"Let's all run some trails, in the dark with glow sticks" they said... and like that, I was game! Heck, maybe they didn't even say it exactly like that, or specifically even ask, but those are the words I told myself when looking into doing this "fun run" a couple months back. Honestly, I think I sought out the chance and perfect opportunity to hang with the "big dogs" and once again be in the pack of some amazing runners and friends.
What. A. Night. I bet if you asked Pina or Pippa if I enjoyed myself, they would probably have a hard time answering. I was so looking forward to this night, days and hours leading up to that moment when we would hear "GOOOO". When we pulled in the parking lot, I felt ready and eager to go share this experience with friends! When it was time, we all hustled up a grassy hill into the woods to begin our 5ish mile mission. Single file, in a pretty defined "single track" our lights illuminated Dryer Road Park. One foot in front of the other we formed lines of people on a mission to conquer this trek! Over the course of the race, I stumbled... a bunch of times. Even though you heard considerate racers in front of you scream "Roots" (which was probably uttered at least a thousand times) or "High Step", "Log", "Step Down"... etc, it was only a warning to try to prepare your body for your next step. I've always been clumsy... that's no secret... but last night was a challenge for such a clumsy girl. Throw in some pretty intense inclines, THE DARK WOODS, and sharp declines... and you have a salad of possibilities. Yep a salad... and around the middle of mile three, I added the dressing with a pretty big spill on my left foot. That stupid left foot is always my demise. While allowing others to pass by, I tried to gain my composure. I'm sure the tears on my face glistened as headlamps moved on ahead, but at that point, I didn't care. Okay, well maybe a little... but it was short lived. I tried to insist to Pina and Pippa to continue on so I could have a moment in some self pity... but c'mon, they are as stubborn as I am... and just ignored my words and helped me up. My pride was damaged and wondered how bad my ankle was at that moment. As we finished the run, they tried to keep the mood light, and looking back I feel bad that I just remained silent and fixated at that finish line. I have such amazing friends!!!! Today, as I look up and see that swollen bump on my left ankle, wrapped up in an ace bandage with a huge wegmans bag filled with ice on it... I'm not angry anymore... but EXCITED that I had raced. It's all just part of The Climb, right? Thanks Pina, thanks Pippa... and to Carrie, Moogle, Gina and my hubby James for hanging out last night. I'll always remember my first official Trails ROC experience, and I'll be back again for some more fun! The entire running community in Rochester is truly special and unique... and I love being part of it!!!!! That's what moves me today.
It's no secret that music holds a special meaning to me. I've mentioned before how sometimes it can be the only driving force I have in my tool belt to complete a run. A certain song can get me to continue on, STOP, or help take me to a place that my mind may need to be at that exact moment. So it's no surprise that I've found yet another song that I am going to hold on to for the next... eh?... let's say 8 months or so. A song that I think is fitting as I prepare for my next year of running. Insert "The Climb"
I'm coming off to what was an exciting spring and summer. I was able enjoy some great times with my family, running in the morning with Pina, and watching my husband and friends complete soooo many amazing milestones. (I wonder how many miles Pippa, Moogle, Gina, Carrie & Pina logged while training and finishing many half marathons and trail runs.) I also was able to see my main squeeze complete Segahunda, aka HIS FIRST MARATHON, which happened to be considered an "Ultra" in the trails Letchworth State Park.
After that he (and my fearless friend, Pina) went on to do this all day and all night trail race called The Mighty Mosquito. This ultimately prepared James for running 21 miles total over three legs with 11 others that made up his Ragnar Adirondacks team. Needless to say, I am inspired. Inspired to take on a more active role with my running. Inspired and motivated about setting some goals out there of my own... and getting the work done beforehand to achieve them! Last week I started. I ran far more many miles last week than I had in a long while. I also began to plan ahead a schedule I could follow. It feels amazing. Rain didn't stop me, nor did the excuses of "next week I'll start" linger in my brain. I went out of my comfort zone and signed up for a 5ish mile trail race back in August after seeing friends complete The Mighty Mosquito, and last week they held a preview for it. I had to go... and I'm so glad I did. This Saturday is the real deal and there are so many friends (and James) doing the Glow Run... it's going to be awesome! On top of that, I have two more races in October. Both are 5k's and both are what is motivating me to train... to jump start this "year" or "next 8 months" in high gear. I have a desire to keep increasing my pace and feeling comfortable in it for longer distances. I have Seneca 7 on the horizon (hoping we can get a spot in this very popular race), the Segahunda relay and if I can form a team of 4, perhaps the Winter Warrior relay race. While all this is going on, Pittsburgh 2016 is there in the background. Pina is running the FULL... yes, the FULL and I can't be more proud and supportive for this. As of now, as I type these words, the only thing I can commit and wrap my brain around is PR'ing the 5K in Pittsburgh. However, while training and picking up miles with Pina as she gets ready for achieving 26.2 status, I hope to piggy back off that to get my distance up there as well. And there is this small hope and/or tiny bug that I have that when Pittsburgh comes, I could be confident and ready to crush that half marathon. I already know that if I sign up now, I won't like running for the next 8 months. That "I have to run and train because I signed up for this mammoth amazing race" is not going to be the motivation I will need. I already know it, so why put myself in that situation. However, telling my brain that "I'm running because I want to, and log miles with Pina as she follows her path and goal" is something I'm so eager to do. So, what moves me today? The Climb. And I know I will refer back to this song countless times. It motivates me today, and I am prepared for it to anger me, cause me to break down in tears, or bring a smile to my face over and over again. Tonight we're meeting to run the preview for our race on Halloween... a tough course, uphill most of the way, but together we'll endure that climb together. And so, it begins! I can almost see it That dream I am dreaming But there's a voice inside my head saying "You'll never reach it"
Every step I'm taking Every move I make feels Lost with no direction My faith is shaking
But I gotta keep trying Gotta keep my head held high Chorus: There's always gonna be another mountain I'm always gonna wanna make it move Always gonna be a uphill battle Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there Ain't about what's waiting on the other side It's the climb
The struggles I'm facing The chances I'm taking Sometimes might knock me down But no, I'm not breaking
I may not know it But these are the moments that I'm gonna remember most, yeah Just gotta keep going
And I, I got to be strong Just keep pushing on Chorus: 'Cause there's always gonna be another mountain I'm always gonna wanna make it move Always gonna be a uphill battle Sometimes I'm gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there Ain't about what's waiting on the other side It's the climb, yeah! Chorus: There's always gonna be another mountain I'm always gonna wanna make it move Always gonna be an uphill battle Somebody's gonna have to lose
Ain't about how fast I get there Ain't about what's waiting on the other side It's the climb, yeah!
Keep on moving, keep climbing Keep the faith, baby It's all about, it's all about the climb Keep the faith, keep your faith, whoa
