Eat Drink Run Woman

First of all, I survived once again! But boy, was it TOUGH. Actually, only the first day was tough; Sunday’s race was no more tougher than any other marathon. Saturday was the Lake Young’s Ultra — 28.8 miles comprising three loops around the Lake Youngs reservoir in Renton, Wash. I had run one loop around the lake in January, so I knew what to expect. In fact, I was goaded into doing the double-double after talking to a couple of fellow Maniacs after that race.

After my experience with last weekend’s double, I figured I’d run alone for both races. But my Maniac friend Jessica assured me she too would be taking it slow since she was also running a double that weekend. So once again I decided the company would be nice. We were joined by Shannon, one of my Runner’s World forum buddies, who was running one loop.

Since Matt is hoping to BQ at Seattle Rock ‘n Roll later this month, he didn’t run the race but instead manned the aid station on the other side of the lake. It was a real boost to see him each loop. He brought his camera along and set up some lights so we all have some pretty awesome pictures.

While I knew the course was somewhat hilly, it seemed worse this time, perhaps due to the fact we ran in the opposite direction (yes, I know it shouldn’t make much of a difference, but the uphills seemed steeper!) Jessica and I felt pretty good, but Shannon, who’s not as experienced, started to struggle toward the end. However, she appreciated being pushed. I also made her take one of my gels at about mile 7 and that perked her up.

We took a short break after the first loop to visit the potty, replenish our fuel and kick a few pebbles out of our shoes. We bid Shannon adieu and headed out. I could tell from the start this loop was going to be tough, so I told Jessica I’d be needing a few more walk breaks. But we still managed to chat our way through.

Just after passing Matt again the front runners passed us (they were on their final loop). The lead woman was Annie Thiessen, who’s won several local marathons (she’s a machine!). As we hit each hill, we’d negotiate where we’d take our next walk break. “Let’s make it to that sign, and then walk,” etc. I was struggling, but Jessica pulled me along. We got passed by several more folks as we were near the end of loop 2. This time we took a longer break to change our socks. I also grabbed a jacket as I was getting a bit chilled.

Seeing all the folks who had just finished was tough; I wanted to be one of them! But I bucked up and headed out once more. Not only did we take even longer walk breaks, we barely spoke. Both of us were struggling by now, although we were thankful for each other’s company.

About a mile from the aid station I started to get choked up. I knew I’d burst into tears once I saw Matt; I was tired and sore and wanted it to be over. About a half mile from the station Jessica had to duck into the bushes for a potty break, and I needed my own release — the tears started flowing. But I regrouped and soldiered on. However, once I saw Matt I realized I wasn’t quite done with the tears. Concerned, he asked me if I was going to drop out. “HELL NO!” In fact, the meltdown was just what I needed to continue on.

I told Jessica to run on as I knew I’d be walking much of the final 4.5 miles. But I managed to get into a good groove and we ran another 2+ miles together. I took another walk break up a hill and she decided to continue on. However, she pretty much was within sight the rest of the race. Finally, after 6+ hours (!!!) I crossed the finish line. It was my toughest, slowest race to date. (Official time: 6:02:38).

Someone had brought a kiddy pool to ice our legs, so Jessica and I plopped ourselves in. The race director puts on quite the barbecue, so we ate heartily (I even snuck in a beer). When we got home I hobbled over to Greenlake to ice my legs even more, however, due to the heatwave we’ve had the water was almost too warm! So once I got home I drew a cold bath and iced once more.

Both Matt and I were pretty tired (he not only sat out in the sun all day providing aid, he ran at least 7 miles to encourage several runners), so we hit the hay about 8:30 p.m. We were both taking the early start for the Non-Tunnel race and were meeting Jessica at a park ‘n ride at 5:30 a.m.

This race was supposed to be the same course as the one on which I BQ’d last year, however, the tunnel from which it gets its name is closed. (Actually all the tunnels along the Iron Horse trail are closed due to falling debris. It may take a couple of years before they’re able to re-open). So instead of it being a fast, all downhill race, we started from Rattlesnake Lake, ran up 13.1 miles and turned around. Fortunately it’s an old railroad grade so it’s a very gradual uphill.

As with the previous weekend, I decided to run solo even though my friends Jessica and Marie were also running the race. We leap-frogged each other for the first few miles (I was running slower, but they took more frequent walk breaks), but I passed them at mile 10 when they stopped for a potty break. I was feeling somewhat sore, but I kept a slow and steady pace.

I took a potty break just after the turnaround but managed to still stay ahead of Jessica and Marie. I was grateful for the downhill but continued to take walk breaks every mile or so. Jessica finally passed me about mile 21-22, and Marie caught up with me at mile 23 as I was taking my final walk break. We both decided to run it in, although she was several yards ahead of me. I could tell by then I’d be able to finish in under 5 hours; barring injury. As I neared mile 25 I readjusted my goal: I wanted to beat my Green River time (the first marathon in my double-double).

Matt was waiting for me just before mile 26. Given how tough Lake Youngs was, he figured he’d help me limp in. But to his surprise I was running strong; he couldn’t keep up with me! As I turned the corner to head down to the finish I picked up the pace and sprinted past Marie, finishing in 4:51:02. I did it!

Although I have one more marathon to go for my “monster month,” the hard part is over. I’ll be taking some serious recovery time over the next couple of weeks (if I run at all it’ll be short and easy). I doubt I’ll have any time goals for Rock ‘n Roll, but I’ll see how I feel come race day.