50K for Jeff.

Last Loop!

As I crossed the start/finish line several runners were gathered cheering me in. It was great to see everyone though I knew I wasn’t done. I stopped at the picnic table to grab more hydration bottles before heading back onto the trail for the last loop. The race director checked in with me and I let him know I was continuing—I made the caught off time!

I was excited I had the opportunity to go for the third loop. I guzzled down half of the new bottle as I entered the trail one more time— this time alone. I was hopeful the women runners behind me would catch up. I made sure to pay extra attention to the turns and trail marking—I was no longer following anyone.

I coached myself through the last loop. I was prepared for the negative thoughts to show up, and they did—but I was ready. I can do this, just one more loop. Relax, breathe, and run. Do this for Jeff-he got through four rounds of chemo you can run one more loop.

As I ran up to a large mud pit at about mile 27, I saw two hikers heading in my direction. It was nice to see people on the trail. They stood there trying to decide if they wanted to venture into the mud or not. I kept running toward them and the lady yelled out, “Be careful it’s so muddy and you don’t want to slip.”

I know she was just being kind but I had to laugh as my legs were covered in mud and this was my third time through. I smiled, laughed, and said, thank you. It felt good to laugh and it was comforting to see other people…I was almost done!

I had about four more miles to go and continued my mantras to get me to the finish. As I ran towards the last bridge I took a quick look at my watch, I was just over 6 hours. I can make it under 6 hours and 10 minutes, go go go!

50K-HUGHES STRONG

I ran up the stone steps and made a right turn up the gravel lot towards the finish. I ran with all I had left and crossed the finish in 6 hours and 9 minutes! My first 50K achieved—Thank you body and mind! We did it.

What do you want to thank your body or mind for today?

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Poem of the Day:

50K run 
Adventure in the trails
At times I felt like a snail 
Yet—
Slow and steady 
wins the race
I say. 

I crossed the finish line—
with muddy legs and a smile 
I accomplished my goal
My mind, body to thank.