30K

I wrapped up the Winter Racing Circuit today by running the final race up in Huntsville and Eden. 18.64 miles (30K) along country roads and around Pineview Reservoir. This race was my most difficult yet, but in so many ways the most fulfilling. I'm grateful to have been able just to show up and trying it out. I woke up the day prior with my left ankle swollen and a minimal range of comfortable movement. I couldn't explain why my ankle would have overnight just swollen up like that, but it certainly made me think I'd be unable to race the next day. I decided to once again start taking some anti-inflammatory medicine, and I iced my ankle throughout the work day as I sat at my desk. Becky helped out later on and gave my swollen ankle a nice massage. At that point I was still a game time decision. I was still experiencing some soreness and limited movement, but I could finally get around comfortably. So I woke up today just deciding to give it a shot. I'm so glad that I did. I took some extra precaution and wrapped my ankle, and to my joy and surprise didn't notice any discomfort after mile 2 of the race. The weather was perfect, the views were stunning. My most favorite part of the run today and since I started running for that matter was to run past the farms with horses. The groups of horses would often run along side us. For me, this was sort of a majestic site; one where you definitely let yourself get caught up in the moment. Finishing this race was the goal. I wasn't to concerned about my time. So even though I was passed by many a runner, seeing 3:33:03 as I crossed the finish line seemed like a gift to me. I've never run this far until now, I feel like I almost didn't have the opportunity to do so, and I feel as though I was able to enjoy each and every step.