Count down begins...

Today’s story is a continuation of last Wednesday: Chapter 34 Run for Jeff

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As I crossed the start/finish line several runners were gathered cheering me in. It was great to see everyone though 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. I gave him the thumbs up that I was continuing. I made the cut-off time! 

I was committed to the last loop and thrilled I had the opportunity to go for it. I guzzled down half of the new bottles as I entered the trail one last 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 markings now that I was on my own. I coached myself through the last loop. I was prepared for the negative thoughts to show up. I was ready. I can do this, just one more loop. Relax, breathe, and run. I am strong. I turned my focus on the sounds, sights, and smells to distract me from the discomfort. 

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 realized 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 and replied, “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 could make it in under 6 hours and 10 minutes. Go! Go! Go! 

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 was achieved. Thank you body and mind! We did it. 

I was tired. I was glad I could stand and take in hydration while we waited for the rest of the runners to finish. A feeling of sadness came over me— I wished my family was here. Yet I looked forward to telling them all about the morning and my experience at my first ultra trail race.   

TBC…

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Count down begins…

3 weeks until A REAL BALLBUSTER: Untangling Testicular Cancer Together is out in the world!

Thank you for your encouragement and reading along,

Julie