The agony of de'feet. My run turned into a 13.1 mile Sunday morning stroll then into a limp. I started off good...doing intervals of 3 minutes running and 1 minute walking. By the time I was heading toward the 2 mile mark, the bottom of my left foot was numb. I spent some time adjusting the tension on the laces on my shoe until I could feel my foot again. Not sure why they picked today to do this...same shoes and socks I've trained with and had no problems. Continued on...walking more than running, and by mile 6 I had a blister on the bottom of my left foot. No running for me after this point. I guess compensating for the blister on the left foot caused me to rub one on the right foot. By the time I hit the 8-mile mark, I was in agony. However, at this point the course is coming down the Rudee Inlet bridge and heading up Atlantic. I couldn't quit now. Sheer subborn will got me to the finish line. Limped over the finish line and got my medal! YEA!

Running...lots of running...and maybe soaking my feet in a vat of Body Glide on race morning.

Limped down the finish area where by this time everyone was looking bored and ready to go. Picked up a cold bottle of water and a cold Amino Vital. Had my chip removed. Limped down to the refreshment tent where all they had left was water...no food what-so-ever. Limped over to the trailer and got my free sandals. Limped over to the medical tent and asked if they had any love for blistered feet. They said no that unless I was critical, they were closing. Hungry, sore, and disgusted, I headed for the shuttles and back to my van. I knew there was a bagel and a Powerbar there. I should have stretched...thanks to trying not to walk on certain parts of my feet for 6+ miles, other parts of my legs are feeling it.


De..feet.


The start seemed to go off without too much trouble. The bands along the course were great and the cheer squads were energetic and fun. I was disappointed in the lack of love for the WAY BOPers that I was among. No refreshments at the finish and no medical aid unless you were dying. There also seemed to be fewer water stations on the last half than I was expecting. Especially considering this part of the race is in full sun on the roads and sidewalks in town. I also think they've given out gels toward the end of the course in the past and that didn't happen this year. There was a concert that evening, but I didn't feel like going, I bet it was fun.