2nd leg of the Triple Crown...complete!

March 12 was the second leg of the Triple Crown of Running, which was the Rodes City Run 10K.

The air was crisp and the morning sunshine made for a beautiful day, but this race was not too favorable for me. I woke up with an upset stomach, but I managed to push my way through. I had to stop and walk on three different occasions...which I've never ever had to do in all my years of running the 10K. I felt defeated. Most days I can knock the brick wall down when I hit it, but I had nothing left in the tank to make it through without stopping. I finally reached the finish line after pounding pavement for an hour and two minutes. That is by far the worst time I've had for the Rodes City Run, but I made it and did it, which is more than most can say. Unfortunately, my weird, unexplainable dehydration issue attacked me on Saturday afternoon. I was sicker than a dog, even after swallowing a total of fifteen electrolyte capsules, water, Advil, orange juice and my headache medicine . I had more blood work done last week and a 24-hour urine done this week. I'm awaiting the results from my doctor to see if she has any additional answers. These health issues have taken over my life.

As Rich was approaching the finish line, he noticed a pregnant woman sprinting past him. He was gassed, but could not produce the speed to catch up with her. He was embarrassed and felt defeated. As we were talking with Seth and Heather after the race, we saw the pregnant woman sipping on her water after the race. We walked over, made small talk and learned that she was eight months pregnant. Wow! She was my hero with an abundance of strength and energy to run a nine minute mile for 6.2 miles. Unbelievable.

Saturday, we will tackle the last leg of the Triple Crown series which is the Papa John's 10-miler. My doctor is ultimately making the decision for me whether or not I can run it. If I can't run, I'll walk it. I'm not a quitter and I won't let my health short change me of things I really want to do. Here's to hoping I receive some answers this week...