After Finger Lakes, I took a break from racing for a bit. Just prior to that race, I interviewed for a new position and found out right before I left on vacation that I got the position. This was an answered prayer; night shift was taking its toll, and I was catching myself waking up on my drive home. My new job was going to be a day shift position AND no weekends or holidays- perfect for racing! The downside: running at 4am. I spent the majority of August truly struggling to find the motivation to run, and Labor Pain was fast approaching.
The morning of Labor Pain, I was hoping for a break in the sudden heat and humidity to no avail. The humidity was around 90%, and temps were expected to climb well into the 80s- not an ideal scenario for a distance PR. Labor Pain is a 12 hour race with a 5 mile loop course, which runners can run as many times as they'd like in that time frame. My initial goal was to shoot for an ambitious 100k, but I knew that the conditions were not in my favor. I decided to try the first loop at the pace I'd need to maintain for a 100k finish. I was able to easily finish the loop in under an hour, but I knew that keeping that pace as the temps climbed would be a total struggle. I made the decision early on to abort my goal and just enjoy the ride.
One of the big challenges of Labor Pain is the temptation of the start/finish area each loop. The race is held at a German club, complete with a fully stocked beer garten. At some point, I decided that 40 miles and a few cold beverages was way better than pushing things too hard. I had never specifically done a 40 mile race, so I was guaranteed a PR. Out on the course, I was able to socialize with some of the other runners, as well as some of the volunteers. Many of the other runners I talked to also decided to modify their goals, but there were a few runners that were tearing up the course! I finished my 40 miles just under 9.5 hours and relaxed, had a few drinks, and socialized with friends from near and far. I made a wise decision in calling it a day early; there were a few casualties that needed medical attention due to the grueling conditions. I may have not accomplished my original goal, but it was still a great day.
I still had to figure out what I was going to do about my lack of morning motivation- the thought of finishing my runs every day in darkness was killing my routine. After three days off post- Labor Pain, I decided to take advantage of the flexibility of my new job's hours and decided to run at lunch. I wouldn't have the benefit of a shower, but perhaps baby wipes and deodorant could pass muster. My first run was just on the road around the hospital and went pretty well, but I was hoping to find a better solution. Not living near my job, I was pretty unfamiliar with the area. After consulting with the running group from that area, I was able to discover a park which I could easily run to. Friday was the perfect day to explore there, and I am overjoyed at the thought that I now have a solution to my training issues. The park is great- a stream, hills, a covered bridge AND a functioning water fountain. The only surprise was discovering that a shooting range is close by. After the initial shock of sudden gunfire, I settled into a nice pace and was able to easily get 5 miles in with ample time to spare. Finding a new routine and route to run is like falling in love, and I'm smitten. Up next: 50k at Blues Cruise next month. I will be ready!
