Sunday, July 18, 2010

Rock the Crossroads 5K


Last night's 5K taught me a few scientific lessons. By running in the most excruciating heat (according to the weather, it was 95 degrees, with a heat index of 105), I can now say that I know what the inner core of the earth feels like. I have a better understanding of what it would feel like to be inside of an erupting volcano. I would spend 10 minutes inside of an oven, baking at 400 degrees, before I would ever run in those temperatures again. For once, I can say that I am not exaggerating about a running experience. It was so unbelievably hot (exhibit A: look at the above picture. See that fluid on the shirt. That would be sweat). The saddest part of the entire experience - I paid to experience that level of pain. Definitely not one of my brightest decisions.

Starting at 7 pm, we ran in the Crossroads district, past the Sprint Center, and into the Power and Light district. Aside from the excessive heat and humidity, I loved the route. However, because it was so hot, I actually only remember a few landmarks (mainly the water station). It was a great course; only a few inclines, mainly running downhill.

In all of the races we've been a part of, I've never witnessed so many people walking. It's always been a goal of mine to run the races without stopping to walk (I'm saving the walking for the marathon), but, last night, I learned, there are definitely times you have to stop and walk, especially if you want to make it to the finish line, without riding in an ambulance. As we were approaching the water station, I told Adam that I needed to walk for a few minutes, but he should continue to run and I would see him at the finish line (it's sad to discover that I didn't marry a human. How he was able to run in those temperatures without walking left me baffled). With a few sips of water, I was refreshed and ready to finish, running the rest the race.

As I ran through the finish line, I kept looking for Adam, expecting him to be right there. Yet, he was no where to be found. Luckily, Erica was there (always feels great to have someone at the finish line and she is always so supportive and encouraging). So, our search began. With over 1500 participants, it was a bit difficult to find him. Pretty soon, we were all looking for him. Curtis, Gavin, and Ryan went in one direction, while Erica and I went in the other direction; thinking one of us would eventually find him. As time progressed, I started to get worried, even looking for him near the medical area. Finally, after a 25 minute search, I saw him walking up the road toward the finish line. After he finished in 30:29, he grabbed two Vitamin waters and went back to the trail to look for me (until he came to the last two walkers). Little did he realize, but I finished just four minutes behind him at 34:16 and so we just missed each other. It was an incredible feeling to learn that he went back to support me; not such a great feeling to discover that he drank the Vitamin water that he took for me (completely teasing him).

Because of the heat, we skipped out on the post race-beer and local Kansas City bands, instead choosing to go home and enjoy the air conditioning. I've never been so appreciative of modern technology. Walking into 73 degree temperatures, I discovered I may not be running another race until the temperatures drop considerably or until I want to better understand what it feels like to boil.

2 comments:

  1. Marena, I love reading your posts. I think I may train just so I can come to KC and get all that good stuff in the Hill race!! BBQ?? Awesome! I hate it that I got sidelined with two stress fractures on my foot that I had surgery on. I am not supposed to do anything, but I started walking again this week.

    Keep up the great work!

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  2. Michelle, you'll be back out there as soon as your body is ready. You're a definite go-getter! I would love to eventually do a 5K with you and your daughter. Kansas City has some great food, especially BBQ. Food always motivates me to run!

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