I haven’t yet blogged about Race 3 of the Fall Series at Ute Valley. Because it sucked. I injured myself during Race 2 because I was competing with an 8 year old. That last long downhill, I pounded too hard, and that was that. I still haven’t recovered.

Photo by Dee Budden

The week before Race 3, I saw Karen at Great Moves PT (Jessica was out of town) and got the diagnosis that I am hypermobile on my right side and immobile on my left side. Not good. My balance is off. My left leg is longer. My right ankle is weak. The imbalance goes all the way to my shoulders.

She said she could get me through the race injury-free, but probably not pain-free. I’ll take it.

Race day was cold. I ran into Leslie at the bib pick up table. Then I found May at the starting line, with no sign of Candy. Tiffany was out of town.

May and I started the race together, but by the time we got to the sidewalk, I was already falling behind. 2.5 miles into the race, I twisted my ankle on a loose rock. Hard. I never fully recovered. I tried to walk it off. Then run. Then I had to walk again. I tripped on my long left leg 4 times and twisted my same left ankle twice again throughout the race. It was brutal. I walked a good portion of the race. And it was HOT. Sun beating down, no shade hot.

When my nemesis passed me, I was sure it was over for me. Here’s the think about these races – even if you are injured, you don’t have much choice except to finish the race. So I walked a bunch, ran as much as I could (which didn’t feel like much). I was running downhill for the finish and saw Doug and the ZBoys at the finish line. And, May, too I was just glad to be done.

My time is 2006 was 1:12:35. In 2007 it was 1:11:41. This year, it was 1:15:48. 4:07 slower than last year. Not too bad for all that walking.

But now I feel worse. My ankle hurt for several days after the race. Wednesday I tried to run with May and ended up walking. I tried to make up for the aerobic activity by swimming laps while the boys were in swim lessons. Swimming is hard work!

I had to get help. This time I saw Jessica. Twisting my ankle (multiple times) did a number on my right side. I was sent home with exercises and icing instructions. And told to rest on the running. So I did. I rested until this morning.

Today I ran with May – a short 4 miler – well, I ran 1.75 miles, then rested and stretched, then ran another 1.25 miles, then walked the last mile. When I started running, I could feel a strain in my ankle, which then moved to my calf, then hamstring, and finally the lower back. After my rest/stretch break, I went through the same progression. I am definitely changing to my new shoes for my next run.

I also swam today. 2 laps free, 2 laps breast, 2 laps free, 2 laps breast, 2 laps free, then basically an IM with the kickboard. My breaststroke kick is terrible.

I think I might go back to the P90X DVDs this week. I need to work on my strength and balance and flexibility. And maybe get under 130 lbs before I turn 40 next month.

We’ll see. Right now I’m wrecked. Totally tired and frustrated with my injuries.