Let’s dig into some race recaps and what is to come.
Froggy Hollow 5 & 9
I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race. I ran my own race.
Ok enough of Stephen King or Lorrie Moore (pick your favorite) mimicry! I had a stellar race – kept a steady pace over the 5 hours, never really experienced a low. The key: my thoughts were mostly turned off. I focused on getting through the aid station loop in under a minute.
I was not well in the lead-up to the race. Hi, sinus troubles. Before starting, I knew I’d probably DNF. I talked with my partner about it making sense to even start. The outcome still stung. Dropping out brought up feelings for me about not wanting to be weak. I could endure years of endometriosis pain, I couldn’t stay on the trail a little longer? I moped for about 24 hours, then moved on with my life.
However! The race course was gorgeous farmland and tucked away woods off 97. I’m excited for a chance to try it again in the future, during a race, or for a random run.
What’s Next?
I am running a Backyard?! Of course I’ve felt a rollercoaster of emotions going into my first. How do you even feel like you’ve prepared? What mileage even makes sense? Am I strong / stupid enough? We’re all going into the unknown – so is anyone really prepared? No. It’s organized chaos, and in my positive moments, I lean into the curiosity. Running friends and strangers on the internet have all been generous in giving advice.
My goals are to focus on my own race & pace while enjoying the camaraderie of running with the same group on the hour, every hour. Plus, we run through TANK ALLEY. Should I be Tank Girl? Furiosa?
I am Furiosa. Which is appropriate, because the race is fundraising for Girls on the Run. If you’re inclined, please donate here. Safety for women & girls of all identities continues to hold them back from running, movement.
Speaking of rage – it is endometriosis awareness month. I have been symptom free since my hysterectomy / oophorectomy / excision almost four years ago, but I will continue to scream this important information that I am quoting from the experts at Indigo Physiotherapy: “Today, excision surgery of the endometrial tissue is considered the gold standard for treatment. In addition to excision surgery, there are a variety of treatment options that you can explore that range from hormonal treatment to pelvic floor therapy.”
There is no definitive cure for endometriosis. The lesions often exist outside the uterus (mine did!), so a hysterectomy is not a cure. I chose to have mine removed because of the monthly blood loss, chronic back pain, disinterest (perhaps hostility even?) towards a pregnancy of my own. I live in a liminal space of “not cured”, but symptom free.
I’m thinking about all of this now, because while racing an ultra, I am a “no brains, just vibes” gal. Not quite meditation, I protect my energy. Nothing will stop a run like hyperventilating due to emotions. I’m so grateful I can continue to FAFO in athletics, & afraid of losing the ability again.
Books I’m thinking about / recently read:
· Behind You Is the Sea by Susan Muaddi Darraj
· The Quarry by Joellen Carter
Stay sweaty and glittery. Black Lives Matter.
#poetsthatsweat 