Race of the Runways 5k ~Race Recap

5K Race of the Runways - Flagler Beach Rotary Club

I had a chance to "race the runway" at Flagler County Airport. It was a fast flat course along the actual Flagler Beach Airport runway and taxiway. We were entertained by helicopters and planes flying above us during the race. it was an open space, with extra wide turns and was well staffed. They had 1 water station at the half way point (which I never use during a 5k, but it is nice to know it's there if I had needed it).

I worked late Friday night, after a very long work week and was beat. I arrived at the airport around 8am on the very frigid Saturday morning. I didn't "feel" like running, but since I paid for it, and an FCR friend went out of their way to pick up my packet and drop it off at my work for me on Friday night, I figured I better be there and run.

They were very well organized with tons of pre/post race food items (bagels with PB or cream cheese, fresh sliced fruit, nutri-grain bars, water and juice). We started right on time (1 minute late, but that's on time for a race event! haha). We took off and ran almost 3 miles of the 3.1 on the runway. They had a bunch of the planes out lined up and down the runway. It was also cool being able to see how many people were ahead of you (because it was basically 1 large loop). I ran most of the race next to the older guy again (I ran Waterfront with him and got my sub-24 PR). I found out after the race he is an FCR friends dad! So funny!

I came in at 23:44 (the exact same time I had for my last 5k). I didn't give it my all which bums me out a little because I think I would've come in a few seconds faster and got a new PR. Oh well, next time ;)  I got 2nd in my age division, the metal was a little airplane with a spinning propeller. Pretty sweet! My son loves the tech-shirt and metal, he tried to steal them... haha.

Overall it was a great race, I look forward to it next year, hopefully it won't be so darn cold though!

My Life, and Lyme.

I don't talk a lot about Lyme Disease or my personal struggles with it. Most people either don't understand it, or are blissfully ignorant. Lyme disease is one of those things that you hear about but aren't educated on, something that happens to other people, not to you. If you are one of those people, please take time to educate yourself. Learn. Lyme does not attack only crazy trail runners, nor are you immune because you’re not out playing in the woods every weekend. 

I don’t pretend to know much about Lyme or even Lyme prevention. I have searched Google for everything about Lyme, and mostly what I've learned, is no one knows a lot about Lyme. We know where it comes from, the wide range of symptoms, but there is no "cure", only treatments that CAN help. All I really know is my experience with the disease. I did a lot of internet searches for distance runners with Lyme disease, or running after Lyme. The information just wasn't there, which was part of why I have decided to try and incorporate a little more about Lyme into my blog. I was desperate for success stories, and hope to provide one for someone else.

Over the last 6 months, I have done three different rounds of oral antibiotics, narrowly escaping the surgical implantation of a PICC line for intravenous antibiotics. I have been referred to an infectious disease doctor in Jacksonville, but our beautiful state of Florida doesn't have the greatest health care and I have been having a really difficult time getting in to actually SEE a doctor. Even after the treatments that I have had, I still suffer many of the Lyme symptoms. I am fortunate that they come and go, others aren't so lucky. They last anywhere from 2-3 days, to a week. I get extremely tired, foggy brained, and very sore and achy all over.I sometimes spike fevers and just feel very run down. I have a friend that asked me why I don't take a few days off training and take it easy during my "Lyme Attacks" so I can get rest. I explained that it doesn't help, I can sleep for 12 hours and still feel exhausted when my Lyme flares up. It's not like I am sick and need rest to recover. Lyme is just there. Taking rest time hasn't seemed to make any difference on my recovery time from it so I just push through knowing my running pace will likely be slower than normal, and the workouts will be harder than I expect. 

These last couple days I could feel it coming on, and it hit me full force this morning. My eyes hurt and my body aches. Getting out of bed this morning felt physically impossible. I had a migraine. I put my running shoes on, and left to meet my friend. It was a hard run. My whole body was fighting me, and my brain felt like I was playing pinball with it while I ran (bouncing around in my head). "It's just Lyme" I remind myself, I am stronger than this. I ran 8 miles, will do some deep cleaning today, then I have an 8 hour shift waitressing tonight. I will not succumb to Lyme Disease, and it will not overtake MY life.

"I suffer in silence.
I fight alone."

Also, I highly recommend reading Bart Yasso book, My Life on the Run. Bart Yasso is a running legend who has struggled with Lyme Disease for a long time.