1. 17 miles of running downhill is not as fun as it seems.
2. Altitude is a bitch. I've shown up at an altitude race the night before, 4 days before, and 5 days before. They've all sucked. This one was by far the worst because I was trying to race not just finish a tough ultra.
3. When you're running downhill at a really relaxed pace and you still can't breathe easily you know you're in for a long day.
4. I have the best in-laws and brother-in-law any girl could ever ask for.
5. I'm super proud of how I handled myself mentally in this race. I never let myself go "there." I had to shuffle the last 9 miles but I knew I would finish and I stayed as mentally tough as I could.
6. Seeing RAW friend Gary at mile 24 was the best thing to happen to my race. I had held back my tears all race but when I saw him I just broke down on his shoulder. He said all the right things and got me to run the last two miles with just a quick walk at the last aide station. Byron surprised me at the mile 24 aide station and joined us to the finish. These two guys helped so many runners yesterday.
7. I feel like my body failed me. In reality it didn't, I finished, but it didn't want to. The roads are so much harder on my bigger frame than trails. Pounding 17 miles downhill absolutely destroyed me. I was too cocky going into it, thinking all my biking had really strengthened my bigger leg muscles and I would be fine. I was not fine.
8. Riding a bus up a beautiful canyon road with friends and a supermoon watching over you makes you extremely grateful for the life you have carved out.
9. No race has ever made me so emotional. I. Could. Not. Stop. Crying. All day. It was crazy!! It was a mixture of pain, disbelief at how hard it was and how bad my body handled it, pride at finishing and truly giving it ALL I had, disappointment in my time, and love for my family and friends.
10. I focused on 4 people and the lessons they've taught me. My wonderful husband has taught me to always believe in yourself and fight for what you know to be true, that you CAN do it. Greg, Erik, and Marci, the three amazing runners I've paced this year, inspired me every tired step. None of them gave up and neither would I.
11. I say this after every race and adventure but I love my running club so much!! Such amazing, inspiring, supportive friends.
12. I can't wait to recover and get back to training!! Next up, Ironman!!!
