Notes
This was a tough day for me. I was shooting for a sub 1:21 and a PR but I realized early on that it wasn't my day. I got out fast as I usually do for the first mile and then settled in but after the third mile, I knew something wasn't right. My hamstring started to feel tight which I wasn't expecting that early into the race. As the race went on, things just got worse. My groin started to act up and my quad started hurting. I was able to push it and push it as best as I could but it just got worse. I still managed to average a 6:15 pace through 9 miles but that's when it really got bad. It felt like I pulled something and I managed to limp my way to the finish line. I knew that if I stopped, I wouldn't start again so I kept pushing. I limped my way through to the finish, somehow picking it up for the last mile, and I got it done.
Once I stopped though, I was in a ton of pain. I limped through the chute and went to my car. I tried to cool down but I knew I couldn't. I was in a ton of pain and limping so I just went back to my hotel and sat in the hot tub. That was all I could do.
I think I just did too much. I felt tired every day for about 6 weeks and didn't do anything about it. Instead of taking a rest day or three, I just kept pushing through it. I had more miles at this point this year than at any point in the past and it was too much for me. I should have had a better rest after Grandma's and I should recognize more when I'm tired and when I need a break. I jumped back into too many miles too quickly without a sufficient enough rest. I guess you live and learn.
The good news from today is that I know I have my diet and pre-race plan down. I know what to eat the day before, I know what to do in the morning and I had no GI issues. That is good now.
Tough day. Time for a few weeks off.