Notes
Disappointing. Coming off one of the best training blocks I have had and being in the best shape I have ever been in is what made dropping out of this race so difficult.
Early in the morning I felt fantastic no discomfort while warming up, it also may have been a lot of adrenalin that kept me from noticing the pain. The elite development tent and perks were awesome, and something I want for next year. The first 8 miles of the race I felt great (5:44 average), I was relaxed and didn't feel like I was pushing hard at all. First Gatorade chew was at mile 7 and it was right around mile 8 I started to really notice my lower calf / Achilles was getting very tight. It progressively felt worse and worse over the next two miles but I was still able to run on it.
I backed off the pace a little but it didn't seem to help much, a few 5:53 miles felt like I was barely moving. This just tells me how good I was feeling and the shape I am in. Turning off of North Ave and on to Wells St. was when a sudden sharp pain ran up the length of my calf and I knew immediately my race was probably over. I managed maybe another 30 meters before I finally stopped the watch and sat down to massage and stretch.
It was really difficult to sit and watch all the runners go past while I was waiting for Philip and Mike; I just wanted to get back up and keep going. I planned on maybe trying to run with Philip for a mile or so to get close to downtown to find Mom and Dad. Philip being the awesome brother forced me to stop and stopped to stay with me. He helped keep me sane and from punching something. We had the slowest transportation back downtown and had to go to a second medical tent.