Facing my fears

July 4th has come and gone, but my mind is still replaying the events of the day. Back on June 7th I signed up for two races for the future, both while we would be gone on vacation. One totally out of my comfort level and the other more right up my alley. Needless to say, the moment I hit send on the computer for both of my entrance fees, my anxiety shot up 100 percent and stayed there until yesterday morning when I was on the descent of the race.

I awoke at 4:30 Mountain time ready to face my fears and by the time I left the condo to walk the mile to the racing event, the temperature had dropped to 39 degrees. We were encouraged to walk to the event because there were over 300 participants and then there would be spectators along with the racers for the 50 mile bike race that followed us. Eating at 5:30 a.m. can be a tad tough but I know that I HAVE to fuel my body and more than ever before for this particular race. I enjoyed a piece of "Seeduction" bread toasted with fresh ground almond butter and 1/2 of a sliced banana on top.

Why this race? Because it was a 10k MOUNTAIN TRAIL race. The farthest distance I had raced was a 5k and the farthest I had ever run for a normal running day is 5 miles. We came to Colorado 4 days before the race to help me become acclimated to the elevation by hiking, walking, riding my bike as well as getting in a 3 mile run.

Many firsts for me today and to add to that list is running with more than 75 people and coming through a gate at the finish line.


The elevation the race began at was 9,658 feet and the elevation at home is 2,982 feet. MAJOR DIFFERENCE! Racing this event was broken down into three major groups:

1) Competitive

2) Intermediate

3) Leisure

All three groups inlcuded men, women and children. We were started 5 minutes apart from one another and so by the time my group took off, there was a lot of chattering going on, as many of us had stripped off coats, gloves, hats, etc knowing it wouldn't take long to warm up. The problem was that we were to line up at 6:45 knowing that our group wouldn't take off until 7:10.

As we came through the start line with-in two blocks we hit the trails and began our ascent. 886 feet to be exact with lots of boulders, large rocks, gravel, sticks, exposed tree roots, twists and turns, and all with-in the forest under the canopy of the trees. I stumbled several times but never crashed. I thought honestly that I was going over the side of the mountain in the beginning as I was launched like a speeding bullet and the racer in front of me braced herself and caught me. I can't thank Rachel enough!!

At the top (10,465 feet of elevation) at mile 3 was a water station, a small paved parking lot and sunshine as we were no longer in trees. But that didn't last long, remember small parking lot? We immediately began our descent of 866 feet and at one point going down it looked to me truly like a land mine. For maybe 1/4 to 1/2 mile all around us was nothing but LARGE rocks and trees that had been dozed down with the only option being to run/walk/hike your way through this area. As we came out of the forest doing switch backs to reach the bottom and the finish line the cheering and yelling was amazing. It hit me hard, it hit me so hard and it is hitting me hard right now because.....I DID IT! I welled up and had the hardest time seeing as I was still running and I had to get my mind back in focus. I could hear Bill yelling for me as soon as I came out of the timber line, GO YO GO. Over and over, even though I was probably 1/2 mile from him. I ran and ran....only Bill and Linsey the event coordinator knew that this was a huge deal for me amongst all the people in attendance. When I crossed the finish line Bill yelled "I am so proud of you" and Linsey was right there cheering me on as well.

As I processed what I had just witnessed out on the course with the etiquette of the racers, the endurance that I had for something major, and the beauty that surrounded me, I had to stop and thank God. Thank You Father for stirring me to train, to go farther, to stretch myself, and for bringing along side me Spiritual Cheerleaders. I am so thankful, I am so blessed, thank You Father.