165 Days - Across The Years Part 2

As a slightly more conscious version of myself begins to remember the events of New Years, I realize that I left out so much, and yet how could I possibly retell what I experienced out there? January 1st for most people is about making resolutions. For the people that surrounded me that day, it was simply about living out commitments. I had fun running around that track, pushing myself to extremes, chasing other gifted runners and seeing how I stacked up, but I felt lucky and honored to be spending that time with the people that were out on that course.

Early in the race, I remember Juli Aistars telling me how great it was to meet me. How cool! I remember introducing myself to Lisa Bliss and how friendly she was to me throughout the race. Wow... what I would give to be like one of these to extraordinary women one day! And as much as I would love their skills, I am not even referring to that. These women aren't the women that get caught up in petty things, create drama, are afraid to get their hands dirty. They are strong, tough, all around GOOD people. To receive e-mails from both of them after the race was beyond an honor. I finally had a chance to spend some time with Flora, a young, talented ultrarunner that I had met while pacing Mike at Angeles Crest. She was a true fighter, doing her first 48 hour run. Her beautiful spirit kept me alive and running through the night. I watched as Wendell Doman, one of my all time favorite race directors perservered to win the 24 hour run with his wife and son there to support him. Wendell was focused, but beyond winning the race, he was bursting with pride for his son Aaron who had just completed his first 100 miles. At 31 years old, I can take a deep breath and loudly proclaim that I have found my place in the world. That day, it was in the town of Buckeye, Arizona.

I am alone tonight, in a one bedroom apartment in Glendale, California, with my loyal little Shih Tzu asleep at my feet. But I don't feel alone at all. These people are my friends and my family. They are the greatest people I have ever known.

As Donn and I finished up our breakfast this morning, two vaguely familiar faces graced the table next to ours. It was a German couple who had been involved with the race. Ulli (the husband) had just finished race walking and his wife (who had a beautiful name, but I cannot pronounce it much less remember how to spell it) was there to support him. He began to recap the ultras that he had done when he was younger. His wife turned to me and said in her thick accent: "You are so young. The best is yet to come." She was referring to my speed, but my thoughts went somewhere different. Don't get me wrong, I want to be fast and I am going to work at that but there are so many other aspects to this that I am in love with. She's right. The best IS yet to come.