Midnight - take off on our second legs with an hour of sleep under my belt. Missed our #8 runner with a mile to go to my exchange (#21), I suggested going a head and good thing, because she was maybe 1/2 mile from the exchange and I needed a POP!! Got there about 15 feet in front of her and took off, but the garmin didn't start for another 1/2 mile or so :( It was beautiful!!! Stars were out, nice weather and quiet peacefulness. Just me and the pavement, and all the roadkill I made :) Lost track of how many I passed this leg, it was around 20 I think and again never got passed. The most memorable one was a girl I worked hard to catch then caught up with the van to get a drink, dang she passed during my short walk and I had to re-pass! When I did she said "wow! you're doing great - you're the only person who has passed me." Made me feel good that I was able to push to get through and get a nice compliment like that. I loved running around Echo reservoir and was surprised how many people were walking. I could feel fatiuge, because I thought for sure I was pushing under an 8mm, but AP at 8:11. Definately needed a good drink a couple times, but what an amazing run late at night with beautiful scenery and quiet :) Definately my favorite leg of the race! Total miles 9.6; AP 8:11, Splits: 8:30, 8:09, 8:06, 8:00, 8:40, 8:16, 7;57, 7:59, 8:04, 7:28 (last .2 I recorded) Total elevation change: 186 ft (497 up 311 down .4% grade)
When we got to the van exchange our van was late, so I picked up the wristband and ran for .5 mile until the van was able to catch up (AP 7:59) it was only a few minutes, but I'd have hated to wasted them sitting around! After our legs, drove to Ruth's cabin where we got spoiled ROTTEN!!! Beautiful cabin with 5 showers and numerous beds (nice, big soft ones!!). Got a nice private shower and another hour + of GOOD sleep. Then off again to the exhchange. Met up with Smooth and Lowell, it really made my race to be able to visit with them for a bit! I was really hoping that they would catch up to us so I could run the death march with Lowell - however, our team was just too speedy :) Missed them at the end, no one in the van wanted to stay - everyone was ready to go home! It started to rain the last mile before my #33 death march exchange, so I was in the rain (softly falling 95% of the time) the enitre leg, which ended up to be perfect weather for it! Got to the exchange the exact time as another team...he took off, but I knew slow and steady would win this race! I resolved to just keep with him (he never got more than maybe 100 yds ahead). This mentality kept me running until 2 miles into the run. It was difficult for sure, but I just kept trying to put one foot in front of the other and relax and enjoy the tunes on the not-pod! My team kept me good every .5 mile with water to rinse my mouth out with (didn't have enough breath to swallow! Did take some gatorade though.) Everyone was SO positive on this run. Mud and rocks and a hill from !@?#!!! Other teams cheering you on just for staying strong and running, everyone complimenting you as you went - it was AMAZING!!! When I caught the rabbit from the exchange, we were going back and forth being a stride or two infront of the other - then I finally won. He said "I'm going to have to let you go, you've out done me!" Gave me an amazing confidence boost! I would do this, and do it well - keep on keeping on!!! At 2 miles took my first walk break and would rotate run 2 walk 1 minute for the next 1/2 to 3/4 mile - wow was that long and tedious! I just kept pushing on and sometimes those last 30-40 seconds of running were sheer torture, but I kept on. I did pass quite a few people walking or walk/running, but also got passed by only a few that were CHARGING up that hill!!! I honestly don't remember the numbers, I was way too concentrated on just keeping the feet going! around .5 mile left the trail gave a bit, some flat or what felt like downhill to get a good break in. That last .5 mile went quickly and I felt strong, but was ready to pass off. Finished in 41:58, wow! Looking down the hill at that point I felt SO accomplished, a year ago I would've never dreamed that I could do it, but I did it with the best of them today!!! Rough finish of the hill for Cal and then crazy down for Jeff and a fun trail run in for Annette. We met her at the end of the field and got to run her in to the finish. Our team was done in 29 hours even, I felt that was impressive. It was a rough run, but I had the time of my life and LOVED it!! Would've liked a little more sleep and a little more fun chatting, but had a WONDERFUL time and would do it again in a heartbeat...even my leg!!! Total miles: 3.6 AP: 11:46 Splits: 8:56, 11:53, 14:26, 11:48 total elevation change (1463 ft, 1482 up 19 down, 7.6% grade)
| 
