Saturday, November 10, 2007

Ntelos 8K Race Report

Due to my back injury, I decided to walk instead of run the 8K today. I was a little worried that I wouldn't be able to finish if I started having back pain, but the Prednizone seems to be keeping it away. After plenty of jokes about how I was going to be disqualified due to my steriod use, I started out. I had never walked a race before and I was surprised at how much company I had.
I enjoyed it, but it was difficult not running, it was like fighting an instinct. And all those people running around me at the start made me even more aware of it.
I was worried it would take a long time to finish, but that sad truth is that I wasn't much slower than if I ran. I came in under 1:15 averaging 15 minute miles. The last time I ran this race, it took me 59 minutes, and I ran my little heart out, I was surprised there was not more of a time difference.
I walked for a lot of the race with a guy named John from Arlington. He did the Marine Corps Marathon last year racewalking (which is I guess what we were doing). That was inspiring to hear about, because I signed up for next years marathon. And, if he can do a marathon walking and make the time cut off, then I can too.

Anyway, I will say that I had fun getting back out there today. I've missed racing and workouts and happy to see a light at the end to this injury tunnel. Cross your fingers that when I wake up tomorrow, after a long nights sleep, that my back doesn't change it's mind. Now if I can just fight off this infection.....

5 comments:

Sarah said...

Yay for having fun! I hope your back gets better soon.

Diane said...

I'm so sorry to hear you haven't been feeling well and hope you have turned the corner to recovery. I miss seeing you!

TriGirl 40 said...

Wow - that is an impressive time considering all the walking! Hope your back and infection get better soon! Was great to see you at the brunch yesterday!

Anonymous said...

I hope you feel better ASAP! My hat goes off to the walkers, too. Kudos to anyone who participates!

Jennifer Strebel

Unknown said...

Great to have you back!

SusieQ