you’re probably wondering how this race “snuck in.” Truth be told, I had registered for this race quite a while ago. For just $10 more, I was able to add it to my 13.1 Ft Lauderdale registration. It seemed a bargain at the time. Little did I know what it would cost in the end. I made a subtle mention of the race when I saw my doctor last week. In my mind, I had scrapped it, but he wanted to scan my foot before deciding whether to veto the race. Or not.

Yes. The CT scan results indicated that the unbearable pain in my left foot might be caused by the onset of a stress fracture, not an existing one. With that, the doctor felt comfortable with letting me race, as long as I took it easy.

If you’re anything like me, you’re probably just as confused as I was by this juxtaposition. What’s the point of racing a distance I’ve done so many times before without trying to PR ? My confusion quickly became muddled with the sudden clearance to run. Sure, I’d take it easy. I’ll sign the dotted line. Anything to slip back into my running shoes. Let’s go !

The event offered a 5k distance as well, which Geoffrey signed up for. We ventured down to South Beach for packet pickup on Saturday and had a fantastic time with Luka. We even found a dog-friendly restaurant with vegan options and outdoor seating. Score ! We had a quiet dinner at home and went to bed early. OK, early-ish. I woke up at 3:30am and felt momentarily sick as I thought of the South Beach party crowds, still going while I prepared to start my Sunday with a 13.1 mile run no less. It hasn’t been very long time since I was part of “those crowds,” but in some ways, it’s been ages.

Geoffrey, by the way, PR’d his 5k AND placed 1st in his age group ! Who’s a rockstar ??

Summary of the race itself, mile by mile.

1. Cold. The ACTUAL temperature was somewhere between 50 and 60, but I was freezing.
2. Mentally, I struggle to find the right pace: fast enough for me, easy enough for my foot ? Physically, I feel like I’m crawling.
3. Miami hill (aka bridge). Fun level is a big, fat ZERO.
4. First sip of water. Still frozen.
5. Guy almost gets run over by a taxi.
6. I start to feel my toes as we turn around and I chug a gel. Yum.
7. The sun shows up. My fingers come to life and so does my pace. Thank you, sun. You saved the day.
8. Up another bridge. I feel like I’m flying this time.
9. Second sip of water. Fun level is almost a TEN.
10. Hello pain. Foot says “F you and your stupid hobby. Where’s the finish line ?”
11. Gatorade.
12. Assess pain and reserves.
13. Pedal to the medal.

Overall, it wasn’t my best race, but certainly not the worst. I’m glad I did it. Now I’m looking forward to some bike time.

The medal matches my shirt, which is obviously very exciting.