As 2013 nears the end, I feel so rewarded to have participated in so many wonderful events this year.
As her crew chief, I helped Stacey make her way diligently from Canada to Seattle, 173 long, paved miles.
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| Stacey laughing as she approached her finish |
I helped Jonathan earn an Eagle as he completed a successful Grand Slam while I paced and crewed him. Starting with Western States and ending with Wasatch there was never a dull moment, so many feelings of excitement, stress, fatigue, defeat, compassion and euphoria out on the course. We shared so many stories and times, that I was swore to secrecy.
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| Team Shark at the completion of the Grand Slam |
Terry Sentinella and Chiping Fu became great friends as they completed the Grand Slam and I was right there to cheer them along the way. I paced/crewed Linh to finish her first 100 miler at Badger, and Leadville; where she starred as the runner vs her usual role as Crew Chief.
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| Linh and I preparing for LT 100 "She Ain't Got no Quit" Thanks for the mantra Run Pretty Far |
I also had the opportunity to help Van accomplish her goals when I was unable to complete my own journey in two of our joint runs.
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| Van at the finish of Issy 100 |
Van and I had our first Double Wonderland attempt, 186 miles around Mt Rainier. It was not to be completed this year due to unexpected problems but we'll get it next time. "Next time" was to be next year but now we may need to attempt Tahoe 200.......... Double Wonderland will happen, the mountain isn't going anywhere and it will be well worth the wait.
I had some great races early in the season, and completed the all time best 100 miler, Cascade Crest Classic. There were many successful runs and adventures with friends and many new friends made along the way. I am happy with my running accomplishments but had no idea how rewarded I would feel from helping others achieve their goals.
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| CCC 100 |
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The pressure is greater when your responsibilities include helping someone achieve a goal. If you let yourself down you can accept that and have only yourself to blame. When you help others realize they have more strength, potential, finesse and ability, it truly feels like you have accomplished something big. It makes you feel warm inside and out. Watching them cross that line and realize what they have done elicits a true feeling of euphoria. It feels nice to be a part of the accomplishment and not even need a recovery period :)
This is no way means that I don't have big running goals this year!!!! And now it's my turn to get a few buckles or an Eagle for the shelf.
I'm in the usual lotteries WS and HR 100. And dare I submit a letter to Barkley? I'm working on my essay. I plan to watch for others, Tahoe 200, Wasatch, CCC 100 and sign up for some new ones too. This will be a great year with new journeys, FKT's and a return to the usual suspects.
I'm so excited to see what next year will bring. I'm getting tired of wearing the same old buckles to work everyday ;)
Meanwhile I'm looking forward to snowshoe adventures and running a snowshoe race or two!
