Massage tent over there ->

Jogging through the transition area past the first water station my left hamstring started to tighten up. I thought I could run it off but it only grew tighter. So, I had to turn around very slowly clutching my hammy and reaching for a cup of water. I knew I should have drunk more water on the bike. You don't know how dehydrated you can get when your hot and physical exertion is at its peak for more over an hour.

As I gulp down the water and make my way slowly out onto the run course I'm able to get my legs moving. Knowing that the next water station is about a mile and a half away I pick up the pace. The first part of the course your going through dirt and around tractors and then onto the street. I focus on the person ahead and try to catch them as I go over the overpass and make a right onto a fire trail along the levy. I feel around my left ankle my time chip which is secured by a plastic band. Its starting to rub against the back of my leg and I could tell I strapped it on to tight because it was starting to hurt.

As I make the turn around the 3 mile mark a women passes me and I think to myself whats going on. She's about my age, but doesn't look as in shape as someone who could pass me. She pulls away slowly as I try to keep up. I'm struggling, but not slowing down and I keep her in my sights. Actually, I think I was running faster on the way back then the first three miles. She was running a little over 7 min./mile and I never catch her. On the way back I encourage those on the home stretch about a mile away from the finish line telling them "Good Job, your almost there". At this point I put on my afterburners and push myself to the finish line. I'm greeted w/ cheers the last 100 yards its always a great feeling to see Julia, Jon, and Serene there w/ smiles : )

As soon as I cross the finish line and slow down my left hammy cramps. Attendants stoop down to cut my time chip off only to discover that its missing. It must have fallen off on the way back and it will cost me $35 to replace it : ( They handed me a bottle of water and its kind of annoying to hold your hamstring and try to open a bottle of water w/ one hand as your trying to get out of the way of the other finishers. Someone shouts "There's a racers massage tent over there" and she points to a tent about 50 yards way. I think to myself thank you sooo much, that would be awesome, That's if I can even make it over there.

Run time: 49 min. (7: 56 min/mile)

Overall time: 2 hrs. 33 min.

Thanks again for your support,

~Next Race May 12th Race for the cure (5k)
~Next Triathlon June 9th Tri for Fun (Sprint)