“The mountains are calling and I must go,” John Muir.
I wasn’t particularly excited about running Terrapin. Maybe it was the upset stomach the night before. Or the fear of bonking. Or the realization I had signed up to run 32 miles. Again.
Whatever it was, my heart wasn’t in it. For someone who loves turtles AND running, I was uncharacteristically ambivalent.
But the Mountains were calling…
At 7 a.m., 300 trail runners disappeared up Terrapin Mountain. At Camping Gap, we divided into two groups. The crazy ones headed up Terrapin Mountain for the half marathon. The crazier ones descended the gravel road for the 50k.
I focused on the basics. Eat, run, drink. Eat, run, drink.
Somewhere in those miles, I found my mountain spirit. Or it found me. I was no longer fighting the terrain; I was passing through it, basking in the air, the light, the dirt, the sweat. I felt joy for the mountains, for my fellow runners and for the great gift of Life that allowed me to run this race.
During those last miles, I felt stronger than at any point in the race. As someone who is accustomed to bonking the last 5-10 miles, it was surreal.
I don’t how it happened at Terrapin, that transformation from start to finish, but I got my mountain legs back. And it felt good.
***
Time: 6 hours 8 mins 48 seconds
Place: 7th female, 55th overall
Distance: 50k
Elevation gain/loss: 7560 feet/ 7560 feet
***
Many thanks to a great race director, Clark Zealand, and to all the volunteers who worked the aid stations, marked the course and kept us safe. This race wouldn’t happen with your hard work.
To my runner friends, see you at Promise Land!
March 29, 2011 at 7:15 am |
I think it was John Denver who sang Rocky Mountain High. Certainly sounds like you had your high of pure mountain enjoyment. Congratulations on a great run. It was certainly a special day and I had a ball. See you at Promise Land!
March 31, 2011 at 10:59 am |
Thanks, Rick! You’re on a roll this year… On my list of motivation to run faster – the chance to run some miles with Rick Gray!
March 31, 2011 at 12:04 pm |
Last year you passed me going up Apple Orchard Falls, so I think you are going to get your wish soon. I can’t wait and I am looking forward to running some miles with you.
April 5, 2011 at 9:42 pm |
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on Terrapin. My report is linked from eco-x blog. It was a special day… and yes, Rick that is a john Denver song… but have you hear the song about Terrapin my the Grateful Dead? “some climb to get to terrapin”. Read Dani Seiss blog linked also from eco-x.
I ran the half, I am glad I was there, I learned a lot. the weather was perfect too.