At first
glance, running seems like a solo sport. Something you do alone, it doesn't
require 5 on the floor like basketball or a gaggle of girls all dressed in the
same color and decked out with tall socks and shin guards.
And in a lot of
ways, running is a sport that you don't need anyone else to participate. YOU
just have to show up and get out there. The runner relies on her legs to
move, her feet to take one step in front of the other, her mind (oh the
mind...) to clear and allow for the space and the courage to keep going when
really, all she wants to do is sit down in the middle of the path and not go an
inch further.
Sweet.
It's been a week since I hit the pavement. Truth is, I have been so
stinking sore from last weekend's race that I was scared to get out there again.
I went this morning and whoa Nellie- I love the light when it's peaking through
the clouds and over the hills.
I haven't shared much about last Saturday. I have been processing it all and
trying to find the words to fit the experience. I know it wasn't a marathon or
an iron man race, but dang it, it was a huge accomplishment for me!
Bright and early, we showed up at The Great Basin Brewing Company. The place
was hopping like it was a Friday night. In reality, it wasn't even 7:30am.
People dressed in all sorts of spandex and moisture wicking clothes. All of
them laughing, saying hi to people they hadn't seen since the last race, pats
on the back or giant bear hugs. The room was a-buzz with great energy
As we went through the day, and along the 40 mile course, people talked and
chatted as we waited for our team mates to finish their 5 mile leg of the
relay. On the trail, people would pass and give thumbs up or a shout of
encouragement that you were almost there. The smiles told the story, "Yep,
this sort of sucks right now. My inner thighs are burning, my I.T. band is
killing me, my ankle/knee/side aches, but DAMN we are doing something. We are
challenging our bodies and our minds to GO".
The
"Camel Back Crew" came in 34th of 54 teams. I am so proud to say that
I ran over 10 miles in one day. My first leg I did 9.02 minute miles, the
second 10.12 minute miles.
I couldn't have done it without my amazing
co-workers who I have been training with, without my mom and my sweet little
crew that made me signs and cheered, "GO MOMMY GO" as I rolled in to
the finish line.
For the support I have gotten from my other running friends,
both near and far- you know who you are and you each inspire me with every post
on FB or Map My Run about your running accomplishments.
This running thing,
it's not a solo sport, its one big happy team sport that I can't believe I am a
part of these days!
Run, Vanessa, Run!
