04 March 2013

Masochist

You are probably wondering, "Why on earth would Ruth let someone participate in SOLC who would title a blog entry like that???"
Well, truthfully speaking, you probably SHOULD wonder that about me. Or just wonder about me in general.
As far as I know, I am not a masochist. I do not experience gratification due to another person's physical pain or humiliation. (And that was the CLEANEST definition I found! Whew! Glad I didn't search for that definition at work. That would surely get flagged in one of our "Suspicious Search Queries Reports".) Unless it's the Florida Gators. I do like it when they experience intense humiliation in sporting events.
OK...so back to the point I haven't gotten to....
On my doorstep this evening was a box containing my new trail running shoes! It so happens that they are aptly called "Mountain Masochist". I am psyched. I have been wearing them all evening around the house.
Of course, there's a winter storm warning for tomorrow. It's like showing up to the public pool right after it is discovered someone has opted NOT to put their child in a swimmer diaper. So I don't get to go try them out tomorrow.
I am currently preparing for what will be a mentally, physically, and spiritually challenging (to say the least) accomplishment. I am running my first ultra marathon at the end of July. 100 miles. Most of it is trails. My dear friend and colleague, Nancy, and I are running it together, and this will be her second time. She ran this very race last year and is STOKED to do it again. In order to be "counted" and more importantly, to receive a shiny cool belt buckle, we must finish in under 30 hours.
I think about this every single day. Every. Single. Day. I have doubted myself a million times. I have second-guessed my ability to do it. I have competed in races since I was in my early 20s. I have been a runner for quite a while and it is definitely a passion of mine. Nothing gets me more excited and, at the same time horrified, than the thought of conquering a 100 miler. But I am dedicated. It's an accomplishment of epic proportion. I. CAN. DO. IT.
If any of you would like to join us, here is more info:

 http://www.burningriver100.org/

Which leads me back to the beginning of this post: Masochist.
I think my dear friend Nancy may be one. Why else would she have talked me into this? Oh wait...I agreed to it. (JUST KIDDING, NANCY!)
(Disclaimer: Nancy is the kindest and sweetest person on the planet.) :-)

In 1953, Sir Edmund Hillary and Sherpa Tenzing Norgay were the first people on record to summit Mount Everest. When Hillary was asked WHY he wanted to climb that mountain, his answer was perfectly simple: Because it's there.


8 comments:

Ruth Ayres said...

I've been wondering if those shoes were on your feet yet. I want to see a photo!

Michelle said...

Wow. You are amazing to even think about such a feat! Happy trails to you and Nancy!

Chris Margocs said...

Ditto on the wow! And I hope the shoes help you make it!

Juliann said...

Wow! I am a runner but 100 miles is a mind blowing thought.

Anonymous said...

You rock, woman! I have no doubt that if you have put your mind to doing this, you will do it. Never doubt yourself. Wear your shoes to school tomorrow. The first day of testing should warrant running shoes.

Dina said...

Holy buckets! You rock girlie! And, btw, I loved the slam on the Gators...hahahaha!

Nancy Boston said...

Can't wait to see your new shoes!

My Lily (age 10) said to me when she found out that I talked you into running this race, "Mom, why would you want to hurt your friend?"

Deb Gaby said...

Love your image on the top of your post. You can do it girl...easy said from the sidelines! I think you'll love your trail shoes...they'll be wings on your feet.