I ran barefoot of course. About half mile into the race I hit a patch of very slick slime covered sidewalk and flood water and both my feet went out from under me and I smacked down square on my back. Some fella behind me pulled me up and I brushed it off and kept going. Luckily I didn't hurt myself. I haven't ate it like that in 20 years or more. Weird. Every time I saw water on the path I ran in the very muddy grass. Thank the running gods that I prayed to fervently there were no stickers or thorns.
It was hot and I had already ran close to six miles this morning. That was hot too! I had to stay focused on conserving energy through relaxing the muscles that don't need to be tense and having good and efficient form.
Then I came upon the gravel. Its been raining here every night and we have had some flooding. There was gravel on the entire back side of the loop we were running around the lake from being washed onto the path from the heavy rains. Slow and steady with a light step kept me focused. My feet felt great but it did slow me down.
Because the 5k and entire event had to change locations at the last minute due to previously mentioned flood water the running route was impromptu. I was supposed to go around the lake twice keeping to the left until the end and then going right to head back to the start. Of course I flippin got lost.HAHAHAHA! Who gets lost on a 5k..I kept going left instead of going right to head back to the start. I had never been here before and should have paid more attention to where we started from! I felt ok but I can tell my iron levels are not quite back up to snuff. All in all it was a good run.
I ran for my son Jupiter. He has autism. He goes to Easter Seals Camp Sunnyside and camp respite weekends during the school year. He loves it there and they love him. I didn't run fast nor did I feel good and even after getting lost, I ran with love and I brushed off the crazy setbacks and just kept going. You do that when you love someone.
Thank you again to all of you who supported us! My father and oldest son did the walk and had a great time and my husband brought the other 3 boys and had a fantastic time running around the camp!
Thanks to Easter Seals Camp Sunnyside for hosting a lovely event!! Can't wait for next year!
heh, sorry about the wipeout. That a shocker I bet! Its easy to keep your perspective just by looking around once in a while, let alone looking right into your own family!
ReplyDeleteNice job!
Glad your spill didn't do more than bruise your pride a little.
ReplyDeleteWho gets lost in a 5k...that would be me, too.
Great reason to run.
Good post.
ReplyDeleteRunning with a "purpose" really adds a little extra meaning to the event.
Did the Marathon at Memphis about 4years ago for St. Jude. Did the Heroes fundraiser. It provided such motivation to not let everyone down who supported me.
Good Job.
A wonderful reason to run :)
ReplyDeleteGlad you are OK. Falling on your back must have been scary.
ReplyDeleteHow do your feet manage on hot asphalt?
That is a very sweet picture of the two of you.
way to keep going :)
ReplyDeleteLiz F.
You are one tough gal!
ReplyDeleteI loved reading about this 5K of yours. To me, this is what running really is, and why it's always such a good analogy to life in general -- contending with everything and just pushing through it all. Dealing with it, getting through the rough patches, picking ourselves up when we fall, finding our way back after we get lost. And in the end love being the energy that fuels it all. Yup, this 5K of yours had it all.
ReplyDeleteIt's a beautiful thing that you ran and upported this race for your son. Sounds lie some obstacles, but you got through it like you always do!
ReplyDeleteWell done on the run, sorry you fell, but glad you were all alright,Happy Running.
ReplyDeleteCompletely awesome. All of it.
ReplyDeleteI adore the photo.
Glad you did the run - not about the wipeout. That will give you something to think about when training for your marathon - water stations are messy anyway. With barefeet and lots and lots of people, I guess you'll need to be extra cautious.
ReplyDeleteVery cool...I'll bet that boy is uber-proud of his beautiful mama...muddy ass and all.
ReplyDeleteWay to go Angie! Sorry about you falling and getting lost:) I think it is great that you were running for your son! Thank goodness that you are getting better and able to run! Take care of yourself:)
ReplyDeleteI have a story about getting lost:) Last year Kay and I ran a 5K in the Minnesota Zoo. It was at the end of my racing season and I was in great shape. At the start of the race and up to mile 2 I was in the lead of the pack for women. There were only two women infront of me. There was a turn around somewhere and I just followed the people in front of me. I am guessing there were maybe 30 of us total. I kept on thinking, where and the hell is the finish? I knew that we had gone at least three miles. Turns out some guy led us down the wrong path! Grrr! That little Minnesota Zoo 5K ended up being a 4.5 miler...according to one man's Garmin! WTH! I was so freaking mad! Mad at the men who led us down the wrong path and mad at myself for not paying attention! So, if it makes you feel better....I have been there and done that:) It is funny now but I was so made because I know that I would of placed when looking at all of the other times!
It's been way to humid & hot here too which always makes for a tough run. Glad you're feeling better!
ReplyDeleteyikes about the fall!! But it sounds like everyone had a great time.
ReplyDeleteGAH!! Got lost!? That sucks so much.
ReplyDeleteIs there a lot of flooding where you are? All that I hear is that it is worse than '93