I Ran My Race

Before the fun - pain begun :)

How can one post about such an experience? If only the thoughts captured on the many miles of the race course could somehow be put into words now as I type this you would see a small piece of an amazing event.

I AM AN MMTR FINISHER!!!! 54 MILES in 11:25:08

Has it sunk in...no. Am I hurting... not near as much as I thought following such a nasty, challenging course.

The race began right on time at 6:30 am Saturday morning with temps somewhere in the low 40's. Over 230 runners with headlamps and flashlights toed the line and off we went.

For the most part the miles were a blur. I never knew where I was in the overall distance expect for the 26 mile point. As I approached each aid station I had one goal... keep moving. Scott and Jackie were quick to ask what I needed and quick to get me moving again. They truly rocked!! My energy stayed level and consistent the entire race. I never reached the "wall" and was thrilled to not "bonk" on the course.

Coming into the 26 mile point

There were sections that would climb for a solid 1.5 miles to then wind down another stretch only to start the climb all over again. At mile 33 Jackie jumped in and would pace me to the finish. How can I even express how grateful I am to her?!! She gave up her entire weekend to support my goal.

On the second half of the course we had what was one of the nastiest climbs of all. It was as if someone created this brutal climb and just for fun added lots of rocks and leaves only slowing you down for fear of falling off of the mountain! Many people began to checkout at this stage in the race.

As we passed the last aid station I began to cry. It was at that moment that I knew I had achieved something that was bigger than me. Maybe that is was drives me and makes me a stronger person. My body went for over 11 hours of constant movement and not once did I want to give up on myself. I ran my race!

Amazing how I felt once I finished... I could stand on my own :)

At the finish I was greeted by the race director and given my finishers shirt. Scott hugged me and we shared in the emotions of the entire day. His support in all that I do makes the finish even sweeter.

Me and Jackie proudly wearing our finishers shirts.


Victory Beer!

A HUGE thanks to all of your awesome comments and emails! It is a truly amazing feeling to know you are supported and cheered on by so many. A shout out to Rick and Tammy Gray for cheering me on at my final 1 mile the race. Rick ran an impressive race himself and no matter what point I saw Tammy in the race she had such a wonderful smile as she cheered us all on.

Another goal checked off my list. :)

Robin