I finished.
It was a great day.
I was happy running all day.
As I was driving to the race from Tucson to Vail, I thought, so many things could or could have gone wrong to get to the start. At times, I can be worst-case-scenario girl. I traveled 2,600 miles to run 34 miles in the desert. All my flights were on time, rental car went well, I wasn’t murdered, I didn’t oversleep, and I didn’t get a flat tire on race morning. These are the things I think about. So much can go wrong.
The afternoon before the race I started preparing all my gear and realized that for the second time at a big race I forgot the lid for my reservoir. Since it’s not attached to the reservoir I always leave it by the sink. I forgot to pack it. I had to run to Summit Hut, just one hour before they closed to buy a new one. Seriously, that was the worst thing that happened; it was a good race weekend.
The start of the race was cold; 40 degrees. As the race started and we headed into the desert the wind kept me cool. I wore two layers and gloves. Even as the sun glared down on us the wind kept me cool and comfortable. The course was absolutely stunning. The pictures do not do it justice.
I started slowly and walked when it was really rocky. My legs didn’t feel fatigued until after mile 12. I only had a few moments of feeling bad but for the most part I just felt good and happy. I ate and drank according to the plan. I cheered on runners coming back from the turn around and that gave me energy.
A few weeks ago I bought Altra Olympus running shoes. They are super bulky, heavily padded shoes. They were the most expensive shoes I’ve ever purchased but the specifications said they were good on technical, rocky trails so I wanted to try them.
They were worth every penny. My feet felt great the entire time and now, they are my go-to running shoe on trails.
At the 17 mile turn around I knew I was going to finish. I knew everything was going right. The aid station volunteers were amazing and helpful. Oreo cookies with frosting are now my favorite aid station food. I used Tailwind the entire time. I ate bars and gels and peanut butter and jelly sandwiches.
The course was a mix of hard packed dirt, small rocks, big rocks, slabs of rock, and sandy wash crossings. There was even a brook that was flowing from the rain the day before that I had to rock hop. The Arizona Trail is amazing and varied. I’m so glad I came.
The final downhill to the finish I pushed it and was so happy. I was the only person from New Hampshire to race. I got my finisher railroad tie, drank some chocolate milk and headed back to the hotel. So Happy.
As I drove into Tucson to meet Kassandra for dinner, the Catalina Mountains stood guard. They are a stunning mountain chain rising up from the desert. I miss Tucson. I spent three years in Tucson learning about the desert by running and mountain biking all the parks that surround the city.
Hiring a coach was the best thing I could’ve done. She helped me prepare for the race by giving me a plan that made me strong and helped me create a race plan to get me to the finish. Thank you Coach Kathy.
I’m so thankful for my health, my friend Kassandra and her family who I got to see and catch up with, and everything and everyone in my life right now. Thankful.
