Yesterday was the Fort Wayne Fort for Fitness 4-mile and Mini Marathon. I was registered for the 4-mile and had resolved to walk the race due to my recent surgery and lack of training. In fact, I promised my doctor I wouldn't run it. I lied.
I really did think I would be OK with walking. Disappointed, but OK. But when I arrived at the start line with my friends, also running the race, and saw the enormous crowd gathered to cheer on the thousands of runners, the adrenaline started pumping through me and I really couldn't help myself. I had to run. Unfortunately for me, I made a wrong move at some point between the 1/2 and 3/4 mile mark and dislocated my left patella. I honestly couldn't say what happened exactly. Maybe I stepped on a crack in the road or just landed too hard on my leg. All I knew was it HURT! Thankfully, I avoided a fall and only stumbled slightly. At this point, I should have quit the race and had the medics check me out. I'm an EMT...I should know better, right?
WRONG. Instead, I stopped long enough to pop my patella back in place and kept on running. Oh yes, I was still very much in pain, but I had a race to finish. That was my only option as I saw it.
I still ran the majority of the race, walking occasionally to keep from killing myself completely. I finished all 4 miles with a time of 56:20...not a PR by any means. I was simply happy to finish and was actually a bit emotional when I crossed the finish line. I would have collapsed from the pain had there not been a sturdy pole nearby. I proceed through the finishers line...received my participation medal, got my "goody" bag, and scarfed the food and water the volunteers were giving to the runners.
When I finally got back to the hotel and showered, waiting for Keith and Julie, I sat in the quiet of the room and reveled in the fact that I did it!
Next goal: get back in shape and run the Indy Mini 5k in May 2011 :-) I just can't help myself.
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