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July 29, 2007
day 29 ... and I still have this much to say?
My last thought before I fell asleep last night was, I really like Port Stanley runs, but they are challenging, those last few miles are always tough no matter what distance I’ve done. How are they going to feel on day 29 at the end of run 29?
The strange thing about this running everyday thing is what you don’t expect. I thought my legs would feel exhausted. They haven’t, they’ve been tight at the beginning of a morning run. They’ve been sore once or twice, but once I get the run in they are fine. I really thought my legs would be cursing me by now for attempting to run everyday. They seem to be, surprisingly, adjusting to the increased runs and mileage.
Today would test them. The test would come over 17.5 miles. The furthest they have run since the end of April.
A and I headed off a few minutes early. The weather was perfect at 7.45am. A few clouds, cool breeze and the temperature was still bearable. We ran a steady comfortable 10 min/mile pace for the first 3 miles. We didn’t stop at the first waterstop, we kept going another ½ mile to the truck stop to use washrooms. The luxury of indoor plumbing and air conditioning should used when and where you can find it on a long highway run. After the toilet break we only had a mile before the next waterstop. It was manned by D who had finished Ironman Lake Placid last weekend in 11.08. While we were filling up on water and gels, she told us about her run during the ironman, she wanted to complete it in less than 4 hours, she pulled out a 3.59.57. This is after all that other stuff.
We continued with a good pace for the next 6k, to the turn off the highway and onto the road to Port Stanley. We were faster than expected so the waterstop wasn’t there yet. A few other runners were waiting so we joined them. A few minutes later the waterstop arrived. Then it was off to tackle the first big hill of the day.
I have done this run 10 times before and only once have I made it all the way to the top of the first hill. Today, was the second. I felt strong, both my legs and lungs.
At the next waterstop G joined us. G is the happiest runner ever. I think he is on drugs. Really good drugs, that I want. He almost bounces when he runs. He is a fast runner, but for some reason decided to run with us. He told us stories of his quest to run a marathon in all 50 states, he has 19 to go, Denver in the fall is his next one. As he talked we naturally kept pace. After about 3k, I realized that this was my 5k race pace.
I needed to ditch G.
But he was so nice. He then tells us that he runs with someone different at each waterstop. Holy crap we had another 3k to the next waterstop. It’s funny when you are running with someone faster than you. They are more than willing to run at your pace, but you, at least me, tend to run faster. Maybe it’s so they won’t think I’m slow, or they push me just a little. You know what else is funny, how great I found Gs happy attitude at the beginning, but now that I was near death I wanted to slap G. Luckily for all, two guys came up and started talking to G, and off he went.
What not to do on a 17 miler … throw in a 5k race around mile 9.
I could really feel it in my legs. They felt a little tighter, a little tired. It was getting hotter out. The breeze and clouds had gone. I took a deep breath and keep going, the next waterstop was just around the corner. I really didn’t want to leave this waterstop. I wanted to make it my new home. Especially since the second big hill of the day was looming just ahead, 2k of wonderful uphillness.
We headed out, there were lots of other runners about now. There were about 150 doing the run today. We all start at different times, but the goal is to finish at 11.15am.
Halfway up the hill were the sponge girls. Sent from heaven. Actually, they are the daughters of a runner. They had two large buckets of ice water and sponges. We stopped and drenched ourselves. It was the most wonderful feeling ever. Only 1k more of this *&#@ hill. Then it was 4k downhill to the beach.
The last 2k were tough. I was hot and tired. The uphill and downhill kill my legs. A had picked up the pace and was up ahead, I kept her insight, knowing that this would soon be over. As we came into Port Stanley something wonderful happened.
The bridge was up!
We had to stop!
Damn it. I was so enjoying this.
About 30 runners were forced to stop and wait 5ish minutes while the bridge lifted and lowered. Just enough time to regain some energy. J had caught up to me. We ran the last km in together. I’m running in with the strickler, people will think I’m really fast.
As we made our way down to the beach, I glanced to my left. My dad was running along beside us on the sidewalk. I think his 70 year old legs could have taken me no problem in a sprint finish.
Run 29 is officially in the books. 17.5 miles in just over 3 hours 25 minutes, which included 5 waterstops, 2 toilet breaks, a 5k race, sponge bath, bridge stoppage and a sprint with Dad!
Posted by Ali at July 29, 2007 6:36 PM
Comments
great report - well done ali
Posted by: londonjogger at July 29, 2007 7:04 PM
You really are my hero. I am too lazy to figure it out but how many miles have you completed in July?
Posted by: Michelle at July 29, 2007 7:37 PM
wow.
you're amazing and that ice water sponge bob bath thing sounds heavenly. i need to tell my running group about that shiznit right there!
i am gonna be sad when july is over.
Posted by: Justjunebug at July 29, 2007 11:13 PM
29 days. Wow. You're in the home stretch!!
Posted by: Allison at July 30, 2007 2:49 AM
G is the happiest runner ever. I think he is on drugs. LOL
Well done. I can't believe you ran 17 miles on day 29.
Posted by: Mary at July 30, 2007 10:29 AM
I was thinking that people were, wondering, "who is that, running to the finish with the Julyathon streaker?" I just soaked up some of your fame!
You are a rock star!
Posted by: strickler at July 31, 2007 8:22 AM