My plan going into the day was to play defense. Say on
Morgan and not let him get any time back. If he ran, I would run. If he walked,
I would walk. I had to remind myself that vertical was my strength. The steeper and longer the climbs, historically, the better I
did in races. I was still nervous for the day though.
We were graced with some cooler temperatures on this stage.
In the high 80’s and overcast, it was a welcome reprieve from the stage 2 days
prior.
My group started an hour after the first wave, and like
expected, Morgan didn’t waste anytime getting to work. He was running uphills
that were outside the comfort zone, but I had it in me to stay on him. He was running STRONG! I tried
to make some small talk between breaths, but it was awkward as we both knew that this was the day that mattered most.
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| The Start |
The scenery on this stage was amazing. So amazing in-fact that I looked up to admire the views and instantly tripped on a rock and took a slow-motion tumble down the slope. Morgan stopped to ask me if I was okay, and I shook it off and kept going. My knuckles and knee were bloody, but nothing seemed broken.
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| Trying to make conversation with Morgan |
We were together at the 18-mile aid station where we stopped
and rammed some food in our mouths and then continued on.
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| The 18 mile aid station |
We were running head-on into a major thunderstorm and the
lightening had us a little nervous. Despite it all, we pushed on. The skies opened
into a torrential downpour for 10 minutes or so while we slogged up the next
climb. Fortunately, there wasn’t any lightening around us.
 |
| Running into a storm |
The next 5-6 miles were just work. Morgan and I were still
together although it felt like a switch flipped and I was starting to be the one pushing pace. I
would initiate the jogs uphill and he would follow. I was starting to wonder if
I’d be able to push ahead at some point. I decided to play my head game card…
“Morgan, I’m sorry I’m so annoying today! I really want to win this thing and I have had to play defense to keep my place secure.”
Silence was in the air after that comment.
Around mile 23 or so, we hit some uphill switchbacks at a
modest grade. I pushed pace…. Morgan didn’t follow. As soon as I rounded the
first switchback, out of sight of Morgan, I ran hard for 200 yards and then
power hiked again. As soon as I was out of sight again around the next
switchback, I did it again.
This continued until I no longer had sight of Morgan.
I decided at this point that I wasn’t going to let him catch
me, and I really went to work. I was eating a ton and still staying hydrated as
I jogged every uphill I could. I hit the 35-mile aid station and filled up with
some hydration and ate some watermelon and skittles before continuing on.
Back-to-work….
My confidence was building, and I was running up the
mountain now.
“How is this happening?!!” I yelled out loud. So impressed
that I had it in me to lead yet another stage.
I quickly stopped at the final aid station and then hammered
up the remining 2.5 miles of the climb. Cresting the top I yelled.
“Woo hoo!!! I can do this! I’m going to win this race!”
About 500 meters later, I passed a car of tourists taking
pictures of the view.
“Are you okay?” they asked “We heard you yelling”
“I didn’t know anyone was here!” I laughed. “I was just
excited about the views”
I was on the way back down the mountain towards the finish
when I called Julie with tears in my eyes and left a voice mail.
“I can’t believe it babe. I’m going to do this. I didn’t
believe in myself, but I’m going to do this!”
I soared down the road towards the finish super emotional. I kept thinking how much other people believed
in me. My coach, friends, other runners all told me how strong I was but for
whatever reason, I doubted in my own ability. Cresting the top of the climb I
realized that I needed to believe in myself. The doubts I had were sabotaging
my potential as an athlete.
As I rounded the corner towards the finish, there were only
a few people I could see there. It was like no one was ready for the finishers!
I crossed the finish line and Matt, one of the volunteers came over to congratulate
me. I was still teared up and so excited when I looked over my shoulder.
Standing there was my best friend Josh whom I hadn’t seen in over a year and
lives in Los Angeles.
Was I hallucinating? Josh and his wife in the middle of the desert?
I was in shock, and it made me tear up even more.
“What are you doing out here?!”
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| My boy Josh |
“Chris set it all up. Julie knew as well. We were driving
out to Colorado and decided to come see you.”
I was in shock.
Josh is editing the documentary that is being shot this week
and had not yet met Chris in person. Chris organized the entire thing and surprised
me in the process.
I’ve never had a surprise birthday party or anything, so
this was truly a shock. One of the coolest things ever.
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| Scenery from the course |
While I waited for the rest of the finishers, I grabbed some
food and water and got out of my smelly clothes. Morgan finished about 25
minutes later and we cheered on the rest of the crew as they finished.
After dinner that night I went to the tent to sleep. I was
out before my head hit the pillow and apparently, I was the one snoring all
night. I finally slept like a baby.
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| Ready for bed |
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