Yes We Can

Raise $2,025 for the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation in two months?

Yes we can.

Run 15.5 miles with 3,700 feet elevation gain in 2 hours 54 minutes and 24 seconds?

Yes I can.

Running The Rock

The Beacon Rock 25k was one of the most physically and mentally challenging races that I've ever run. It was also one of the most rewarding.

Dan and I ran together for the first two hours. I pointed out singing warblers and amazing Columbia Gorge views. He reminded me to breathe. I showed him the flowers. He pointed out the poison oak. We walked up the mountains. We flew down the mountains. We did this together.

My mantra stayed with me for the entire race: "Andy...cure...Andy...cure...Andy...cure, etc." When my quads burned, "Andy...cure." When my heart pounded, "Andy...cure." When I forgot that I was running a race, "Andy...cure."

At first, the mantra was just words to me. It kept me focused. But, 2 hours and 10 minutes into the race, something changed.

2 Hours 10 Minutes

My runner's high kicked in and I felt like a superhero. I saw a vision of what "Andy...cure" looked like. It meant working at the office instead of working from home. It meant hiking the trails of Beacon Rock on a sunny day enjoying the spring wildflowers. It meant living to see your great-grandchildren.

That's when I really started running for Andy.

At mile 12.8 I stopped to shake a rock out of my shoe. When I started running again I realized that the rock was in my sock. This is why trail runners have tiny gaiters. I gotta get a pair.

The Final Stretch

The last half mile stretch of the race included a 0.3 mile steep hill. My legs were shot and my body was fatigued. I wanted to walk, but I didn't. Looking ahead I realized that my hill would end, but Andy's fight with multiple myeloma would continue. I started to cry, but had to hold back tears so that I could breathe, and ran as fast as I could to the finish line.

Because I was healthy. Because I was strong. Because I believed that someday there will be a cure.

What's Next?
First, rest. I'll bike, swim, and do some yoga. After that I'll start hiking and running again.

And, a little later I'll run some more races. I'm hoping to win a pie at the Carnation 4th of July Run for the Pies 5K.

I think I'm in love with this trail running thing. I just might have to try a 50k race in the fall...