Sweat, Swat ‘n Swear Recap Part 2- The Aftermath
First things first- thank you SO MUCH for all the kind comments yesterday! I thought about my blogging friends often during the race- I don’t think it would have been nearly as enjoyable if I couldn’t share it. So thanks for reading!!! When I left off yesterday, I had just crossed the finish line. I chatted a little with the woman in the yellow hat (who ran ahead of me for the latter part of the race) and we took pictures of each other. And then we both started to wonder how Mark was doing, or, as she said, “Where’s that guy with the bottle of Dr. Pepper?” I was feeling a little bad about the way our “relationship” had ended. Yes, he made some weird comments, but he also ran with me through a part of the race that can be mentally tough- miles 10-18, where you might be starting to get tired but the end is nowhere in sight. I was hoping to see him at the finish. I hung around for a little, but then reluctantly went to my car for fresh clothes. I needed to get changed and cleaned up… because I had to drive the four hours home. WHY. Why did I do that to myself? Ultimately, I was glad once I got home and could sleep in my own bed. But at that moment, the drive felt daunting. I had been up since 4 am and just ran a 50K. What I really wanted was a nap, but instead I washed off my feet, wiped down the rest of my body, changed, and got in the car. SIGH. Before I got on the highway, I stopped at a Publix and got a Vegan Turkey Club! A footlong sub with vegan cold cuts, vegan cheese, vegan ranch, and all the vegetables. I don’t usually eat this, so it was a real treat. Here’s my car feast: The Pub sub, Fritos, and- the best part- a large Coke Zero. YUM. The car ride wasn’t as bad as I had anticipated- I was on the Florida Turnpike, which is a pleasant road. I did have to stop for the bathroom several times, and this was a bit of a problem, because my sore calf, which had thankfully made it through the entire race, decided it was done for the day. Every time I got out of the car I had to kind of shuffle that leg along- I can only imagine what I looked like. At one point I texted my husband “Just leaving the Port St. Lucie aid station!” ER- service plaza. Not aid station. My mind was still back on the race. I finally got home, showered and WENT TO BED. Luckily I slept well… because Monday I had to work. YUCK! I didn’t request the day off because we’re always super busy on Memorial Day, so I just decided to suck it up. It probably wasn’t such a bad thing- it was good to be active. My calf is still sore, and I have various other aches and pains, which is to be expected. But the weirdest problem is a… rash? on my legs. It’s in little patches all over, but I’m going to show you the worst part, and I’m giving a warning, in case anyone is reading this while innocently eating breakfast. I don’t want you to scream, or choke and spew coffee all over the place. I KNOW. WHAT IS THAT. An allergic reaction to one of the plants on the trail? But it’s not itchy. It’s not bumpy or irritated. I wouldn’t even know it was there if it didn’t look so… disgusting. The worst part is, I really wanted to get a massage this week and now I can’t. I don’t THINK this is contagious, but since I don’t know what it is, I can’t ask anyone else to touch it. BUMMER. Sooooo…. what’s next? First the calf has to heal up. I’m not worried about it- I’ve been going for walks and it’s slowly getting better. Soon I’ll be lurking on Ultrasignup, looking for another race. Possibly a 50K in the fall? And… the 50 mile distance and I have some unfinished business. One final note- Mark finished the race about an hour after me. I’m very glad he finished, sorry that I didn’t see him, and ultimately glad that I started my drive when I did. But I’m hoping to see him again at a future race. Anyone a skin expert with an opinion on my leg “rash?” What’s your favorite treat meal?