The problem with running races is that between the time you register for the race, pay your fee, and complete 90% of your training you’re never guaranteed that you won’t get sick for the three weeks leading up to it. This is exactly what happened.
If you’ve been following our recent posts you know that Kerry got sick while we were in Alaska, I got sick shortly thereafter and up until a few days before the race we were both hitting the Sudafed pretty hard. It wasn’t so much the getting sick that caused the problems it was the lack of training before a very hilly race. Hip problems, knee problems, atrophied muscles, and no sleep made the course all the more challenging. But it wasn’t all dismal.
Kerry’s mom came along for the overnight trip to Hood River, Oregon. She is a great support person to have along on a race. We were able to throw our thoroughly sopping sweatshirts at her at the turnaround point, she cheered, took pictures and even sprang for a room at the old Hood River Hotel. Thanks Kris!
The course follows the Old Columbia Gorge Highway and for the most part is closed to traffic. The first half is entirely uphill and since it is an out-and-back-course the second half is entirely downhill. After the initial hail storm that saw us out of the starting gate we were actually feeling pretty good. Once we hit about mile 7 though, mile 7 hit us. My knee and Kerry’s hip having essentially not exercised for the three weeks leading up to the race decided (without our consent) that they had had enough. In the end we ran the second half (downhill) slower than the first and our total time was about 15 minutes behind our first half-marathon in June. We’re still recovering… What couldn't be beat at this race was 1) the view and 2) the food at the finish. The view of the gorge as we were running was absolutely stunning and not something that you can see by car. The food at the end was also impeccable: Taco Del Mar, locally made soup, hot chocolate, gobs of bagels, and the ever sinful yet salvation laden Pop Tart!
I would argue that had this been our first race, we might be looking at taking up competitive croquet and leaving our exercise for leisurely runs. One of the things that I think we’ve both learned is that running has become a part of who we are—and who we are together. This, combined with a good first race experience means that we’re going to keep racing. While we were recuperating we found ourselves going stir-crazy, not fitting into our bodies just right, and coming home with dining sets (though definitely a good find). We’re already considering potential candidates for the next race.
We’ll definitely have some of the photos up soon, so check back!
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