Wednesday I had arranged to pick a runner up from the airport to take to the ranch. So much for listening to my mom about talking to strangers. John was flying in from Maine. He let me know he had a delay and I picked him up at 7:30 and we went to grab a quick dinner. I missed the turn down the road to the ranch as I'm only used to seeing it from the opposite direction. I also missed the sign and gate into the ranch as my night navigation skills are not stellar. We would joke I was taking him home with me.
We met Luis and he would make some comment about never seeing me in real clothes. John was able to get settled into a tent set up for him. I went and said hi to some friends as we chatted around a camp fire. I made my way out of the ranch and back home as I had to work the following morning.
Two days later I was completing my tasks at the office as quickly as possible so I could leave to get back to the ranch. I packed my car and arrived at the ranch only to realize I didn't grab my charcoal starter bucket or charcoal for the Dutch oven cobbler I wanted to prepare that evening. I parked by Jadd, Alejandra and Jadd's family and went to go run up a hill to try to get free Patagonia gear. The beer mile was next and I chose to spectate and watch Jadd claim the title the third year in a row.
I walked over to the Luna sandal booth and they were asking for an iron. I asked to take Jadd's dog with me as I drove back to my house for an iron and ironing board and to pick up the other supplies I'd left. I got back and set up the board and prepared the cobbler. Sean helped me try to start the charcoal only to have pointed out to us by another guy that I had the starter bucket upside down. A few minutes later the coals were finally lit and ready to cook. An hour later all the cobbler was served.
I was awakened Saturday morning by the sound of shotgun blasts and wondered why 4:30 am when the run didn't start until 6:00 am. Of course I was cold most the night so I looked forward to getting dressed and ready to run. I made my way to the start where I found Corinne, Baby Benji, Josue, Abigail and Gabi. I was happy to start my day seeing them. After a special little tribute to Akabill and the Caballo Blanco oath the run began.
I finished the first ten miles in just over 2 hours and made a small stop at my car for hydration and cooler clothing change. The next loop is yellow which is more challenging, but I like it better because it has climbing and some single track. I saw Jeff taking photos on the hill just like in years passed and he made me laugh. I continued to run and arrived at the hill that Akabill had yelled to me the previous year to hurry up he was falling asleep. I got teary eyed as I saw the sign and tribute to him. I ran down the hill thankful for the buff from Luna Sandals to wipe my eyes. I finished those next ten miles with a personal best despite my leg hurting.
The next loop was the same as the first, but I slowed down. I got back to my car to see Alejandra had finished the 30 mile course and her first ultra and I was so proud of her. I was at my car to do quick foot care and refill my fluid bottles and my friend Terri arrived. I wasn't expecting her until around 7:00 pm. She decided to wait for me to finish the next loop. I really pushed myself to get back at the second aid station I saw my friend Lisa and she would tell me it was 2.8 miles back to the start/finish area. I got back and was glad I only added 30 minutes to my previous pr and made it down Akahill the second time without crying. The dirtbag prom was getting under way as I finished my first 40 miles. I was excited I'd run the most I had ever done in 12 hours and also longest distance I'd done in my life. Terri braided my hair, I put on my dress and we began the next loop. Terri pushed me to jog and/or run more than I wanted to but I was glad she did. I told Terri I wanted to rest before I began my last 10 miles. She reminded me to take an extra headlamp. We said goodbye I thanked her for her support and I put on some warmer layers and took 10 minutes in my car.
I was on the last loop it was quiet it felt much longer in the dark and I thought I missed a turn so I retraced my steps back up the trail where I saw Manley and Jennifer and asked if they were on pink or yellow they said pink and I asked if I missed the yellow turn. They said no I needed to go down the trail they would go right and I would go left. I was upset and frustrated I had second guessed myself and wasted time and energy. Yellow loop felt so much longer in the dark and I wondered if I would ever find the single track turn or Akahill ever again. I got to the last aid station and talked to Bill for a little while and joked that I'd almost rather carry his wife down the trail. He said he didn't think he could carry me up the hill and so I made my way knowing I just had to push forward for 2.8 miles. I found the finish line just after 4:00 am so happy to be finished and crawl in my car. I looked at the timing screen saw I got credit for all 60 miles and selected my amulet made by Tracy Thomas of Marvelous Mud. I love her talent.
If anyone would have told me 7 1/2 years ago after my first heartbreak and rapid 30 pound weight loss and discovery of the couch to 5k running podcast that I'd be running 60 miles I would have called them crazy. I am so grateful that little phrase that upset me so long ago has allowed me to learn its truth through my trials and journey. "Often the worst things to happen to us become the best thing to happen to us."
My friend told me to take this week to relax. I asked if that was a 5 letter f word.
I've done my best to follow my own recovery plan. I rested then got a pedicure and foot massage. I've iced my tender foot. I went to my sports therapy appointment for another massage and he taped my foot. I've done little jogs back to the rear lot for work. I donated blood yesterday and for the first time in years my hemoglobin level improved. I guess there really may be something to that relaxing and there is always enough time to run.
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