Half and half

Late last night, early this morning really, I returned from Victoria B.C. The original intent of the trip across the border was to run the local marathon but a hip flexor injury caused me to amend my plans a bit and I chose to run the half marathon instead.

My sister, D, flew in to Seattle from NYC to run the half marathon as well. Changing from the full marathon to the half was a bit of a disappointment but it was a good thing as well. A full marathon race usually puts me out of commission for a day or two afterward. A half marathon is still a challenging distance of 13.1 miles but it doesn't wear me out for the rest of the day. I also was excited to run the race with my sister. We both ran the NYC marathon 2 years ago but not together. So, I was looking forward to sharing the race experience with someone.

The drive to Victoria from Seattle was a breeze. We made it to the Port Angeles Ferry in plenty of time and got to our hotel just after dark. The upcoming race was the talk of the town and our passport to pleasant conversation with any and everyone.

Last year we toured the Island thoroughly when we visited for vacation. So, this year, we went directly to our favorite places or luxuriated in room service. It was one of those kinds of vacations.

Things were going well, too well up until the morning of the race. We had planned to have room service deliver breakfast to us that morning by 6:00 am. The race started at 7:30 and the timing was tight. Our breakfast did not arrive until around 6:50 despite our desperate phone calls. I broke down and ate a Cliff bar which ordinarily would have been fine except that I had already taken several vitamin supplements including a high iron multi, 2 L-lysine amino acids, and 2 zincs lozenges. The heavily fortified Cliff bar sat in my belly like a bowling ball. Still, I didn't worry too much. Fortunately, my sister is a slower runner than I am. I figured her slower pace would be less stressful on my tummy and I was almost right.

We slow jogged the first 9 miles of the race. I was feeling pretty good except for the tight, full feeling of my belly. It didn't actually hurt. It just felt weird and my breathing was okay. I had lots of energy. My sister kept encouraging me to take off if I wanted to run ahead. I took off and cruised for a mile when I suddenly had to use the bathroom immediately. I saw a bathroom ahead and nervously stepped in to line behind 3 other people. Just about the time I thought my stomach was going to burst open, I stepped inside and let out some seriously explosive sounding gas for at least a full 5 minutes. I was worried that something more needed to come out but it appeared to be just awful gas.

As I exited I saw my sister run past. So much for running ahead. I ran up to her and told her what had happened. Then I left her again, this time hoping to keep up the speed. And, I did keep up the speed for a good 2 miles until I started to sweat profusely. I was not breathing hard but I was sweating buckets, so much so that my visor was too soggy to stay on my head. It kept slipping down my forehead. I ripped it off and tossed it in a trash bin. I felt dizzy! I walked a bit but knew I didn't have much further to go. I sucked it up and jogged in to the finish line.

As soon as I crossed the line and moved in to the finish area, I knew I was in trouble. I felt shaky. I was dizzy and nauseous. I ran to the first bathroom where I remained for 15 minutes. I started shaking. It was awful! I think I had some sort of weird reaction to all the vitamins. The strangest and most frustrating part was that at no time did I feel like I was exerting much effort. My breathing was not laboured at all but I was sweating so profusely and had such abdominal discomfort I thought I was going to pass out.

It was my slowest half marathon time ever and probably always will be. However, until the 9 mile point I really was enjoying myself. I didn't care if my time was slow or not. I had a wonderful view of the Pacific Bay. The weather was cool and comfortable. The crowd was pleasant as well and it was fun running with my sister.

I shook it off after having some water and fruit. Back at the hotel I took a long hot shower and donned my race shirt. I did my best. I am going to do the

Run Like Hell half marathon in another week and a half. I suspect it will go much better.

The good news is the rest of the Victoria trip was a smashing success. It was relaxing and I can't wait to do it again next year.