Report from “Twinkles”:
A post script synopsis of the Table Rock 10k from Twinkles. It is now Day 3 post race and my thighs are now simply whimpering going up and down stairs instead of screaming! It was a great race but the first 2.3 miles straight up was one of the hardest things I’ve ever done. I really realized how I’ve grown to rely on Iggy saying “your doing great” even when I’m not, during a race. I tried to feel her positive energy when I wanted to give up and that really helped. This leads me to have to explain about my random thoughts mentioned in Wheels race report. I was thinking that I might have to give up before I reached the 2,000 foot summit which lead me to remember the many books I’ve read dealing with prisoners of war and death marches. I was thinking to myself…..I wouldn’t survive being a POW if I had to march up this mountain for hours and hours and I’d probably be one of the ones to get shot. I know……weird, rambling thoughts that were really so far from what was really happening. Anyway, I just had to explain that because I would never want to offend anyone or act like a trail race was comparable to being a prisoner of war.
The plus of the arduous 2.3 miles was that by the time I finally was able to run……I felt like I was flying and my running seemed almost effortless. I was with another girl for most of the second half and she stayed right on my heels. I tried to get her to pass me but I think she was benefiting from following my foot falls. The terrain was moist then dry, dark then sunny and simply breathtaking. I could hear other runners below me on the switchbacks but could not always see them due to the fog. The final descent back down to Stinson Beach was filled with wooden stairs and foreign tourists trying to hike up while runners were coming down.
There was a great post race food gathering, nice shirts and everyone received a participation medal. They were also giving out a prize for Dead Last finisher and prior to the race, I thought I’d be going home with that. However, I’m happy to report, I was not Dead Last!
See you all back on the East Coast!
Twinkles
Great report of a great adventure Twinkles. Some things I can empathize with you about:
1) Yes, IGGY’s positive energy ALWAYS works for me, even when she is not there.
2) Don’t worry, or apologize, about when your mind goes to “strange places” during a serious challenge. Although it can be a bit weird, it sometimes tells you a little more about who you are, and often tells you that you are tougher than you think!