This past weekend was a humbling experience. I was running through a beautiful course along cliffs, through trees and smaller mountains, and with some amazing ultrarunners. Along the way I was on pace to set a personal record (PR) in the 50k when I took yet another wrong step with my right foot. This time instead of finding a cactus it rolled off of a rock causing my right ankle and knee to buckle in the wrong direction. This would not have been too big of a concern, but with my prior knee surgeries the searing pain that shot down my leg from my knee to my ankle scared the hell out of me. This all occurred around the 23rd mile mark. I managed to hobble/walk/run to the next aide station where I was better able to assess the damage. When walking was getting too tough, I had to make the toughest decision I have ever made in a race so far and that was to drop out and accept my first true DNF. I would have pushed on and completed the race if it was the one I was training for, but it is not. I want and will complete my 1st 100mile race in two months, better yet my 200 miler in 5 months, and I really didn’t want to further jeopardize those opportunities. I am sorry for not only disappointing myself, but also those who support me along this crazy adventure I call life. I have visited with my physical therapist and she did give me good news that nothing serious should be torn/damaged. I will do some rest and rehab throughout the remainder of this week and then get back on the training routine that will take me on that journey to 200 miles!
"What distinguishes those of us at the starting line from those of us on the couch is that we learn through running to take what the days gives us, what our body will allow us, and what our will can tolerate."
