Running to Stand Still (Again)

Hobble Creek 1/2 Marathon
August 22. 2009
Kaerlig/ Kassi
1:37.34 /1:13.50ish

(personal records for both of us)

me, my mom and my sister

In the past 6 weeks I have ran 3 half marathons in three different and beautiful canyons in Utah. It has been a lot of hard work but incredibly satisfying and no less than life-saving. I think now I am going to take a break from racing for a little bit but continue to run casually. This most recent race was in Mapleton and although I felt pretty tired and like I wasn't running as fast as I wanted to, I actually ran faster than I ever had before. Not having a watch (mine just broke), I didn't know what my pace was and I was pleased when I came down the last stretch and saw my finish time- 3 minutes faster than the race two weeks ago. Of course, I have nothing on Kassi who took 2nd place in the women's division. She was haulin' as usual. I just don't know how she does it. She's got a fast gene and that, combined with her strict diligence, makes a winning combination.

The worst part of the race was at mile 10 when a bug flew into my mouth and got lodged in the back of my throat. I tried to hauck it out but couldn't so I tried to swallow it down but it wouldn't go. I could feel it fluttering there trying to get free and I started to gag uncontrollably. I stopped on the side because I thought I was going to throw up but I didn't. I ran like that for a 1/2 mile and then drank two cups of water at the water station but the little bugger wouldn't move-- but I think I drowned it at least so it couldn't flutter.

In fact, I think it is still back there. I wonder how long it'll take to disintegrate.