Sad End to 2011

Part 3 in my 2011 trial, tribulations, and trail running series.

The first weekend in November always welcomes the annual Beer and Bagel trail race. I attended my first Beer and Bagel in 2010 and had more fun that should be allowed.  Not too often you can get in a nice 4 mile run and drink beer with old and new friends, all before 10 AM.  Well, at least without having folks talk about you. 

I was really looking forward to the 2011 edition. The training cycle had been strong with lots of miles.  The week prior to race week I covered the most mileage in a single week (40+) than I had in a very long time, if ever, and felt great. I took it easy race week and my legs responded nicely.  I was sure the race was going to be great with intentions to ramp up training again the week following the run.

The race morning was cool and cloudy, but nice for early November in the upper Midwest.  Perfect weather for a PR, I thought. I met up with friends and we made it to the race course in plenty of time. The race started and I ran a pleasant first mile chatting with a new friend at a comfortable pace when IT happened. Going uphill, of all places. How could IT happen going uphill? 

My foot hit a branch and twisted underneath itself.  I heard a sharp POP and felt shooting pain run up my leg. I hobbled to a slow walk and encouraged my friend to go on and that I would catch up. I thought positive thoughts and tried to walk off the pain. As I walked and my pain did no subside, my disappointment and anger grew. This felt like being sick on your birthday. Slowly I realized that the pain was not going to away, that IT was a sprained ankle, and that I was only half way to the finish on a loop course. If I was going to make it to the finish I needed to do so under my own power. And before my ankle seized up or gave out completely. So I did the only thing I could, I resumed running.

I finished in a respectable time (amazingly, I was faster than the year before, even with the bum ankle and walk break). I did partake in the finish line beer and revelry, after all I earned and thought the beer might dull the pain.   But, all the while I felt subdued since I knew my ankle was not right and the injury was bound to cause me to missing running. If I only knew.

In the upcoming final episode of this series I recover, begin running again, and ponder my trail running career.