I woke up Sunday after a very fitful night's sleep. I guess that could describe a lot of my nights, but it's usually worse after a long or hard run. I still thought I wasn't going to run the Breaker, but, as I got moving was pleased to find no muscle soreness. Rick was on weekend duty so long gone. I called to tell him I still hadn't made up my mind.
I dressed for the race, sort of. I wore my running skort (the chafing from my shorts made it the only thing I could tolerate). I also just wore a cotton t-shirt thinking, since it wasn't very hot and I wasn't going to run hard (if I ran), that I wouldn't require a tech shirt.
At 7:25 am, I went over to see if Bethany and Linda were ready; they were riding over with me. I love the energy that goes with pre-race runners. We stopped at Dunkin Donuts for coffee and breakfast wraps. We talked race conditions of the different years on the way over, agreeing this was way better than the last two years, where the temps got into the 90s.
Mindy and Chandra were manning the registration (really number and t-shirt pick up, since the race cap had been reached). I eventually picked up my number, but still wasn't sure I'd run. I volunteered to help, but Ian said they were set. OK, I was running. I made sure to slather on the Vaseline and I was ready.
I enjoyed the usual pre-race socializing, but soon Ian was giving his pre-race speech and then the start. I made sure to position myself toward the back. I had no delusions that I'd be racing. I ran at a comfortable-run pace. It felt good to loosen up. I was surprised that my feet and toes were fine. I do admit that sometime during the first loop I was thinking I'd made the wrong decision, but I started to feel stronger as the race went on.
Before setting out on the 2nd loop, I changed out of my cotton tee and into a tech shirt (I still had lots of clothes packed from the day before) and applied more Vaseline. I was really psyched to see Bethany and Linda Raymond starting the 2nd loop. I knew that would mean they were both on their way to great race times! I joined them for the start of the next loop, enjoying some excellent company. Unfortunately, on the Boundary, near the electric fence, a bee (wasp, hornet, or some time of stinging insect) angrily buzzed my head. I waved my hat and, almost immediately, heard Linda yell that a bee had stung her on her lip. It was pretty painful for a while. Bethany suggested trying mud. I knew there was some coming up, but, by the time we got to it, Linda's pain had subsided enough for her to not want to spread Bradbury mud on her face.
I continued to enjoy their company till the mean little climb towards the mid-lap aid station (just before the Summit Trail). After the summit, I decided I felt good enough to push the pace a bit. I continue to feel better and better as the race went on. I finished a full 20 minutes slower than last year, but had a much better time. I was very happy to be able to run strong after yesterday's long run, especially given the hard last few miles.
So many people, including Bethany and Linda, had great races. Ian and Ryan with all the volunteers put on a wonderful event, as usual.
ANIMAL!!
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