Silicon Melting

Well, finally, Silicon...no, not the kind you stick in your chest wall, the Relay!

I signed up with LB and friends to do the Silicon Labs Marathon Relay. The last relay I did was Ragnar -- which was much harder and longer. But, I haven't raced since I my foot injury -- that is my unremarkable injury.

I have to admit I was horribly nervous. I used to get like this ages ago, but then one year I raced a ton and got over the jitters, but got hurt. I'd rather have the jitters.

I was the last...the caboose, they called it. I prefer clean up. I headed downtown with kids in tow as Rolph had a soccer game. The kids did fine. Although I did my OC thing and called LB a million times trying to find him, they were parked near the Gazelles. When we showed up Gilbert had just finished his leg and he came over to say hi to the kids. Yes, me, chopped liver!

Then Bernard came by and he was sweating. This scared me. I mean here is a dude who didn't break a sweat in August at night for a 10K. I said, Bernard, seriously, what's up, you are drenched? It's hot out there Red. Ok, got it. Now I want to puke.

I head to the corral to find the entrance and pester LB many more times about where I go in and when. How he puts up with me at races, I truly do not know. I kissed the kids and left them with LB with strict instructions to behave.

I waited behind a tall dude for the shade. I swished water and spit it out. I was nervous.

T came in and I headed out. My legs were like cement blocks. I had not warmed up enough at all. Trudge, trudge. Come on old girl I yell internally, get moving. I decide not to look at my watch at all. I start to pass people. LB gives me strict instructions not to let anyone pass me. I feel awful and want to quit. This also happens to me in every single race. I always want to quit.

I start to hit a groove and a guy starts to run with me. Good pace he says. We start to talk and I realize that while it's a good distraction, I'm slowing down. Still, I won't look. He eventually takes off without a word and I feel myself sink some more.

I turn down First. I think, If Gilbert sees me running this slow, he'll be yelling. But Gilbert is not there. I'm partially glad and partially disappointed, but I kick it in. I heard Evil call my team number and start digging, harder and harder. I see the time and I know what the team had hoped for...we are under.

I cross the line, relief, no puking...I head for the kids and show up at the tent quite like I just went to the loo and came back. Oh hey, you are back. Yeah, I'm done. My last little bit (.15) was fast, but I mistook that for my average pace. For a minute I was proud. Until I realized that I really had positive splits and just got slower and slower.

It was hot (10:15 am). But, I had so much fun being out there, seeing everyone and running. It was great to be back.

13.7 in the Pouring Rain

It's raining in Austin, but I'm not complaining, we need it desperately.

I actually do wake up during the storm and make the mistake of asking LB if we are still meeting to run. Of course, we are.

I head out to the designated meeting point and we load up and head to the start.

It is cold standing in the rain, so I decided to just go. I get frustrated waiting and, I have to admit, I'm slightly irritated and pensive at the same time. Yesterday marked 8 years since 9/11, I was in NY, and I always have a lot to think about. This year, I feel like I should have done more to help other people. I was very humbled to read about all the volunteers and what they did to help others. I think I was in shock, somewhat, but in any event, I want to think about that while running.

So, I don't wait for LB or DD, I just go. My foot hurts, in spite of a session with Pieter, and I am worried about it. I decided to stop thinking about my foot and try to remember some thinks about 9/11...so much of it is still a blur and memories come back in pieces.

It's raining very steadily. M Woo comes up with the group of guys and says, Hey Alicia. Hey. That's it. I am concentrating and move over for the guys to pass me. But, either they are not running super fast yet (warming up) or I am running pretty well. In any event, I decided to stay with them for as long as I can and I do. It feels great, but I know I can't hold it.

I stop at the water stop and wait for LB and DD. The rest of the run goes pretty well with many sub 8 min. miles. I bonk a little at the end, but I figure it's ok. My legs are sore and my foot is swelling, but I am less weighed down by the past, by the visions, by the nightmares...I let it go till next year.

B-side

Well, it's official, filled out the form and sent in the registration. Now, got to stay healthy, not mess up my foot by standing in high heeled shoes at concerts and not lose my keys for the millionth time.