Martian Marathon and Ice Baths

I got a little taste of race day this past weekend. Team In Training participants, including myself, were permitted to run a training run during the Martian Marathon in Dearborn Heights. There I was able to experience the race-day environment while getting in an arduous 18 mile run. I've participated in distance races before, but forgot about the entire scene that unfolds prior to, during and after a race like this. I found the starting line by following the winding sea of humanity patiently waiting with their legs crossed for a port-a-pottie to open up. Maybe its nerves, or maybe its just over-hydration, but these events seem to motivate a simultaneous urge to empty bladders by the thousands of runners waiting for the start. I, on the other hand, am content with a strategically placed tree or shrub. The other thing I forgot, was the over-the-top eccentricities that many runners possess. Being that it was a martian-themed race, I saw everything from E.T. dolls pinned to shorts to giant inflatable martian hats. This was mixed together with men in hula skirts and even a woman dressed like a cow. Very strange, but made for some solid people watching and a diversion from my cranky knees

I finished the 18 miles with cheers at the finish line. All of the support on the side of the road really does give you that added push at the end. I finished strong and felt oddly good.......until I got back to the car. With a belly full of bagels and bananas that I hoarded like an animal before hibernation, I started to stiffen up. By the time I returned home, I knew I was in for some serious discomfort. Four hours later I walking with a solid limp and the sensation that each step would be my last. Of coarse this was followed by sufficient whining and sympathy seeking behavior. I continued my regular practice of ibuprofren popping and ice bag loving, to no avail. The next morning I decided to take drastic measures. I filled the bath tub with cold water, dumped a bag of ice in it, plunged my throbbing body into the water and made myself a marathon runner cocktail. This cocktail, however, was lacking a lime or an olive, but came with one howling human. After five minutes, the shock wore off and I was able to relax for 15 more minutes as I marinated in 40 degree liquid.

The next day I felt amazingly better. I was able to pop out of bed with minimal pain and grouchiness. I'm not sure if the ice bath was the cure-all, but I'm definitely planning on future arctic plunges.