Comments on: Have a seat, stay awhile…

By: Dawn (aka Pink Lady)

Dawn (aka Pink Lady) — Sat, 11 Jun 2005 15:23:24 +0000

I’m a little late getting here so all the good stuff has been said. Lara, you finished and sometimes that’s all that counts. Our RBFer, Karen wrote an excellent post on being Last (which you weren’t). *hugs* Using what you learned from this race will make Boilermaker a better race.

By: vj

vj — Tue, 07 Jun 2005 18:15:06 +0000

Who had the bright idea of scheduling a race in the middle of the afternoon? That’s nuts! Lara, we all have difficult races, but the end result is that you finished and you have probably learned much more powerful lessons that if you had sailed through this easily. Not that we all don’t want to sail through it easily, but we all have these sort of races. And having them helps you ensure that you’re less likely to have them in the future.

It does sound like you overheated, had a touch of sunstroke, were dehydrated — these things don’t sound like a big deal until they happen to you in a race and suddenly, they bring everything to what seems like a screeching halt. But. You were miserable, but you still finished. You showed real grit.

The Boilermaker is a ways away. You have more training time, time to acclimate to the weather, it’s all going to come out in the wash. And you’ll probably do better in the Boilermaker for having this rotten experience. Honest.

Now. Are you seeing anyone about the shin? {{{{Lara}}}}

By: David

David — Tue, 07 Jun 2005 01:36:49 +0000

You ran against an expectation for yourself that didn’t have to curtail training; that didn’t realize it would be so stinkin’ hot. Expectation won the day but you learned a lot about yourself and how to run smart and how to reset those expectations for next time. Keep on keepin’ on. You’re doing great.

By: Megan

Megan — Mon, 06 Jun 2005 14:11:14 +0000

How awesome that you pushed through and found a way to finish! In my experience — because multiple times I’ve felt the non-existent energy and chills you described — those physical symptoms have to do with overheating and/or dehydration. How weird to have a 10K in the middle of the afternoon.

I love the analysis you’ve made of the race, and your honesty about your emotions. It is true that it’s easy to give supportive advice to others, but difficult to be supportive of oneself. Regardless, we all support you!

By: Ed

Ed — Mon, 06 Jun 2005 06:50:55 +0000

You know Lara, it’s funny how those little sayings, like the one you pointed out at the end of a previous post, seem a bit trite…….unless you ACTUALLY APPLY THEM - the way you DID and sound like are continuing to do so. Kick ass girl! You just pay attention, learn, and plow forward! Thanks for the inspiration.

By: Annalisa

Annalisa — Mon, 06 Jun 2005 02:08:33 +0000

Lara, you did a fantastic job. Don’t let your brain tell you otherwise. FWIW, my first 10K was terrible. Fun, but my time was terrible, to be exact. I’m proud of you. Look at all you’ve accomplished this year!

By: brent

brent — Sun, 05 Jun 2005 23:14:54 +0000

you showed a very strong, determined character out there and you did it! do you know how many people can finish runs like this? how many people even sign up? not many people at all, you really are a part of a select group. i like your attitude too! and also, what is with our bum shins? i say we go trade them with some people that have strong shins who don’t even run. we could sure make good use out of them!

By: Karen in Calgary

Karen in Calgary — Sun, 05 Jun 2005 18:11:07 +0000

This is the stuff strong character is made of! You struggle mightily, acknowlege your feelings, hopes and disappointment with honesty. You are learning and growing, laying the foundation of a strong, determined runner. Later on you will look back on this and marvel at how far you’ve come. Go Lara, Go!

By: Molly

Molly — Sun, 05 Jun 2005 16:45:34 +0000

Lara, Good for you for toughing it out in these conditions! It’s been a super hot and humid weekend around here, and it’s really about the first one we’ve had, so our bodies have NOT had a chance to acclimate to it yet. Not to mention you were probably running at about the hottest point in the day. I think it’s great that you’re chalking it up as a learning experience that will help you prepare for the Boilermaker. And now you’ve got more than a month to run in the hotter weather and let your body adapt. Go you!

By: Jack

Jack — Sun, 05 Jun 2005 16:33:56 +0000

You can be proud of yourself for finishing, for hanging in there when many would quit. You clearly showed courage and persistence that can only be respected and admired. I think you have identified the problems you had pretty well and can apply them as lessons for the Boilermaker. Keep you chin up, keep your head screwed on right, and use the determination you’ve shown us to beat the Boilermaker!