It may be time to retire

... from half marathons, anyway.

This past Saturday was the Rock On! Lake Perry spring trail runs, which included a 5K, 13.1 miles and a 50K. I chose to do the half because I didn't feel like I was running enough and needed something for which to train.

I chose a trail run because I really like the Kansas City Trail Nerd Events; they do a really good job and profits are generally put right back into the trails. I also figured it would be a service to my knees ... you know, take it easy on them for once.

I'm always a little self-conscious when I first come to a race; it's not as if everyone shows up in Wonder Woman costumes. But after I got all my gear on and wandered around, I got multiple "Love your outift"s, and that always eases my nerves.

All Wonder Woman-ed up and ready to go ... I guess ...

I also ran into a person I knew, sort of a friend of a friend and it was good to catch up with him and learn the exciting news of his growing family. He was one of the crazies who was doing the 50K. Actually, after doing the half, I may want to call him insane.

In any case, trail runs are a bit more relaxed, which I totally enjoy, and as we started, I just crossed my fingers that I wouldn't crash on the trails again (SPOILER: I didn't!).

The race itself was tough. It was a humid, overcast day, with threats of storms on Friday never happening and more threats forecasted for the afternoon. I didn't quite realize how humid it was until I was dripping sweat less than 3 miles in. But, it was a trail race, so you just take your time, walk the hills and try your best. I found myself at the tail end of the pack, playing leap frog with a woman who was going to tell her son that she got to run with Wonder Woman, and catching a few others for awhile, then losing them and then catching them again (or vice versa). Things seemed to be going okay until about mile 10. At that point, I just wanted to stop. There was actually a part in the course where there was a short but steep downhill and I just stopped and stared at it. Then I said, "I don't wanna go down this!" Literally. I said that outloud.

But, I kept on, running when I could, walking when I was too tired. This race had really taken it all out of me. The last 1.5 miles, I was completely out of water because I stupidly hadn't refilled my less than half empty bottle at the last aid station, and when I came upon a main station, I was told I just had to go "up the hill" and then I was done.

ANOTHER HILL?!!??!

I sighed, and turned to go up the hill.  Jog, walk, jog, walk, damnit I just want to be done, so I jogged, caught the guy in front of me and said, come on, let's finish this last little bit. Then as I came upon the finish line, I remembered I had to run in backwards, so I did.

And then I was done. I was hot, sweaty, tired, and done. Done with the race and done with half marathons. They have always been my kryptonite and I have no clue why I keep doing them. I have some unfinished business with a few around Kansas City, but the business will stay unfinished.

There were hot dogs, potato salad, chips and watermelon for everyone. The gentleman serving asked me if I wanted a Superdog; I laughed and said just for the moment I wanted watermelon. So I had a few slices, then a few more and some chips. Then, I got some Nuun from my car and added it to my water, changed out of my sweaty clothes and finally got the Superdog.

I was super exhausted. Somehow, I made it home, gave Jeff some attention and then tortured myself with this:

Ice bathing might be the most masochistic thing I've ever done.

When I survived that and was all showered, I rewarded myself with a nap, and then some of this:

Smithwicks in a Kilkenny glass. Irish all the way.

Not that I'm not glad that I did the race; it was a huge mental and physical challenge for me and it certainly kicked my ass, but I still won, because I gave all I had and I finished. I just don't want to do another one again. I'll stick with my 5ks and maybe even a 10k on the trails .... and on the roads.

Swag:

Gratuitous Jeff photo: