Running Toward Myself

Just Another Manic Weekend -- Three Whole Fun Days!

Okay, well, maybe just 2 and 1/4, but let's not split hairs, huh?

Every weekend I tell myself that, in order to recover from the craziness that is my every day during cross country season, I am going to take some time for myself, hang out at home, relax, and just enjoy being idle. And, every weekend. I fail. This weekend, I failed again...this time colossally!

The weekend started with a trip to our first HS football game of the year as the high school where I work was playing in my neck of the woods so I really couldn't find a plausible reason to get out of it. That coupled with the fact that the GERMinator was itching for some Friday Night Lights meant that I lost the battle. Let's just say that, had we not gotten in for free, I might have been disappointed I'd spent the money. Ouch. It was  not pretty. Regardless, I was glad the GERMinator guilted me into going.

Although the GERMinator had really, really wanted to do the Beautiful Backroads Century ride in Cartersville, he wouldn't do it without me and I was just not willing to get up early enough to get there considering we had already signed up for a road race for Sunday. I just couldn't embrace waking up at the crack of dawn on two weekend mornings. Not happening, buster. So, a compromise was struck. We'd sleep in a bit (OMG..until....like...6:30 AM) and head out for our own scenic ride up north a bit later in the day. Now there was a plan I could get behind!

Apparently there were more interesting things to look at!

 The GERMinator's tri bike needed to go to the shop, so since we were in the City we decided we'd give our beloved Peachtree Road Farmers Market a visit, too. The furbabies were SO excited to be on an outing...especially one that involved LOTS of other furry buddies, homemade dog treats, and BACON!

Can I have one? Can I have one?

After we had the furbabies settled back home, all comatose from overdosing on puppy treats and attention, we donned our spandex, packed up the bikes, and set out for Rome. I was happy the GERMinator had selected this route as it is where I'll be taking my cross country team in a few weeks. Knowing where I'm going when I'm driving a bus is a HUGE help, let me tell you!

The plan was for the GERMinator to tackle a 62-mile route while I'd take the inner loop which would put me a bit over 30 miles. Considering the fact that I really haven't been on my bike at all since school started, I found it wise not to push things. At the end of the summer I was having some issues with knee pain while riding, so I thought wise not to go too far. Here was my plan:

 

At the start we had a bit of a problem getting on course as we chose a slightly different starting point, thus throwing us off a bit....about 8 miles. Once we were back on course, the GERMinator decided that we'd stay together, which, to me, was a stellar idea. Of course, that was, until we had to go by the pictures of MY route instead of his. Apparently, taking a picture of the TURN-BY-TURN directions is highly advisable. I didn't, but we were able to navigate well-enough using both of our route maps and Google maps.

That's okay Colt, I still love ya!

However, the  most frustrating part of the day was not getting off course or having crappy cell reception when you REALLY need to see your map. Nope. It was the horrible pain down the outside of BOTH of my knees I had from about mile 15 of the ride. I was so mad, because I knew that letting my bike conditioning slip was not a good thing. But the double knee pain was more than that. It had to have something to do with the bike, so, needless to say, I won't be heading out for any long rides until I cough up the money for a bike-fitting. I have no clue what has changed, but something has. Dang geometry!


It wasn't too much of a surprise that when I woke up on Sunday morning to prepare for our race, I couldn't stand up or sit down without excruciating pain in both of my knees. THANKS A LOT, BIKE RIDE. Humphf. I took the furbabies on a long walk and was almost in tears just thinking about the prospect of running a 15K in that sort of pain. When I got home, I told the GERMinator that I couldn't do it. I thought I could do the 5K, but there was no way I could hope to even make it through the 15K walking, let alone running.

Rocking out another race...Go Team Karcz!

I have never had to switch races on race morning. I was a little embarrassed to do it, fearful someone might think I'm not "hardcore" (someone being all those people I don't know at the race...makes sense, no?). But, I did. And, ya know what? Apparently not doing the longer race with all the "hardcores" means a crappy 5K time will still yield 1st in your age group. Who knew? Maybe this should be a new plan for my future!

Hurt so GOOD, GERMinator?

But honestly, this race was all about the GERMinator's race and him going into his Ironman 70.3 Augusta with some good running mojo and a lot of confidence. And in that regard, it was a smashing success. He had an amazing race and I was so excited to be able to run in with him for the last bit of his race. I was even MORE excited that I was able to get a 30 minute ART session between our races. Holy COW! Can you say hello hip flexors?

This weekend we are taking OFF of racing and headed North to Indiana for a quick visit with family. Can I get a whoot whoot? I'm fairly certain that this weekend won't involve any rest, relaxation, or sleeping in, either, but it will be rejuvenating nonetheless. Family and friends can do that for you. I might love our life in the ATL, all the amazing opportunities that we have here, but it will NEVER, EVER be home. I simply cannot wait to enjoy some time with my parents and my BFFs. I. Heart. Them. And I miss them, too!

See ya on the road...