15 mile run!
P5130227, originally uploaded by Random and Odd.
With all that has been going on it’s been a couple of weeks since we have been able to make it out on the trail for a long run. We picked a ten mile trail for today. It’s one we had never been on.
Not knowing what to expect we filled the Camelbaks and packed a small lunch. The book said it would be a seven hour hike so we went prepared.
Our intent was to get on the road by 6am to avoid the full sun canyon part of the hike. We didn’t get up there until 9am.
We all needed a quick breakfast and our Starbucks. The drive out there was further than we had expected.
Pulling into the trail head and getting out of the warm car we knew once we got to running we would heat up so we removed our sweats and got moving. The first couple miles of the trail was breathtaking.
I realized a few miles in, sometimes it’s good to run. Sometimes you need to slow down and hike it and enjoy where you are.
8 miles into the hike we found our lunch spot and took a break. I had already shed the sweatshirt, the wicking shirt and was down to the sports bra. It’s bad enough that I have the funniest farmer tan where my socks meet my ankles, I didn’t need the sleeve farmer tan to match.
Around 10 miles, after an exceptionally grueling run up a hill I was certain I wouldn’t make it up without stopping, I looked around at all that I have done. This wasn’t my life 2 years ago. There is no way anyone would have ever been able to convince me that in two short years I would be trail running with complete confidence that I could do whatever amount of mileage you put in front of me. I was broken 2 years ago and now I am stronger than I have ever been. I have more hope for a happy life than I ever thought possible.
Tabitha is my biggest cheerleader. We worked our way up another set of hill after lunch and she ran along side of me on an exceptionally wider trail than we are use to. “You go girl. You got this. Run!” and I did.
I kept telling myself, “I won’t stop until my legs tell me it’s time.” My mind has a way of stopping me before my body is ready.
Tomorrow Shea turns 13 years old. I never thought she would have a birthday that wasn’t marred by the happenings of 2 years ago, but tonight as I sat in the backyard of the man who truly loves me and we talked and talked and talked some more…I realized that day didn’t define me. That day still belongs to my daughter and this year her gift is a stronger mother who has allowed love in her heart and life.
She has an amazing role model in me and her father who can run 15 miles together without killing each other. She has a ‘step mom’ in Tabitha who loves her so much.
My night ended in a good dinner, a long soak in the hot tub and great conversation.
Tomorrow I will go get my TEENAGE daughter and take her shopping. Her family will take her to dinner and we will give our blessings for such a beautiful life.
*15 miles because we parked 2.5 miles up the trail head.