Let's see if I can remember all of it...cuz now it's Tuesday post-race and it's all kinda hazy!
I think I took Monday off. Then rode my trainer bike Tuesday morning. After a half day at work, I drove out to Dr H's office to buy more k-tape. In one of the luckiest Tuesdays ever, he was there and offered to tape this injury for me! I don't know how to thank him for this, I hope I can think of something. He put on 4 pieces--2 around the back of the heel/achilles to support the injury that was along the bottom/outside of my foot, one that wrapped from lateral calf bone down around the ankle and back up laterally to keep the foot from rolling inward (everting?), and one stirrup up both sides to keep it all together. This felt really good, like a little sling keeping things together.
I also had a big realization after leaving the office. I was nervous about calling him beforehand to see if I could squeeze in an appt, for two reasons. First I hated to take advantage of his time and act like I'm so important to the world that I should be squeezed in last minute. But second I knew that if he gave ANY inkling that my upcoming race was a bad idea I'd take his advice very seriously. No one yet had suggested that, everyone was supportive and encouraging, so I don't know why I feared he'd be any different. Then as he reminded me of his marathon last year in which his knee started to hurt and yet he continued anyway--I realized that I had really nothing to fear. If anything, he's an Enabler :) I left his office not only with my ankle supported, but also calmed nerves. Again, I wish I knew how to thank him for all this.
Wednesday was another day off as we drove to OKC.
Thursday was swim practice in the lake. As we walked to the beach, I remembered the layout, park, and other memories of Redman 2009. And I was shocked to see how low the water was--the waterline was waaaaaaaaaayyyyy out there! The beach was a long, red walk across exposed lake bed. But worst of it all, it was windy. It was a steady wind, not gusty, coming across the lake and towards the red beach. Winds + Water = Waves! Not big waves, but enough that it was tiring to be out there. And enough to scare me a bit. Could I do this for 2.4 mi? I did in CDA...so I knew I could do it...but I didn't want to do it again! No matter that the water temp was perfect--that temp at which you don't even feel the water on your skin (low-mid 70's?). I swam 20 mins or so, picking all directions to get a feel for the waves that might plague me on race day... I left with wacked nerves and a somewhat sick stomach. I knew a lot could change in the next 48hrs, and I hoped for it. Later on we went to a gym were I got to swim in their small, dark pool. I practiced missing breaths like I would be doing in wavy water. Skip a breath, stay calm, and get it back on the next try. I also practiced getting some water in the nose, cuz I knew that could happen too in waves. Oh geez, my nerves. Then I did a short 2 mile run on a treadmill to test the ankle. It wasn't pained at all, good news! And my legs felt so fresh, awesome news! The rest of the day we spent in OKC at the Nat Memorial trying to forget about the water, keep my legs from getting tired, and wondering just what I was going to eat pre and post race. I didn't have that planned yet.
Friday was another swim in the lake. It was still windy, but more of a soft gusting wind. The weather forecasters predicted similar winds for race day (Saturday). I only wanted a super short test, I think it took longer to suit up than it did to swim. Maybe 10-15 minutes at the water? But the lake was smooth, quiet, small waves only. This was the greatest therapy for yesterday, a re-assurance that yes the lake can be quiet, and yes I can swim whatever the lake presents to me tomorrow. I tried to keep all this nervous to quiet to anxious to calm from DH, he was so level all week and I think that was the greatest calm support I could ever ask for. I missed him in CDA, he's the only person I can really spill fears to. I can with training partners, but it's different with him. I owe him HUGE.
The rest of the day we spent at a museum. I had some apprehension about being on my feet, but in the end it was quiet and relaxing. And I loved seeing DH enjoy the museum, he knows more about that stuff than I'll ever learn. And if I'd have been in a more calm state of mind, I would have asked so many questions. But I couldn't focus on much for long. I kept playing out race problems and solutions in my head. If..Then...If...Then...
The rest of the Club showed up later Friday, and the excitement was too much for me. I wanted to hear all the stories, all the news, how's everyone doing....so when the option for dinner came up I bowed out. I needed quiet and calm. So we watched an SVU marathon (the other kind of marathon!) and stayed at the hotel. More If...Then...
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