Remembering How Get Comfortable With the Uncomfortable

Remembering How Get Comfortable With the Uncomfortable

19.30 miles—3:39:32—11:23—1972 feet—163 bpm

11:23, 11:44, 10:56, 11:44, 10:44, 9:56, 10:26, 13:24, 10:44, 13:36, 13:22, 10:36, 10:15, 12:34, 11:54, 9:09, 11:55, 11:36, 10:52, 2:31

Kelli S. invited me to join her in St George for the Red Mountain 30k.  This was a trail training run for Kelli and a base test to see where I was fitness wise.  It has been since October since I have run trails.  So my main goal was to do my best and be happy with the results.

Usually when Kelli and I run trails, I run in front and set the pace.  When the race started, she happened to get in front of me in the congo line.  She set the pace slightly faster than I would have run, but I’m so glad she did.  She ran more of the hills than I would have run if I was in front.  I definitely raced this more because she ran in front!  She’s a smart runner!

We hit the first aid station at 7.7 miles.  I made a quick potty stop, drank some Coke, and carried a banana out of the station.  The next 5 mile loop was absolutely gorgeous.  We even stopped to take a few pictures.  Kelli ran ahead so she could take off her tights at the upcoming aid station.  I followed green shirt guy and he set a perfect pace.  The clouds started to burn off and it got super hot!  I took off my jacket and arm sleeves at the aid station. 

We started on the last 5 mile loop.  There were some steepish downhill sections and my IT Band started to flare up.  We got to the road section of the race and thought we were almost to the finish line.  But another racer yelled at us to make a turn and started on a trail to a large gully.  I was starting to get into the dark hole.  My body was beyond tired.  My IT band would throw in stabs of pain.  The sun was beating down on us.  And I was mad it was taking forever.

There was no finish line in sight.  In fact, the course was 1.5 miles long.  Finally, we saw the finish arch.  With 100 yards to go, we made a final push to pass two lady runners.  Those last three miles were definitely UNCOMFORTABLE!

But I did it.  I finished.  Kelli pushed me and I am so grateful for her encouragement.  This was a great fitness benchmark.  Time to recover and get ready for Ogden.