So how many of you have heard me say how I am too busy to run lately? And how many of you have heard my sadness over loosing this aspect of me? Ok yes I know it is most of you, hahaha. My training since June has been the bare minimum. I have been outright depressed about not running and yet still scheming for ways to “feel ready” to run a race or two. I had signed up for the Bluff a long time ago as a plan to run a couple races before Hellgate. I signed up for MMTR50 for training for Hellgate as well. But as time drew nearer and I was not able to get more than 2 runs in a week and started bonking at the 2 hour mark, I began to doubt my running and whether or not I should be starting any races at all. I had only run the Bluff once before and with the flu! I thought even with an unprepared body I would give it a shot. I got a few last training runs in even though I am convinced you can’t cram for an ultra I did it anyway. I showed up that morning with no expectations at all except to have a beautiful day in the woods and hopeful for a finish. Plus a little enticement of knowing what the finisher’s award looked like the day before the race. I might have to have one of those! I had all the tricks I knew with me…. I even stuck my iPod in my pack. I started way in the back and let myself get caught in the slow walk through Timberlands. I had a great time talking with all Soupergirl, who took off quick, Allstate and Downhill, who I ran almost to Bluff Head with, and Ultra, determined to use all his Bluff allowed minutes, but hold onto that streak. I ran comfortable; I did not push at all. I reached the Bluff aid station in 2:23, quick for me but really comfortable. I did not waste time but said Hi to Shaggy and Scoobie, and went on my way. I walked most up and over the Bluff, but ran specifically when I knew Chris would be snapping those photos! Ha! I ran most of the back side of the Bluff. Saw Sudsie who was running “LSD and tripping on the leaves”. I found the James River Valley particularly beautiful on the day of the Bluff. I rolled down Lone Pine and into Braemore. I said a yee haw to Shellygirl who guarded my Vitamin Water until I got there, Ticket and Sidestitch too. I refilled my pack with the Vitamin Water and water and took a few PB and J’s and off I went. I was at 3:39. At this point I still was not ready to push off too hard, so I took out my phone and tweeted my whereabouts. Because that is what the crazy Bimblers do right? Tweet? I walked up the first hill in Braemore and then started back into a run. I guided a few people through some of Braemore and into Rockland. I reached the right turn on the red circle and I felt pretty good so I decided to test some running a little more aggressively. I felt OK. So I ran most of orange and around Coan Pond. I ran into Renee’s Way, said Hi, gave Sandy my number and ran off. I forgot to look at the watch at Renee’s Way so I don’t know what time it was when I pulled out of there. I did know that it was time to run it out a bit. I figured if I crashed I still had time to walk it in and if I did not crash then what the heck. So I ran. And it felt good and I worried a bit. But I ran all the way to Rt. 80 except for that last gravel uphill at the last Right turn in Genessee. And there was the L turn off the monastery to Rt. 80. I ran into the last aid station downed some coke and ran off while Snobody told tales to me of running a PR on the course. A little less than 3 miles, in less than 30 mins??? I thought he was crazy but what the hell, give it a shot right…RUN!!! So I did. At some point during the event I made a deal with myself. I decided if I ran the Bluff in 8 hours or under I would at least go to MMTR50 and give it a shot. Before the race, I promised myself to meet two new people on the course, but I met and chatted with many. I met Brooke a young new ultrarunner from New Haven before Bluff Head. I met David, the exterminator and ran with him through most of the backside of the Bluff. I met a very nice man from RI who teaches music. And I ran with another new ultra and trail runner from Cheshire. I promised myself I would try to keep people on the course during the day, I fixed and checked for markers and ribbons and called a few back to the course. I promised I would pick up loose trash, but there was a section in Genessee which needs more help than what would fit in my pockets. AND I was the LUCKY finder of some trail magic! I had picked up a few shot block wrappers and one used GU pack, but the second GU pack I went to pick up was FULL and it was a double espresso, AND it was right at the top of Genessee, AND I ate it right away, AND it totally fueled my finish. So with the help of many Bimblers, runners and volunteers, some new friends, I am going to MMTR to give 50M a try on some unprepared legs. Snobody was right! I ran a PR on the course. But the biggest part of the whole day was sharing it with all of you. The Bimbler’s that finished before who were there to cheer me into the finish, being at the finish to see all the rest of the Bimbler’s finish, because they all did just that!! Seeing Dorothy finish her first ultra! There is something, something about it. Next year I will be back hopefully back in my happy role as volunteer. Being on both ends of this event is amazing. Just to be out there makes me a happier girl. Unprepared? Yes. Too busy? Nah.
The Bimbler's Sound
Truth lies within