« Quick Update Before I Leave for ME | Main | Cross Training! »
November 13, 2004
Pre Race Preview in Cumberland ME and Early Morning Sat. Run
The team arrived on the racecourse site in Cumberland, ME around 2:30-3:00. We had plenty of day light time left to preview the course and discuss strategy. Many teams were already there previewing the NE Regional Course. It was not snowing in ME but it was pretty cold. I wore a hat and gloves, tights, a long sleeve shirt, and a vest. The course was really awesome. I was wishing I had the chance to race it the next day. The course follows along an open field for the first half mile and then shoots into three wooded areas, loops B, A, C for some fun rolling hills that are on dirt and woodchips. The final 1400 meters or so is back on the fields, a little roller coaster section of two rolling hills, around the soccer field, and then a 500 meter climb up a grass hill followed by a turn and a 500 meter downhill to the finish. The women really liked it. It was the first time all year I have told them to slow down on a run.
After the run we went to our hotel, showered, and got ready for Freeport shopping and dinner. We had a team meeting before we left and then had about 50 minutes to shop in at the outlets before dinner. I was able to get some nice warm mittens from L.L.Bean, a new water bottle, and presents for my two nephews who have birthdays coming up right around the corner. We went to an Italian restaurant for dinner and I had a delicious mini Greek pizza. The head coach and I had to go to a team meeting afterwards where we spent most of the time listening to other coaches complain about the chosen timing method. The athletes had to wear two chips around each ankle attached by a velcro wrap. The ruling about which body part counts as first when crossing the finish line was also heavily debated. Since timing chips are used it would seem that the foot should be counted. Traditionally however, the chest or whichever body part crosses the line first is counted. The finish area would have the mats and the camera to record both. After much discussion it looked like the chips would be counted and if it was close the first body part would be counted. Apparently next year at all national races the foot with the chip will be counted even in photos. This discussion took much too long. When we arrived at our hotel we passed out the numbers and chips and hit the sack.
I woke up early to get a run in before the race. I wanted to run about 9-10 miles. I ran out along Rt. 1 towards Brunswick. It was not the most scenic run but I just wanted to run easy and have the opportunity to turn around whenever I wanted. I felt good the first half of the run but about 5 minutes into my return trip my lower calf started acted up again. It became really painful. I had to stop and walk it off. I started running again but each time my pace increased it hurt. I decided to jog in to the hotel, which was ok. However, as soon as I increased my stride to push off with my calf it got really sore. While I was at the cross-country meet I could feel it if I took off fast to run after the pack of runners. I am really concerned about it. I plan to take at least three days off from running to give it a break. The calf muscle is really tight from the marathon so I imagine it needs a break. I hope 3-5 days off will loosen it up. I am going to cross my fingers because I really want to be out there training. The pool should be a good break.
The team did pretty well. Our top finisher was 25th overall and missed qualifying for nationals by 4 individual places. The team finished 17th which was an improvement from last year (20th place). We also had to run without our second place runner. She has had very bad stomach pain all season now, which has escalated as the season has continued. My sister's alma mater had a fabulous day, the Colby Mules, took 3rd place overall to qualify for Nationals. The coach and team were just ecstatic. I was very happy for them. I saw my sister's biology professor at the meet that asked me to remind Liz that he was still the spitting champion. Apparently in college Liz gave this professor the Spitting Award for runners. Her professor was a runner and an avid follower of the Colby Cross Country team. All in all it was a good day. Although, I'd be lying if I did not admit that I am really sad and worried about my calf. However, it is just one day and maybe each day it will improve. I plan to rest tomorrow and hit the pool in the evening. Now I am off to CT to meet my very good college friend to reminisce about the old times and celebrate the new times.
Posted by mary at November 13, 2004 7:28 PM
Comments
I'm so sorry to hear about your calf - it sounds like you're making a smart decision by taking a few days off, though. If good judgement counts for anything, you should be fine. Hopefully it'll turn out to be nothing serious, but I know it's never fun to have this type of scare. Let me know if you need company in the pool next week!
I hope you enjoy the rest of your weekend!
Posted by: Alison at November 13, 2004 10:39 PM
Mary, I hope that the rest helps out your calf some. Is it possible for you to get a massage to work out some of the tightness/soreness?
Blondie
Posted by: Blondie at November 14, 2004 6:29 PM
I hope your calf is feeling better soon! Rest is a good thing if you need.want it, I'm considering some of it myself for my ankle... Good luck, Meghan
Posted by: Meghan at November 14, 2004 11:58 PM
Hi Blondie..This Sunday I am going to have someone look at my calf and make some suggestions for it.. in the meantime I am massaging it myself and icing and stretching a lot. Thanks for your support!
Posted by: Mary at November 16, 2004 10:43 AM
Hi Meghan, Sorry to hear about your ankle... how is it doing?
Posted by: Mary at November 16, 2004 10:44 AM