A couple of weeks prior to the Valley Crest Half Marathon, I went out to run the course preview. That morning couldn’t have been more perfect! The weather was very cool. There was a nice gloomy overcast. I started just after 7AM. I felt good. And it was absolutely nothing like the actual race.
The course preview in happier times.
A couple of days leading into the race, I just wasn’t feeling too well. My stomach was feeling
really off. The day before the race, I took it very easy on my run because first of all, I didn’t feel good, and secondly, I wanted to be rested for race morning. Needless to say, I was getting a bit anxious and worried about it. I wanted to feel great! So it didn’t surprise me I woke up 30 minutes before my alarm was set to go off, thinking about the race. Everything was all ready to go so I ate a little bit of oatmeal and headed out to Tarzana.
really off. The day before the race, I took it very easy on my run because first of all, I didn’t feel good, and secondly, I wanted to be rested for race morning. Needless to say, I was getting a bit anxious and worried about it. I wanted to feel great! So it didn’t surprise me I woke up 30 minutes before my alarm was set to go off, thinking about the race. Everything was all ready to go so I ate a little bit of oatmeal and headed out to Tarzana.
The weather looked to be cool and overcast. Just like it was a couple of weeks prior. Great! However, once I got closer to Tarzana, the overcast was disappearing and the sun was coming through. I just knew I was headed into a hot day. Not so great.
Before the race in happier times.
Since I already ran most of this course I knew it was hilly. The course starts with a very
steep climb and then levels off until settling with a nice downhill to the turnaround which is 3.5 miles in. We then head back the way we came. Once we get to where the start/finish line area is, we go the other direction for another 3 miles and then turn around and head back again towards the finish line.
steep climb and then levels off until settling with a nice downhill to the turnaround which is 3.5 miles in. We then head back the way we came. Once we get to where the start/finish line area is, we go the other direction for another 3 miles and then turn around and head back again towards the finish line.
Getting pre-race instructions.
Up the first hill we go!
Since the start of the race, I knew I was going to err on the side of caution because my stomach was still feeling a wee bit funky but for the most part, I didn’t think it was going to be a problem. Turns out my stomach was the least of my troubles. I was just 7 miles in when I was running on the right side of the track – where we’re instructed to mostly run since we’ll be facing runners coming back. Well, a very speedy runner was barreling up along the middle and so I decided to make a little more room and move even more to my right. Turns out when I did, I stepped right into a little ditch and turned my right foot underneath me and my
ankle kissed the dirt. I let out a scream and thatasshole guy didn’t even ask me if I was okay. It’s okay. Karma. A stood there for a few minutes before walking when another runner came up and asked me if I was okay. I said “Sure!” I wasn’t.
ankle kissed the dirt. I let out a scream and that
In pain, in not so happier times.
I started to walk and it was painful. I hobbled and clenched my fists, but I didn’t want to stop. Even if I had to crawl through this half marathon, I was getting to that finish line! I’ve stepped wrong plenty of times and I can usually walk it off after a few minutes. The pain started to dissipate so I was feeling a little better. I even started to run. Nice! And then at around 9.5 miles in, a girl was running up and was singing. Just as I looked up, I turned my ankle again!! This time I felt the pain more intensely!! F***!!!! I immediately stopped and stood there for what felt like an eternity. Some ladies running up saw me and said, “Oh my God, are you okay?” as they continued to run on. I said “Oh yeah, I’m fine.” I’m such a liar, but what were they going to do? The aid station was still a half mile away and they just came back from it. This time, it hurt even more to walk. But I walked. In pain. To make matters even worse was the heat. It was really hot! The race started at 8AM, which is waaaay too late to start. It seriously needs to start at 7AM.
I made it to the last aid station and rested for a few minutes. The pain and discomfort became bearable. I added some ice to my hydration pack and put some ice underneath my cap and took off again for the last 3 miles. My foot still hurt but I kept thinking just go as slow as I need to. I checked my foot and didn’t notice any immediate discoloration so thought that was a good sign. I was able to run the downhills but kept very mindful of my footing. This was the longest 3 miles ever. Once I passed the final corner, I made the right turn down the steep downhill towards the finish line. This portion is really steep and footing can be dangerous. I took my time because I didn’t want to turn my foot a third time. That wouldn’t have been a charm. I crossed the finish line and couldn’t have been more happier to be done.
And the Oscar goes to…
This was obviously a very tough race for me. I went home and immediately started the R.I.C.E. method, but the next morning I woke up and couldn’t walk. I hobbled my way to the ER. My right ankle was indeed sprained and I walked away with a different kind of medal metal.
So that was my race, and also how my Runner’s World Run Streak Summer Challenge ended.
Thanks for reading!