Finally...my thoughts on "solving" the mystery. To be honest it was sort of like turning 13 and becoming a "teenager"only to realize that you felt exactly the same as you did the day before. Was that it? What now? Once you've achieved the distance what's next? It's sad, but just like all the other distances, now all I can do is hope to go faster next time I suppose.
Each new course will present a new challenge, and there are some out there tougher than Chimera or at least as tough in different ways. In talking with several other finishers, they say they have run none tougher. Sure you have things like Badwater, The Barkley, Hardrock and international runs such as Brazil 135 and Ultra Trail Du Mont-Blanc. Then you have the ones that are equally as difficult or difficult in different ways such as Western States with its extreme temperature differences and comparable climbs and Leadville's extreme altitude. I would like to attempt Badwater and Leadville some day...as far that goes maybe Hardrock to. I really don't have as much desire to do Western States though, I think its a great event...maybe there is just a little too much obsession with it for my taste. I have read several running blogs by great runners that completed several tough 100 milers leading up to Western States only to DNF and consider the whole experience a failure. That pains me, and I don't ever want one event to define me...even if I DNF my next 5 attempts, or never run another 100. I think too many of us run for the wrong reasons...running damn hard marathons to "qualify for Boston" or ultra events just to qual for UTMB or WS. I don't think they're enjoying the journey as much as they should.
Anyway, enough of the soap box. The main reason I decided to add this little aftermath blog is to let you all know how it feels...AFTER the finish line. I attempted to describe the pain during the run, but you really can't capture it...but basically as long as I stayed moving the pain was manageable. The pain after the run is different, still bearable, but much worse that during the run. With the adrenaline gone, and a day or two for the soreness to set in you then pay the price for your task.
Muscle soreness was worse for me after several other shorter races than this one, but my knees did feel it more. Nothing permanent, just some tendinitis issues. The rest of the injuries were superficial, but painful nonetheless. The most painful part was the blisters for a few days, and honestly they slowed me down more than the rest of the pain during the run.
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| Sheila doctoring my blistered feet |
I think the pictures and video speak for themselves. I had to walk with a cane for several days after, mainly due to my feet. It was also difficult to stand or sit for a few days. I had substantial swelling in both feet and most of my shoes didn't fit for 3 days. I was able to get my uniform boots on, but I had to loosen the laces so much that I couldn't use the top 2 eyes of the boots for a couple days. It only lasted a short while, and I was actually able to run again less than a week after the finish. I actually even set a PR on one of my training hills exactly one week after the race start. I still have slight runners knee in my right knee, but its tolerable and I'm just running a little less than normal to help it heal. I have also started cycling again, so look forward to some blog posts on that.
My final thoughts are...that although initially I was slightly let down by the completion of Chimera, and the solving of the mystery. I look back now and feel satisfied. I realize that it is the journey that mattered, and that Chimera was just the reward for all the miles spent alone and with friends during my training. I have made some great friends, and learned a lot about myself along the way. Don't let the distance deter you...I know now, that with some effort most people are capable of running 100 miles. From this point forward I will put more emphasis on the journey. Whether I'm running a 5k, 50k, 100...or more. I will concentrate on running and enjoying whatever mile I'm in, not the finish line.
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