We just got back from our bike and run weekend. Some of the girls rode the MS 150 (150 mile bike ride over two days) to raise money for Multiple Sclerosis. Way to go Cindy, Lily and Team MCM!
The rest of us volunteered Saturday as our "rest" before the Skagit Flats 1/2 and Full Marathon today. The wonderful thing about this small, local race is that they allow you to do a non-standard distance. So, instead of just sticking to either 1/2 or full marathon distances (13.1 or 26.2 miles), we did 13, 15, 18 and 20 mile distances as we prepped for our upcoming Chicago & NY Marathon races. Skagit Flats is an extremely well supported race for it's size. The proceeds help the local cross country teams and many of the water stops are staffed with the local runners. I wouldn't recommend this for your first marathon unless you're very comfortable running alone. The runners spread apart, so I was running alone for 14 miles, with an occasional racer passing me by every 1/2 mile or so. This is perfect if you want to be introspective and meditate during the peaceful run. However, almost everyone (fast & slower) would give an encouraging phrase to each runner they encountered on the course. The amount of positive energy is still making me smile. Plus, it was fun when the MS 150 bike course crossed the Skagit Marathon course. I don't know how many times the phrases, "Way to go runners!" and "Way to go bikers!" were exchanged.
The weather was a little hot for a long race and some of us got chills, which is a sign of dehydration. A key to staying away from the ambulance was carrying a water bottle and properly wrapping my feet to keep the blisters away. One of our teammates learned a good lesson, which I need to share with you. I know you've seen the tempting massage tables at the end of races. You're sore and they look so inviting, but make sure you're properly cooled down and hydrated before you attempt it. Our friend had a quick 15 minute massage a few minutes after she finished her 18 mile training run. When she got up, she passed out and had to be helped by Search & Rescue. We also learned that you're not supposed to jump in the shower immediately after such a long run either...the change in body temperature can make you pass out, too!
So the moral after a long, hard run is:
1) Have a proper cool down and WALK even though it's really the last thing you want to do after running hard.
2) Hydrate and get some carbs in your system quickly. Light protein is great too, if you can stomach. One of the easy, affordable ways to get the ideal 4:1 (Carb:Protein) ratio is chocolate milk, believe it or not!
3) Don't go to these events or do long runs alone. At the very least have an emergency contact somewhere on your body and your blood type is helpful, too. You can do this with Road ID or write the info on the back of your racing bib.
Random thought: In every long race, there is one song that sticks with me and keeps my feet going. The one this race was "Some Fantastic" by Barenaked Ladies.
