Clueless...

In 2007, I knew exactly where I had gone wrong and right when I quit at 77 miles. I knew what needed correction and worked hard on those issues. However, although I trained more and my times were a little faster, I was not confident in my 2008 preparation. I had no clue it would result from packing it in at 24 miles.

The whole week prior was issue after issue. I had back spasms, a tight hip, and other pain I tried to work through. These are not excuses; I thought I was tough enough to work through them, but I was wrong. From the start of the day, I was not doing well. I woke through the night with diarrhea. (Sorry for that detail) I was worried, as I did not know why. I was really congested in the chest. Even though I had plenty of support from fellow runners and crew, I left the motel later than I should have. Felt I rushed through preparation once at Gooseberry. The race start was hard. I was ready to stop but was sore and fatigued as I crossed the start line.

I trogged along (A Phillip term) through the first aid station in about 2 hours and 30 minutes. My back was tight, and I had a few spasms. I continued but slowed to Beaver Bay, still making my planned time. My breathing was tight, and I did my best to comfort my back. I was ready to quit, but my crew and the great station workers convinced me to continue.

By the time I got to Silver Bay, I could no longer climb a hill using my right leg without pain in the back, which can only be described as a knife stab and twisting motion. Now I have never been stabbed so it may not be that bad, or could be worse. I saw Molly Cochran at Silver Bay, and she had just returned from the Hospital from a bee sting. I was almost going to continue with Molly, but I did a test push with my leg, and the back was painful. I knew the right decision was before me.

This is not a spine pain but the lower right. It's like a Sciatic Nerve but lower toward the hip. Is this not all tied to the knee issue? The entire right leg is going bad. The knee, hip, and lower back are sore. It may not look like a few weeks of focus on starching and balanced weight lifting. Does anyone out there have a routine they like for balanced weight lifting for the lower body? But then the upper body also needs it.

I did stop by later aid stations during the race. It was great to see Chris at the 50-mile point. It was about 9 hours, and he looked like he had not been running. At 6-9 AM at Sugarloaf, I saw Julie Berg just after sun-up; she looked solid. Christian came into that station ready to quit. I watched that aid station crew work the magic earlier and revive the runner, and they continued. Christian was sure he wanted to quit. But after about 30 minutes, they had him up and going! I went to Cramer Road and saw Carl. He looked like I did last year. I told him I regretted the past 364 days my decision not to go on, and he had more time than I did and the best crew in the world. I was happy he continued. Many others went through and were so strong. I am anxious to read many posts as this year had some pretty interesting challenges.

Rambling aside, this was a hard race for many this year. Could it be the air? It could be many things, but one final thought, I am wondering if I will try again. I say that with sad thoughts as I want to achieve this once. The next attempt would be a third, and I view my third attempt as my last chance. A personal thing. So, next year, I am committed to one thing concerning Superior. I will work at a station or have lost at least 40 pounds, which I carried this year, and enter. That is the only option.

I feel bad for others in the same position as me. Call it a day, or continue. Phil worked so hard and was going strong when I was with him. Heard Adam had a significant injury. Les and I started with an I will not stop attitude, but something swallowed us both. Molly and the bee attack, ouch.

But life goes on…

Carry on, my friends.