Well, I just don't know where to begin so I want to say a few words about all of you before I diatribe about me.
Congrats to all of you who participated in other races this weekend. For some of you it was a new distance (Julie 26.2) and for some of you it was a familiar distance (Shelly, Sue and Lou 13.1). For some of you it was a whole new sport (Robyn tri-ing and Adam running). I know I haven't mentioned all of you but this will be long enough so just know you were all in my thoughts as I tromped through the woods at one time or another.
My Ryann lost both of her matches at OFFSA but we had a very nice time with my Mom and Dad, spending most of it chatting and laughing. I am beyond proud of Ryann and her accomplishments. She spent Fri/Sat and Sun worrying about me, not thinking of what lay ahead of her and I know it affected her game but she didn't complain or grouse, just did what she could.
To all of you who thought about me over the weekend, sent me good wishes and great vibes, and then have taken time to let me know how you feel about my run, I can't even begin to tell you how blessed you make me feel. My friend Shani asked me today if I felt loved, well that feels like an understatement. While you all let me know so poetically (thank you Patti for your report) what I mean to you, none of you could ever comprehend how much you mean to me. Every goal you achieve as individuals drives me forward and gives me inspiration. The courage to start running when you aren't even sure you can walk, to lose weight when it's easier to eat, to hop in the pool when it scares the hell out of you, to meet new people and send your life in a different direction. Your courage gives me courage, and inspiration, and purpose. I can't thank you all enough for helping me get in my training hours, worrying about me and finally, without even knowing it guiding me through each mile and each hour. To all my friends, thank you.
Ok, I'm running out of Kleenex.
This won't take 30 hours to read.
As you know I don't like pasta dinners, but this one is mandatory, mostly because there is a logistics meeting before hand. Anyway, it was quick and gave me an excuse to get a tea at Tim's. So after dinner on Friday we headed back to the race site, Jeff and Keon went for a MB ride, Jeff's 2nd of the day while Nick and I walked the dogs. Then we sat and waited for the rest of the crew who arrived around 10pm.
5am came quick and loudly although I slept well. I was dressed, had eaten and was ready by 5:20, took Dot for a pee then waited. At the gun everybody took off, and I mean took off. Most of the back of the packers want to do their first 20k loop in 3 hour but I was the last one in and I had done it in 2:44. This was either a fast group, a stupid group or a combo of both. The air was thick and it was warm so I found on the first lap my HR was high (160's) and I needed my puffer a couple of times. After the 2nd lap my feet were already so swollen that I could feel the blisters and knew I was going to lose 3 toes on my right foot. For those counting I will have 10 black toes nails, will lose most of them and at 1 point wondered if I would lose a toe. I changed my shoes after lap 3 which helped. It was hot and humid but the valleys were cooler and misty.
It had rained heavily Fri so there were a few extra muddy spots. Because of this I wore my gaiters which help to keep dirt and debris out of your shoes. Most of the day I wore shorts and a S/S shirt with a hat. At night I added a L/S shirt and brought a fleece but didn't need it.
The 20k loop is marked every 5k which helps with pacing and from the beginning I knew I was going to need every minute of the 30 hours. I felt with the air, my breathing and my feet I wasn't going to be able to move as quickly as I'd like so I had to be consistant. From laps 4 to 8 I averaged 4 hours per lap which is 1 hour per 5k or 12 minute k's. Can you say slooooooowwwwwww!
I ate about 300-400k per hour which consisted of cookies, potatoes, soup, coke, butter tarts, gels and sustained energy. Oh yeah and my crew bought me ice cream, yum. Actually nothing tastes good but you know you need it. I also drank 1 liter of water per hour and took 3 electrolyte tabs per hour. Other then a little light headedness at 90k which a 15 minute rest to eat fixed, throwing up 2 electrolyte tabs early in the morning and chocking on a gummie bear I didn't have any gut issues.
Robyn Pick paced me for my 6th lap which was uneventful except we walked within 2 feet of a deer (didn't move, deer in the headlamps and all) and she told a story about sweaty paper underwear while running with 2 guys, they stopped for some reason. Anyway, this was a good lap and I really thank Robyn for getting me through in just over 4 hours. Jeff took lap 7 which is mentally the hardest, for both of us. I spent the 4 hours trying to engage him in an argument for some fun conversation and he spent the 4 hours trying not to kill me I'm sure. I wouldn't have wanted anyone else for this lap as I was pretty cranky and probably pretty gross. Jeff said we "shared" too much which is something after 19 years of marriage.
Keon took my last lap and Jeff joined us after aid station 2. This was a walking lap and much to my dismay was just as fast as my previous running lap. Throughout this lap I was constantly doing the math to see if I was going to make it and I knew it would be close. Jeff and Keon pulled me up the steep hills and braced me down the big declines as my feet were swelling again because the sun was up and it was getting hot. Going into my last 5k loop Patti and Robyn met us, waited then walked the rest of the way in with us where we were met by the rest of the group. Coming to the finish line was emotional because I had done it, it was hard from the beginning, my friends and family were by my side and a lot of the other runners and their families were still there cheering me on. It was very cool.
This was hard, not much fun, challenging, emotional and very worthwhile. No I will not do another one but if you decide to do one, I'll be your pacer.
I have caught up on my sleep, had 1 massage, another to come and feel pretty good. I biked today and my muscles are pretty good. My feet are still swollen and sore and I can't put shoes on, but they feel better every day.
I have many more stories but I promised I wouldn't take 30 hours so we'll chat later.
