That there is what I looked like when I realized I had stepped in a fire ant hole and my feet and shoes were covered in them. I wasn't even standing there for two minutes, trying to take a photo. As I walked back to the car I'm wondering why on earth are my feet itching and burning all of a sudden. Looking down, it was only seconds before my shoes went flying and I'm frantically trying rub the little buggers off of me. Did I mention the concern to see the veins on my feet swell as the pain continued to get worse.
Where would we be without the Internet and smart phones? After a brief search on my lovely IPhone, we paid a visit to Walgreen's where I promptly purchased Witch Hazel and 100% pure aloe gel, sat down in their parking lot and doused my feet. Thank goodness the relief was almost immediate. While I had to apply every few hours to keep the pain away and my feet were a slimy green mess for the rest of the day, I am lucky enough to report that we worked quickly enough and I did not have any "pustules" on my feet from the little bugger bites, as the Internet suggested I might get.
Why was I in North Carolina being attacked by fire ants, you ask? The main reason was to attend wedding. Therefore, I needed my feet to look beautiful and sexy in the only pair of sexy black heels that I own. But, just as important, it was my last long run to complete for my training before the Big Half Marathon taking place this Saturday. I had to run 12 miles and needed my feet not to be swollen, burning and itchy.
I did manage to run 12 miles, for the first time ever! Even better, I had the pleasure of doing it on the Al Buehler Trail in Duke Forest. It was a beautiful site. So much so that I did not even use my ipod to listen to music. Just enjoyed the natural sounds around me. How rare is that.
However, this leads me to wonder why is that I have to go all the way to North Carolina to trail run?
As for the Firbromyalgia, the running is taking it's toll. Between the run and the drive to and from NC, the exhaustion set in and I slept through most of the car ride home, after I got home and even through the night. Feeling better and managed to run my 5 miles on Tuesday. The week before a race it's important to reduce the mileage and rest up. Thursday I run 4 and then...
The next time I post, it'll be after running my first half-marathon (13.1 miles) on October 16th as part of the Baltimore Running Festival. I'm excited and nervous at the same time. I'm hoping for a 10 minute pace but I've heard there are plenty of hills on the course and they just may slow me down.
Wish me success folks!
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