It was at this very hour last weekend that I was somewhere in the middle of my 100 mile trail running endeavor. I can just now begin to digest the experience and see it from a distance. This past week of recovery has been very difficult for me. I was in the middle of dealing with a couple of stressful situations going on in my life (as well as some major p.m.s.!) even before I started the race. Thursday, the day before I left for Huntsville, I was so spent mentally that I couldn't imagine tackling such a monumental task. I was crying to Kurt on the phone saying "I can't do this, I don't have the mental energy, I am wasted!". He just kept saying, "Just let it come at you, once you get on the trails you will be able to relax". I knew I had a job to do, I had been planning and thinking about finishing this race for over a year. I decided that I had no choice but to be a big girl about it and just let it happen.
Kurt, the kids, and my mother-in-law dropped me off at the pre-race dinner. It helped to be around the other runners and absorb some of the energy. I talked to many veteran ultra runners from all over the country and listened to their stories and thoughts about the upcoming race. I love the company of ultra runners because they are so very laid back and they don't take life too seriously. Ultras are like life in the way that they are very unpredictable and you just have to be willing to deal with what ever comes up, (or down, in the case of precipitation). I also talked to some other 100 mile virgins like myself and we quietly comforted each other and listened to each others' concerns, fears, and hopes regarding the race. I was finally at home and I could take a deep breath and thank God that I was in the company of these unique individuals at such a beautiful place. I also felt a deep appreciation for my ability, mental and physical, to attempt such a task. I felt truly blessed and began to really look forward to waking up the next day and getting out in the woods.
I didn't actually have a ride back to the hotel from the pre-race dinner. I was hoping that I would find someone who was staying at the Econo-Lodge to ride back with. Before I had to go around begging for a ride, Allen Wrinkle (a friend of mine from previous ultras and Brenda Richmond's brother -in -law) offered to take me back. We stopped off at Wal-Mart for some last minute Pedialite (for electrolyte replacement) and some trashy tabloids to take my mind off things a bit. Allen and I were preoccupied because when he went to drop me off he thought I said "Motel 6", so he was driving around looking for Motel 6 and I was looking for Econo Lodge. We were not on the same page, but we figured it out eventually!
My friend Stephanie and her husband picked me up bright and early and took me to Huntsville State Park. They were taking a weekend mini vacation at their time share in Huntsville and were nice enough to wake up at 4: something to provide transportation. Getting back into the park was very calming. I immediately started to prepare and label my bags (only knew to label them because Allen had read the race day instructions and I didn't........must have been reading those tabloids. Allen Wrinkle saves the day once again!). Before I knew it it was 6:00 a.m. and the race was on!
For the first hour or so it was dark and flashlights were needed. I had my Winnie The Pooh flashlight (thought it would be funny) and dropped it off at the drop bag sight at about mile 10. It was a beautiful day and I was feeling good. Everyone around me was warning me to be sure to walk the hills, but I felt more comfortable running slow and steady the whole time rather than modifying my pace, so I did my own thing. It was working fine for me (for now.......).
The hours flew by, and at times I felt like I was just floating effortlessly through those woods. I had programmed an MP3 player for use during the race, but never needed it because the sound of my breath and the sights and sounds of the woods and the other runners was the only thing I needed. Since I have moved to Texas (2 years ago now), Huntsville State Park has remained my favorite place to be. Whenever I enter the park I just automatically feel at home and at peace. I have tested myself on those trails, I have cried on those trails, I have prayed on those trails, and I have purified and cleansed myself on those trails. I have come out of those woods a new creature. It's not about running, I have decided. Running is just one of the vehicle's I have chosen to experience God's grace. I am blessed indeed...........blatantly undeserving, but blessed indeed.
Two of my friends were generous enough to sacrifice their entire weekend to come and run with me for the last two 20 mile loops. Lionel Briggs ran with me first, from mile 60 through mile 80. I was so very glad to see his smiling face when I came in for the fourth loop. He was ready to go and was a big pick-me up. We talked about everything under the sun and laughed a lot. Those 20 miles went by relatively fast, but I did start to notice that inevitable fatigue creeping in and rearing it's ugly head. I tried to stay strong for Lionel though and didn't admit to it much. In reality though, I really started to get worried with 20 miles looming ahead of me. Lionel did a great job and I am forever indebted to him for his companionship and friendship, which was never more obvious to me than on that day. Thank you Lionel!
Lionel brought me in at mile 80 and Tony Mireles was there waiting to join me for the last 20 miles. He was there to bring me home! I was also so very happy to see Tony. Tony's nick name is Tony the Tiger, as he is tough as nails and will never complain no matter what. He has a quiet demeanor and unassuming manner, but don't let that fool you! Tony is likely to always be the last man standing, so I knew I could depend on him to help me finish. After a few miles of that last loop I was so sick of eating that I kind of backed off on the food which proved to be a bad idea. I soon lost strength. I noticed that while I was clearly "running", Tony was WALKING next to me and we were going the SAME SPEED! Tony suggested to me that it would probably do me some good to walk anyway, so I went with it. We spent the next 15 miles doing just that. We locked arms and Tony pulled me through those woods like a dog on a leash. He tried to get me to run several times but I just couldn't muster it. I even tried to sleep while walking and told Tony to "Tell me when I need to open my eyes" so I wouldn't trip on a rock or root. He did an awesome job.
At mile 97, three miles from the finish, my husband Kurt showed up to finish with us. He told me "Gretchen, there are 2 women at this aid station that are in their fifth loop and if you DON'T RUN NOW, they will finish before you!" All I could say to that was "Shut up! I am going to run 100 miles today, AND finish in under 24 hours..........that is good enough.......It doesn't matter if they beat me!" His reply was simply, "Well, it matters to me". I really didn't care what he thought at that point, but the pressure was definitely on. I decided to "run" with what ever energy I had left and to finish before those women. Tony was probably glad he could finally run! When I saw the finish line ahead of me I decided it would be appropriate do do a cartwheel to celebrate, so I did!
Amazing.......there was an energy and a drive within me, even after 97 miles, that I didn't know was there. Someone once equated running with peeling back an onion, you peel back one layer, and low and behold, there is indeed another layer there...........and another............and another............Thank you God for our hidden strengths, and our drive to seek them out.
This was a gift, I know there are many others out there who could never, due to disability or disinterest, even attempt such an endeavor. I am so thankful that this drive and desire was placed in my heart because it has enhanced my life in such a way as cannot be described.
"If you are going to doubt something, doubt your limits" - Don Ward
Link to pictures from the race: http://www.brightroom.com/view_user_event.asp?EVENTID=6194&PWD=&BIB=2 (You may need to right-click while your cursor is on the link and select "Open Hyperlink"
Gretchen