It’s been almost 2 weeks now since I ran the NJ Half Marathon… I’m over the fact that I didn’t actually run the full like I originally planned on.
It’s a long story, dating back to my birth, but thanks to my extra veins and birthmark on my left leg… medically known as Klippel-Trenaunay syndrome; a bout of injections, phlebitis, and blood clots (nothing serious) kept me from running the full.
What happened: Mid-training, in early March, I had a round of injections (foam sclerotherapy) into some of my larger leg veins. Immediately following the injections I was ok. Normally I bruise at the sites of the injections, that lasts a few 3-5 days and then I’m fine. The veins harden and collapse thanks to the injections. But this time around, in early April I started experiencing tenderness, swelling, and redness on my shin and near my ankle. The pain was nothing I had ever experienced. It was so bad on my shin that I couldn’t put pressure on my leg and I originally thought I was experiencing a running injury, quite possibly a stress-fracture. An x-ray, crutches and a MRI later, I was told NO stress fracture! Perfect, right?! Wrong, the pain got worse, I decided to call the vascular Dr. and turns out I was experiencing phlebitis. Inflammation of the veins. I had one clot drained, but then I had to just let the others run its course. I was wearing my compression sock daily, taking Advil, and using moist heat. One thing I wasn’t doing… running. In the month of April I only ran 6 times. Not so good for my training…
Honestly, I didn’t know what my plans were until a couple of days before the race. Should I attempt to run the full?! Could I, maybe, but I didn’t want to hurt myself more. How about the half?! My sister, Kate, was planning on running the half, so that made the most sense. I wasn’t even sure if I’d be able to do that considering some of my endurance was long gone. I went in to it with no expectations. I was just glad the pain was gone and I could run. I had missed running so much.
Race day: It was a gorgeous day in Long Branch, NJ. The Hammer, Kate, her husband Steve, and I were up and out of the hotel by 7am. Perfect timing for an 8:30 start. It was in the mid 50’s at the start, the sun was shining, there was not a single cloud in the sky, and we lined up on the boardwalk along the Atlantic Ocean. What could be better than that? The course was flat and fast. Kate and I started out together, but we knew we might get separated. We race our own races. Neither of us were 100% sure what our outcome would be, but that’s ok. This is just a fun run. Not every race has to be a PR. I had to remind myself this. Enjoy it! Soak up the sun, the crowds, and the scenery.
I ended up only seeing Steve and the Hammer once throughout the whole race. They were on their bikes and stopped along the course about 5 times, but somehow I missed them every time. I was actively looking for them, too. I wanted the support. I felt like I needed the Hammer to tell me it was ok. I was getting hot and tired. Around mile 8 or 9 I started to take walking breaks. I’d never done this before. I just kept telling myself, “At least you’re able to run!”
I was dumping water on me at each water stop. I just wanted to finish strong. And that I did. The last 2 miles were back on the boardwalk with the ocean on my right and tons of people. I felt exhilarated. This was the best finish. The time didn’t matter to me anymore. I kicked butt. I’m strong. I can do anything. And I couldn’t wait to see Kate, the Hammer and Steve.
Official chip timing:
My worst time yet, but definitely one for the books. I’ll be back for the full, you can count on it!
p.s. Kate ran a great race and overcame some random knee pains that struck her!
motion changes emotion 