I had the best time sweeping last week, even though our speed and level of intensity was quite lacking. It was my 2nd year attending the race, but first year as a "non-competitor." The goal as sweep is to assist the participants as they make their way through the 31 mile course which includes several difficult climbs through rocks and mud and may I emphasize LOTS of mud!!!!
We waited at the start until the last of the runners took off, then followed behind them, making sure that we stayed at the back of the pack at all times. I must say, the last part was the most challenging, but last week I was having some issues (peeing alot-and just not feeling exactly right)....so the slow pace was actually a nice change (for the most part). I really enjoyed the 8.5 hours of pleasantly running-walking along the course chatting and encouraging runners. Helping others is a wonderful feeling and especially when you could make a positive difference in whether they finish the race- or - NOT!
We were thrilled when a slow, but determined fellow was cruising along (walking) as we approached him and he was pretty negative about "running" at all, as his legs were cramping quite a bit. He had never run more than marathon distance (26.2 miles) and had never done a race of any kind on a"trail."
After much prodding and encouraging from us, he finally began to "run" the last MINUTE rounding the finish line with 30 seconds left until the cut-off~!!!!! AMAZING!!!
It was a great experience, but something about my own well-being was bothering me. Why was I lacking energy over the past few weeks, peeing soooo much and feeling like my "warm up 4 miles" was taking more like 10-14 miles to feel good. I did a great 26 mile trail run with a friend earlier about 2-3 weeks earlier and peed alot then, too....but had a great run by finishing strong and feeling awesome~!
I was waiting for Aunt Flow or as my sis-in-law calls it Master P to arrive and it was quite late! So last Monday, I decided to take a hpt-test. To my surprise and denial, it was positive!!! WHAT THE HECK!!
I was only weeks away from the American River 50 miler that I was totally training for......AND now.....preggo??? My life is an adventure to say the least! My hubby and I finalized the adoption of our beautiful 3 year old- princess on 1-11-11....after 5 years of being childless!!! We had given up on having our own bio-child after losing our 4 year old son to a genetic-illness-and Cancer in 2005 and then doing 2 rounds of IVF-with PGD (genetic screening prior to implantation)..to the tune of $50,000.00
So, to my dismay.....we are on a journey of a lifetime. I will explore the details of the emotions behind it all next post!!! Happy Trails to you!!!
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