The training:
From Jan- June I trained high mileage and built up my endurance. I was running 100km plus a week and felt like I was 100% on track until...
The Death Camp:
In June I attended Death Camp. A weekend where we covered all but the first section of leg 5 either by foot or by bike. After this camp I realized that I didn't need any more mileage. I needed strength and I needed time on those trails.
After the Death Camp: I did squats, lunges, plyometrics and hill sprints. And I spent every weekend I could in Grande Cache. Thanks to Crystal I learned to love Leg 2. Thanks to H-dog and Husband I learned to love leg 4. Thanks to Sue I was scared of leg 3 (haha!) It made me run anyway...
The training was tough and I seriously contemplated dropping out before the race even started. I was starting a new business and I felt stretched as it was. I signed up for this race as a way of dealing with greif. By June I had dealt with it and that was no longer a motivation. I had to find a new purpose for doing this, and finally I did.
The Race:
My #1 goal for the race was to be the happiest soloist on the course. Honestly, I believe this is what got me through legs 1-4. I was smiling, chatting to everyone I met and even had the thought "I don't want this day to end". That thought was followed by "OMG don't jinx yourself!" LOL the fear certainly wasn't unfounded. There were walking dead all around me- and that was only leg 2! I am so glad that A) I took it easy on leg 1 and B) I knew leg 2 like the back of my hand. Leg 2 is a beast. The first time I did it I was ready to drop out of the entire venture!
By the time I got to race day I'd done it 3 times and had made my peace :) Thanks to Crystal Rhyno I had some mind games that kept me happy and positive. Like yelling "BOGMAN" through the tough boggy sections, and singing "The road that never ends" all the way up the long road to the top of Grande.
On leg 3 I ran with a woman from Grande Cache who was a chatty Cathy and kept me entertained. She apologized for her rambling but it was great. I ran leg 3 almost start to finish. I was terrified of the cut off. And rightfully so, there were 85 people who's days ended at that cut off because they missed the 7:06 deadline. (I was there at 6:30)
On the way down I was running and keeping a good pace. And then...it got dark. Between the dust and the boulders I had to slow to a fast hike. Once I got to the 7km gravel road to the bottom I was able to jog, but it took me much longer to complete this leg than I'd planned. By the time I reached transition it was after 2am. I had blisters all over my feet, I was grumpy, sore and ready to be done. (did I mention I got my period on leg 2?)
Darin was a fantastic support crew at the end of every leg. Mostly I was easy- fill my camelback, help me change my shoes and give me any food I need. At the end of leg 4 it was different. I needed my husband. I was whiney, grumpy and in serious pain. D popped my blisters, changed my socks and shoes and tried to get me to eat/drink something warm. I was almost crying from the pain in my feet but D was so supportive and told me to just get out there and finish the last 22km.
Leg 5 was the toughest of all. The first part of the leg was the only part I've never seen and it was horrible. Overgrown (and pitch black), steep and nasty. I was really suffering, stubbing my toes on every 4th step and screaming out in pain. I was seeing things that weren't there, and just praying to get to the river for the boat crossing.
Finally I did, and after that I was on familiar turf. I was so happy to get rid of my coin to the man dressed as the grim reaper (you have to carry a coin and a timing chip through the race. If you lose either you are DQ'd). The climb out of the river bank is about 5km and STEEP. But once to the top you have a fairly flat/ rolling trail home. My bladder was on overdrive and I had to pee about 5 times, but when I hit 120km I decided to put my head down and RUN! And I did. All the way to town, and into the finish line. I have to say this finish was the most emotional and satisfying of any I've had. I've done done 4 Ironman's, 4 marathons and lots of smaller races and nothing compared to this. I was so happy to be finished, knowing I had completed the toughest physical and mental challenge of my life.
After:
I crossed the finish line, hugged my husband and hugged Crystal. Both of them were huge in getting me to the finish of that race. After that I just wanted to get off my feet! D and I walked (hobbled) to the motorvator a few blocks away. When I got back I wanted a shower, but after taking off my race clothes I was consumed by the shivers and couldn't imagine walking another step never mind the 3 or so blocks to the rec center for a shower. So I washed my feet, and used the baby wipes for a wash down and hit the hay.
A few hours later we woke up and were able to shower and eat.
The aftermath:
So now that the race is done and in the bag I can say for certain it was the toughest thing I've ever done. I can also say (with confidence) I don't want to do it again any time soon :)
I learned a lot about myself while training for, and during, this event. I am glad I did it, and glad I followed through and finished. I proved a lot to myself and I feel like it was what I needed to do. A month plus later the emotions are not as raw, but the lessons are just as relevant.
I finish what I start, if I am not strong enough I can find the strength, and my family are my biggest supporters and most important inspiration.
So there we have it. Race report done, moved on and moved forward. New goals are set for 2011 and I am looking forward to getting back into a regular training and blogging routine.
Fun Facts:
Total distance: 125km
Total elevation: 17000ft
Total time: 22hrs 05mins
Number of bananas consumed: 11 (thanks Julie!!!!)
Number of shoe/sock changes: 3
Number of black toe nails: 4
Number of nails lost (so far): 1
