Determination or .....

.... paying for the stupidity of a 145.00 mistake. Regardless another race kicked. The miracle Doc prescription of the NSAID for my inflamed ankle tendon; plus, constant icing seemed to make it all happen.

Ankle felt pretty good as the day progressed Saturday. Tested it with a 3 mile jog that night. Good. Woke up at 5:00 AM did some stretching and it felt pretty good again. So, off for the starting line.

It was a little chilly at the start which seemed to tighten the ankle and both my calves up. Then once I finally started running it seemed to loosen. Nothing more till somewhere in between miles 8 and 9. Pain came back. Yet, I tried as hard as I could to stay in stride and form.

By the time I crossed the finish the ankle pain subsided again (figures). Big bag of ice strapped to it also hit the spot from the Med tent. All in all, I was happy with the outcome. My time was okay, I was hoping for something 5-7 minutes faster. Yet, having to gut through the pain showed I can reach inside and pull something out when needed. At least enough to finish my 10th HM in the last 13 months.

Now the big question? Am I ready for Tucson?

Anyway, another Half kicked. It was pretty workmanlike day for me. The organization seemed better this year - at least for the HM. My wife asked how many new girlfriends I met on this one compared with dudes. No one! It was pretty much head down and finish it. Outside of meeting Jeri from Jerbear Shares Blog (who was fun to meet) nothing! However, I did run into one other runner from South Dakota I knew. Who would've thunk? Two from South Dakota in one race - and I know them! Anyway, Jeri it was fun meeting you however brief. Very smart and sharp. Also, it was great to see a few of the parents of the kids on my Soccer team as well. One was running, the other was working - Vegas Metro Police Officer. Who were all over the route again this year in great support. Part of the reason is the huge tourist destination aspect of this event. If there is one thing Metro does well - making sure there is order on the Strip for the tourist. 

I doubt I do this race again. Especially at 145.00 a pop. Even though we did have fantastic weather and everything seemed really smooth in organization. Still, I am not a fan of the Vegas Strip. It does nothing for me. Yep, it is here and local. I only need to drive 15 minutes and I am there for the start. As long the price stays high - this was the 2nd and last Vegas Rock and Roll though.

Just hoping I wake up tomorrow with a healthy ankle for my first in Tucson?

Cheers!