My plantar symptom started in October 2018. I treated it the same way as 2011: reduce running volume; it’d go away in 6 months. The symptom intensified after each hard effort. I limped after February Cowtown 50k. I raced almost every weekend after that—most were shorter than marathon. Tired of weekly limp, I skipped paid-for races to rest plantar fascia. I focused on wheel sports after Hachie 50 on 5/4.
After mostly 10~20-mile weeks, I drove toward The Colony’s start line not because I was ready but because the race was paid for.
_plan
Run by feel: low to mid 8 minute-mile pace. Try to hold sub-8 for final 8k. SAG if foot becomes an issue. The goal was to stay healthy: no crash, no catching cold. I was to play APA single’s qualifier at 1pm.
_equipment issue
I found a good parking spot 50 minutes before the race and discovered I failed to pack planned racing shoes. I also mistakenly took backup shoes out of car. I freaked out. My parking neighbor Justin lent me his spare Brooks. I was elated. He said it’d take him 2 hours to finish. I could leave shoes at his car.
I stopped by On booth. The rep helpfully offered demo shoes of correct sizes. I encountered helpful people everywhere.
I walked out of porta potty at 8am. The race started just as I reached timing strip.
_pacer
I decided to follow the 1:45:00 pace group. The 2 pacers were triathletes carried the group meandering through 4 miles of residential streets. I felt they climbed too hard. I got dropped at every climb. A few in group struggled with wattage required to stay close. It was tempting to offer advice but didn’t want to rock the boat.
The website stated:
"Over 50% of this 13.1 mile course runs along The Colony's shoreline trail on beautiful Lake Lewisville. Participants will enjoy a gently undulating, crushed granite trail in a picturesque & natural setting" I didn’t fully agree with “picturesque,” but a few lake views were pretty.
I was too arrogant/lazy to read course description and was surprised by gravel and mud. I was very happy not running barefoot or with Crocs. On’s sole design carried extra mud compare to conventional soles. Never thought I’d work this hard at 8:00 pace.
By mile 10, I was the only one remained from the original group. I didn’t want to disappoint the pacers, I started to dig.
Justin caught up from behind, not noticing I wasn’t wearing his shoes. He had a good day and went faster than planned. I focus on my running. I was depressed by my fitness.
Mile 12 and 13 markers showed up late. The pacers admitted defeat and informed us of the lateness. Justin took off. I wasn’t in a hurry and sped up by feel, finished 12 seconds behind Justin. I missed out on age group podium by < 10 second.
_#’s
Time: 1:45:17
Pace: 8:02
_slow recovery
The body didn’t feel right for remaining of the day. I struggled with my 8-ball shots. I lost the final match to an inferior player.
_next day
My legs were stiff.
Pool game recovered more.
Mark ran 8:22 pace off the bike at Waco 70.3. I was happy for him.
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