Untitled by kawimae at Garmin Connect - Details
Well, I did it. Why? Because I can and I have a 50 mile event in 8 weeks.
I woke on Sunday morning 4/1/12 and knew I was about to face a long day. Several things happened before I hit the road. First I had my coffee and my oatmeal (standard long run recipe made with raisins, nuts, applesauce and almond milk) then I logged on to my Facebook page. It was a sad morning because I found out that Micah True,"Caballo Blanco", had indeed been found. My heart goes out to all his friends and family. I did not know him personally, but like many others, I was inspired by the stories of his running. Following his passion through others pictures and their stories of what a great person he was. I wish I had known him.
When I run on trails through the woods I can't help but to feel free. The true meaning of run free for me lies in the ability to let it all go out in the woods and run down the paths of single track as though there is not a care in the world. Running through the forest and imagine that I am an animal. Getting to the point on the mountain where the view is just breath taking, stopping for a moment to take it all in, making it a memory. I realize my interpretation of "RUN FREE" may not be the same as others, but it's mine.
My 40 mile journey was on a double track woods road from one end of the park to another. climbing a little over 700 feet and back down again. And repeating this course 4 times. It is hilly and a challenge. I was surprised to find snow on the trail which was crunchy at the start and very mushy at the end. I had a wonderful group of friends that all took turns running parts of this with me. I was grateful to have the company. I learned that I am stronger than I think, that I can run/walk and jog for 8+ hours, that I still love bacon, and the ocean it a beautiful thing. (I could see the ocean from the top of the trail through the trees) I learned that if I can run 40 miles I will be able to go the 50 miles on pure will if my body fails me. I was really concerned with how my body would deal with this run on the days to follow, but I am fine. I didn't run fast enough to build up lactic acid so my muscles were just tired not sore. I wore my Trail Gloves. I am hoping to run some if not most of my 50 miler barefoot, but I couldn't seem to do this run barefoot. I'm still a wimp when it comes to running in less than 30F and snow on the mountain.
And when the day was done I stopped at a big tree at the beginning of the trail head, posed for a picture, walked around and stretched for a few minutes, got in my car and sat there for a few minutes warming up. I had tears of joy in my eyes as I headed home. I did it. Nothing is impossible. Believe in the run. Believe in yourself.
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