Thank God...the Ocho Survives

OK, well HP08 and Senor Ocho did their 20 mile run on Saturday morning. What is important is that they both survived and they completed the 20 miles. They also did it in about 3 hours and 20 minutes which was their goal. What is less important was that it was MISERABLE! Seriously, never run 20 miles if you can avoid it. Seriously. Miserable.

Both of the Ochos were feeling pretty good until mile 12 but then it went down hill pretty quickly. First, HP08 had to beg the woman at the YMCA to use their bathroom telling her it was "an emergency" making her feel like a 4 year old that was being potty trained. After that, while the bathroom situation was taken care of, the fatigue started to set in. At about mile 17, the Ocho turned to Senor Ocho and said "I hate you a little bit right now for making me do this." At mile 18, HP08's body essentially shut down, her mind went blank and she knew that if she didn't just keep running her whole body would become as stiff as a board and she wouldn't be able to move. At mile 19 the Ocho would have started crying if she had had any fluids left in her body to spare. As mile 20 ended, HP08 became completely overwhelmed by her excitement that it was done and almost forgot about the pain. Then she stopped running and everything in her entire body tightened in to one big, solid muscle. But not in a good way.

As they hobbled back to their car, Senor Ocho commented that “There are certain body types that are made for running…” HP08 replied, “You mean people with long legs and no body fat?” Senor Ocho, “yes.” Ocho, “And neither of us have either of those things going for us?” Senor Ocho, “Right.”

The stairs up to the their seats at the UT-Florida game later in the day were a little rough and the half mile walk back and forth to their parking spot at the game wasn't too fun either, but between the walking to get rid of the lactic acid and a trusty can of tuna post-run to repair muscle tears, they were feeling alright on the way home on Sunday.

So, three weeks until the 23 miles and then 3 weeks until the MARATHON!