The Path that Lays Ahead

In the wake of any race, I am either really high or really low.  I either feel great about what I accomplished or am ready to prove that I can get back out there and do better than the last time.  Right now I am riding high.  Kind of like drunk dialing, I end up planning all the next races that I want to do and sometimes over commit.  Currently, I have a list as long as my arm of races I want to do!   Fortunately I have wizened up over the years and know how to restrain myself.  

I managed to get a free race entry into the San Diego Half Marathon on June 4th.  My goal at this race is to finally run under 2 hours.  My half marathon PR is 2:00:32 so I need to run 33 seconds faster to make my goal!  This gives me 6 weeks to quicken up my legs after the base I have built of long slow miles.  I am excited for this change of pace.  

After that, I have another 50K planned September 9th.  Kenny and I got selected for the McKenzie River Trail Run, a 50K in Oregon on my favorite trail, the McKenzie River Trail.  The McKenzie River is one of the most pristine rivers in Oregon.  The upper reaches are designated as a Scenic and Wild River meaning there are no dams, no human manipulation.  It is a crystal clear, gorgeous salmon river.  Originating in the Cascade Mountain range, it is a tributary to  the Willamette River, which snakes through the Willamette Valley from Eugene to Portland, creating the lush and fruitful croplands that grace Oregon.  On the west side of the Cascades, the mountain is covered with Douglas Fir trees towering over those who travel beneath.  The trail winds through this forest and we are among the lucky few who will get to traverse down this trail.

This trail is one of my favorites and one the trails that helped me begin as a trail runner.  I feel honored to have the opportunity to do this race.  Even better, it is a celebration of Kenny’s and my 15th wedding anniversary.  Our 15 years of marriage have ups and downs, highs and lows, and only our vow to each other has kept us together through it all.  

An ultra race is a moving metaphor for life.  A lot can unfold over the course of 31, 50 or 100 miles.  Surprisingly, when things get tough and you feel you can never climb out of the despair, suddenly the despair lifts and things look beautiful again.  It is only through holding on and maintaining relentless forward progress that you can finish a race.  Running a 50K together seems like a fitting way to celebrate the perseverance and hardwork that has kept our marriage strong.

These next couple of months will be as exciting as the last.  Let the journey continue.