SufferFest

My first time on Antelope Island. It is really pretty!

What better way to kick off the 2010 season than the Buffalo 25k on beautiful trails with your husband and 2 great friends? I can't think of any ...

Karl was signed up to run the 50km but had been injured for a few weeks. He was going to give it a try anyway and drove up early with a friend. For me, the fun started as soon as I got in the car with Carlee and Jen. I love driving to races with friends. Carlee and Jen were very entertaining and made the drive go by really fast.

As soon as we got on Antelope Island we ran into some buffalo. Ok, not really. They were just on the side of the road. But we, especially Carlee, were a little, or much, concerned about running into them during the race. No worries, though. The race director had briefed us on how to behave in case of a close Buffalo encounter. He did not, however, warn us about all the buffalo droppings on the ground. We took this as a good omen:

I parked smack in the middle of buffalo poop

As for my race plan: Have Fun. Sure, I was curious to see where my running form is at. But remember? I am not a runner. That is why running races are pure pleasure. No pressure. I could not wait to get out there and enjoy myself, nature, the trails, the sun, the hills, the camaraderie, and the pain.

I was especially excited to race with Jen. We have been training together (and watching each others kids in order to train) for at least 4 years. But we have never really raced together. Honestly, I was a little worried about being able to keep up with Jen. She has become quite the runner! If anyone knew pre-race how much stronger and faster she has become, then it was me!

The gun goes off and I try to settle into a nice pace I am hoping to be able to sustain for more than 2 hours. Jen does the same and we plug along passing quite a few runners on the first long uphill. At about mile 2, after passing who I think is the lady in first place, I turn to Jen and

I say: "I am a little worried we are starting out too fast. I think we just passed all the other women."

She replies: "Well, yes. Except for all the really fast ones ahead of us."

I think: "Okay. I did not see any other women but she is probably right. They have to be somewhere."

That is when my stomach starts hurting and and I feel really sick. It never got better. Only worse. It was horrible and, at times, very hard to deal with. The next 13 miles are kind of a blur.

Trying to run hard downhill. Taking a potty break behind some (very far away) bushes. Slowly catching up to all 3 women that passed me. Keeping up the speed on the uphill. Trying to reel in Jen who is in the lead! Missing the (only) aid station because I am NOT about to let Jen go again. Passing Jen.

Thinking: "Jen totally deserves to win. I would be so happy for her if she did. But I am not going to make it easy for her!"

Taking another potty break. Lucky for me, Jen has to take one as well.

With about 3 miles to go and hurting, I realize that I can actually win this race! I really did not think or wish that I would be in this position, but I am also not about to pass up this opportunity. At that point my race winning mentality clicks in. That is what Jen calls it. But it is not that easy. It does not just CLICK in. I have to try really hard to stay focused on only one thing: Running as fast as I can. Which is easier said than done when your mind is also telling you to slow down because you are feeling extremely sick.

I sure hate my running form. It really needs some work.

In the end, I was able to hold on and cross the line in first place in 2:12:20. I was so glad I was done!

Jen did amazing! She ran a 2:14:36. Way to go, Jen! She was great fun to run with. We were constantly encouraging and cheering for each other. I loved it!

Carlee had a great race. She finished in 3:05:22. I am so glad she came along with us and was able to enjoy her first trail race!

Unfortunately, Karl had to drop out and take it easy on the way back. But he enjoyed hanging out and catching up with his ultra-runner friends. We really hope he will fully recover soon and get in the miles necessary to enjoy the Squaw Peak 50 miler in June.

Lesson learned from this race:

Pushing through a tough race while feeling sick from the start, is definitely not a smart idea. Especially, if it's not a priority race.

We'll see if I can put the lesson to good use at the Salt Lake City 1/2 Marathon tomorrow. I am hoping for a decent pace and top 30. But most of all, I don't want to feel sick again. I have been sick during almost every run since this race and I am getting tired of it and a little concerned.

Time to do some yoga and shave my legs ...

PS: I know what you're thinking, Jamie. I am NOT pregnant. Yes, I even took a test. Negative.