Each Day Is a Gift

It's been over two years since I blogged.  I don't think anyone would be interested in reading this anyway.  I had also forgotten my login password.  Oh well, here goes.

I hadn't signed up for any race this year.  2016 was one tough year with taking on the role of my hubby's personal nurse, chauffer, ambulance driver, nutritionist, etc. that I have all but lost interest in doing any races.  I'm only running this 10th edition of UVM because I have a deferment from last year when I couldn't do it due to attending my grandson's baptism in TX.  Anyhow, since this is my 6th time running UVM, I was inducted to their 150 miler club at the VIP dinner on Fri. where I saw Marcie N. (Canyon) and her sweet sister Christine.  I brought with me my son, Eric, who has flown in that morning and Lowell who drove down from Pokey.  They each won a raffle drawing prize.  Winner, winner chicken dinner!

Eric drove Lowell, Karen and I to the bus ride dark and early at 3:30 to catch the 4am bus.  We got to the start ridiculously early with 75 min before the race start.  I was freezing so ducked inside a pop to read from my phone.  I felt completely at ease and was just super happy that my son, two of my best friends are here.  I went to look for Kandi who is running as Huntsman Hometown Hero and saw John Bozung in firefighters' armors; chatted with them a bit. 

Race started on time.  Eric and Karen went with the 4:00 pace group, Lowell went with the 4:30 group and I hung back with the 5:30 group.  I have no dilusional goal that I would break 5 hour since all my runs have been in the 11-13 mm pace.  I'm here to enjoy the scenery, the commaderie, may be help someone along the way. 

In the Wallsburg miles I chatted with two ladies from Colombia which reminded me that one of our missionaries from Colombia is getting married to one of our missionaries from Maryland next Sat.  I ran with two ladies (who turned out to be in my AG) from Salem OR who were doing the 5:1 thing.  Chatted with big Al whom I beat to the pop at the mile 5 aid station. 

The biggest ascend comes in at mile 7.5 to mile 9.  I would give myself 30 seconds to walk to catch my breath, trying to keep my pace under 13mm.  It worked pretty good other than the fact that there was a lady speed walking and managed to get ahead of me and it would take me awhile to catch up to pass her.  I found myself leapfrogging with two cute girls 19 yo twins with perfect matching strides prancing effortlessly down the canyon like two fawn deer. 

I caught up with the firefighters who had a 30 min early start at the tunnel.  It was so awe inspiring to see them walk/jog holding the flags, wearing heavy gears, to honor fellow cancer survivors or victims.  I walked a bit with them thanking and cheering them on.

The temperature is probably in the low 60s and feels cooler in the shady spots.  I crested the last uphill at mile 17 past the Bridal Veil Falls and was immediately greeted by a gusty headwind.  That normally would take my breath away and caused an asthma attack but today it felt like a welcome cooling breeze.  I took an Aleve and couple of salt caps just in case!  The temp was heating up as we exited the canyon and the traffic was getting heavy.

I had been taking Gu every 5-6 miles or so.  As I approached the 21 mile aid station, I was focused on looking for RAD and missed taking my GU.  She emerged with her puppy Daisey past mile 22.  I was so relieved to see her.  She gave me a salt tab to suck on and went to get me some ice from Will's Pit Stop.  What a great friend and support she's been to me.  I just kept one foot in front of the other while she chatted away encouraging me along. 

As we approached the last intersection I could see Eric running towards me with a medal around his neck, then I saw hubby, my mil and sil, Lily and my niece Jessie.  That gave me extra boost to kick it in.  I looked at my watch as I crossed the finish that I had a 9:35! Wow! I hadn't seen that pace in over a year!  Anyhow, that lasted only 1 second I'm sure of it.  I was so happy that I finished this race with ZERO charlie horse, and even splits. 

Karen BQ's and PR'd.  So proud of her training alone the last two years as I have become too slow to run with her.  Eric did better than he expected.  Lowell on the other hand came up short.  I would've caught him in another block.  But that crazy man had done a Half Ironman and Ogden Half recently.  So I can't accuse him of being lazy!  We all went out to lunch at ChuckaRama and reflected on such a wonderful day with great friends and in a beautiful place!

What's next? Do the Morgan Valley Marathon in two weeks and see how I recover and evaluate where to go from here!