Another Run Report - Memorial Day 5K

I was never a fast runner but I had my consistency.  I am a 27 - 28 min 5Ker typically.  Last year at this time I was in great shape, having just run the Fools 25K in spring, I had a series of great races.  Last year at the Tallmadge Memorial Day Race I was at 28:10 for my final.

This year was a bit different.  I did not have the base I had last year at this time and the race was about 20 degrees hotter (or at least it felt that way).  The race started for women at 7:45 am, which usually would get you out before the heat.  Unfortunately, this May has felt like summer and it was really humid and stagnant.

The race began and I felt fairly good, I was holding a good pace and the course slopes downhill.  I passed the first mile marker at 8:45...oops I am going out a little hard.  My pace felt strong as we entered a slight uphill and I passed the second mile with a time of 18:06, a little slower mile but still holding well.  If I keep this pace up then I will be around 28 minutes.  Unfortunately, somewhere right after the second mile my body temperature rose quickly.  The sun felt like it was roasting my skin and I knew I would have to walk.  Damn MS - I hate it sometimes.  I came in with a time of 30:50 - an average of 9:48/mi.  Err :(

I guess I should not complain, at least I am getting to run now.  But it is frustrating that this disease will start taking it's toll on me - possibly coming to a point where I cannot run anymore.  I have been thinking a lot about this lately, what do I do if I cannot be physically active anymore?  I guess running, hiking, riding, paddling were all a part of me - how I define myself in some way.  Most of my friends come from the activities I participate in - my husband and I would spend time together with these things (part of the reason we fell in love).  Life changed the plans and I have some days where that is just difficult to swallow.  It is hard to hear people talk about their training plans and PR goals,when my goal is to just keep running - for as long as I can.

Sorry, sometimes my thoughts stray.  I cannot focus on what I cannot control, I HAVE to live in the now.  I do not mean this for people to walk on eggshells around me, please talk about the positives in your training plans, races you have done, etc.  I will still be a fan, even if I cannot participate, but do realize that sometimes it is hard.

 My sister and I - Sweaty after the Memorial Day 5K