This crazy person was a runner...and only runners would be crazy to do it.
Yesterday I got to experience one of the greatest things, seeing just what I could put myself through and watching my teammates go through it with me.
50.8 Miles, from Mt. Rainier Ranger Station near Fairfax to Ruston Way, Tacoma.
6 Team Members, 2 legs each.
I assigned the legs a few months ago, and while running I decided I picked badly!!!
I wanted a challenge & boy did I get one!
Here is the team:
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| JJ, Sally, Heidi, Amanda (back row) Me, and Jodi (front row) |
I took one of the isolated trail legs (#2), I figured that I was used to running on trails in the woods, so I would be fine....HAHAHAHAHAHA!
Leg 2 is muddy, slippery, very isolated, and rugged...that was the first two-thirds of the leg. The last third-ish was UPHILL!!! My legs were covered in silty mud & my shoes were completely soaked. It was like military boot camp!
Oh, and 6.3 miles...that means approximately 2 miles of UPHILL!
Looking back now, it was fun! I know, I am crazy...I told you, runners are CRAZY!
Anyway - The team keeps going. As I am trying to clean myself up & change, we are jetting off for Legs 3-9. I get to spend the time being a co-pilot (or back seat driver), and time keeper. I try to eat little bits at a time & drink lots of fluids.
The day is heating up, well into the mid-70s...finally good weather by the way.
I watch my team run their legs & fill us in on their trouble spots...unaccounted for Hills and no downhills at all. Mud in abundance. Heat. Cars not watching out for the runners. We have it all --- well not all, no flat tires, or running out of gas.
Finally, Leg 11...my turn again. Leg 11 is 5.3 miles...WHY, what was I thinking!!!
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| Sally tapping me into Leg 11 |
I was thinking, no problem. 5.3 miles on flat-ish paved road with 1 mile on unpaved trail. No Problem.
HA - the unpaved trail was SAND...SAND, like running on the beach SAND, Mile 1 was worse then the entire run of Leg 2. SAND.
After I scale (yes, scale) the bank to the road at the end of mile 1, I am thinking there is no way. My legs are toast.....until I get into the industrial park of Fife/Puyullap/Downtown Tacoma.
RUN....Run like your life depends on it.
I am alone & freaking out. AND HOT. Why did the sun have to be out today...of all days!!!
I have blocked out the run up until D street. I remember turning and seeing the bridge (why Up, why do I have to go Up...there better be a down here)...and thankfully I see it. I see my finish...I'm not sure how far away it is, but the finish is in sight. I RUN.....
I make it to the Museum of Glass & Tap Jodi into her leg...the teams final leg, Leg 12!!!
We head to Marine Park on Ruston Way.
We watch & cheer as Jodi makes it in to ring the final bell.
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| Jodi at the final bell station! |
WE DID IT!!!
We started of the day sooooo unaware of the obstacles to come.
We each faced them with great determination.
We finished, standing strong & ever so thankful that it was over.
I learned that I could do anything I put my mind too.
My body can do it!
Sally will probably kill me for saying this...but ARE WE DOING IT NEXT YEAR???!!!?!?!?!
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| Amanda, Sally, Heidi, JJ (back row) Jodi and Me (front row) |
