So this is a bit delayed but I can't not write about it. Snake Run 2010. Leading up to the run I was feeling very angry about the weather. It had been lovely...days in the 60's. But the Saturday of the run it was predicted to begin snowing which is exactly what happened. Race morning found it 32 degrees with sleet that turned to snow and wind. It began miserably.
As I trudged the 4 mile loop I gave into the climate. Somewhere during the second loop I noticed how many runners had dropped off. I began to think I had a chance...
I mentioned this to my running friend DeDe who stuck with me the whole way.
Still, I wanted to quit at mile 12, but DeDe and TZ (Trail Zombie) were going for one more loop. I did not want to go. But I had no good reason to quit. So, because I couldn't find a good reason to stop, I decided not to deliberate and just do it. That got me to mile 16.
Then something took over. I can't explain it. I guess it was adrenaline when I got back after the 16 miles and TZ asked me if I wanted to do some half mile loops I was like...Sure! I ended up running three which got me to 17.5 miles at which time there was only 6 minutes left in the 6 hours. So that was it. I went to tent. Got more food and hydration.
I'd be remiss if I did not mention a legend who was running the trail race...
Larry Macon was there. In 2008, Larry did at least two marathons every weekend for a grand total of 105 races of marathon distance or more within the calendar year. He's been profiled in Runner's World is pretty amazing.
End of story is that De De and I tied for third place and we are getting an awesome Snake Run Trophy! I am so excited. This experience was awful and wonderful. Terrible and awesome. It helped me relate to the Veterans I work with every day. They describe their experiences in combat in a similar way. Awful...unspeakable even. And yet, they have never felt more alive. And some of them want to go back. Jackie Kennedy may have summed it up.
“I have been through a lot and I have suffered a great deal. But I have had lots of happy moments, as well. Every moment one lives is different from the other. The good, the bad, hardship, the joy, the tragedy, love, and happiness are all interwoven into one single, indescribable whole that is called life. You cannot separate the good from the bad. And perhaps there is no need to do so, either.”