Race #3 for the season was the Fifth Third Bank Riverbank Run (25k). I had big goals of re-qualifying for the two-hour club, the "gold standard" for the race. I had done so a couple years ago, and felt that given my training and how much better of an athlete I am now from 2 years ago that this would be relatively easy. But, it seems as though my recent trail running race and quad strain issue may derail that goal. I was hopeful, but also realistic and very cautious about running this distance.
Backup to a week pre-race, I found that I would be working in the Boston area all week getting home less than 12 hours before the race. Less than ideal. There's something about being out of town, out of cadence and routine, not eating as well as one should. I was mentally off before I even got home, expecting the recurring cramping/strain to come back in the race. It made the entire week feel miserable and looking back, I was not at all prepared to run the entire race.
On race morning, I had to opportunity to hand out gels for PowerBar for a couple hours before the race. probably not the best that I was on my feet in the cold for that long, but it perhaps only accelerated what was to come. It was fun to meet some of the PB marketing crew and talk to other racers about nutrition strategies and encourage them to include PB in their plans.
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Once the racers started lining up for the 25k, I bid adieu to the PB group and headed out to race. I could already feel that my legs were tight and not ready, but a little jogging in place seemed to temporarily help. The race quickly started and we were on our way. I comfortably ran the first mile, letting the hoards of people lined up behind me fly by. Anything around 7:50 for the first mile was right on pace, and I nailed it. I wanted to progress over the 15.5 miles, and did so. The second mile was right around 7:45 pace. Then the third around 7:45. At this point, the course has made its way onto Indian Mounds, which has a very noticeable crown on both sides. I tried to stay right in the middle to avoid lopsided running but that is almost inevitable. Soon, my left IT band started to become very tense. It wasn't unbearable, I figured I could make it to the next aid station, stretch quickly, and keep running. Then, the tense/tightness started to migrate across my left quad, pinpointing to the exact area of my prior injury/issue. It wasn't unbearable, but since I was already mentally expecting this, I didn't want to do any severe damage by continuing to run. After stepping aside and stretching several times, jogging for a few hundred yards, walking, stretching, etc., it was clear I was done. I limped to the next aid station and hopped a ride on the SAG vehicle back to the start.
Not the day I was hoping for, but after rationalizing it with friends and family, it may have been best. I'm thankful for all of the support, for the volunteers, race coordination and security. This is such a great race and I can't wait to return next year!
As a side note, if you see Kristin, tell her congrats on her huge PR! She must have a good coach....hahaha
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