I’m In The Mountains!
We arrived in Sun River, Oregon last night after a somewhat grueling trip from Seattle. The last time I was here was in 2003, when I did the endurance duathlon. That day it was 95 degrees and probabaly 100 humidity, at least it felt like that when I was running the half marathon. People were dropping like flies. There were only 6 women signed up for the duathlon and only 3 finished. Guess what? I came in 3rd, but it wasn’t quite as meaningful because I was also last! I was happy to finish though. I ran walked through the half marathon with my friend, Bucky who talked me into the event in the first place. Of course, I was questioning what the hell I was doing the entire time. The problem was that I opened my big mouth and told a bunch of people that I was doing the dualthlon. So, I had no choice but to finish.
The weather conditions are a little different today with snow in the forecast and a high of about 34 degrees. I have to admit that I considered jumping on the treadmill. They have a really nice fitness center here at the resort. However, I think Michelle would give me S#*! for the rest of my life if I did that. So, I am going to suck it up, wear everything that I own and brave the elements. That which doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right?
Although I got a late start, I’ve been a serious runner since 1994. I ran my first marathon in 1995 on my 30th Birthday. It’s been my goal to run the Boston Marathon since then. I missed qualifying by 12 minutes that year. I needed to run 3:40 and ran 3:52. Running in the most prestigious marathon, is the ultimate for most runners. The fact that you have to qualify, only fueled my competitive juices.
Over the next 9 years I ran 6 more marathons. I love running so much that I became a 
2 comments:
just a reminder that boston could be 35 degs. with icy rain. add me to the list of people that would give you S#*! if you treadmill. i know you won’t though ;o).
lisa - I’m incredibly jealous that you are running in the mountains. Maybe that could be motivation to get outdoors and run, even in the cold…. most of us would give a lot to be in that position right now. (I feel pretty wore out today and can only the imagine the beautiful environment to help re-invigorate the soul.)