My first 100 mile run...... Stomach issues for the last 45 miles, bees, bears (actually just one), mosquitoes, vandals, getting lost twice. BUT... The scenery was beautiful (see photo of Mt. Rainier by Glenn), volunteers spectacular, and pacer (Devon) extraordinary! I was so nervous going into this run with White River DNF still lurking. Turns out every day is a new beginning. Charlie Crissman knows how to put on a wonderful event. The run started at 10AM on Saturday so it was nice and warm for the initial climb up to Goat Peak. This climb is the same elevation and mileage as the climb up to Escapment @ Western States only on more technical trails. This set the tone for the next 20 some hours. Climbing, climbing and more climbing (20,147 ft. elevation gain over entire course). I met Devon at mile 52 and we put on our headlamps and took off following the well marked trails with red ribbons and some glow sticks at turns. Unfortunately, some creepy boys thought it would be funny to move the glowsticks so runners would take wrong turns. This ended up costing many of us added miles and time. Something I discovered about putting my body through an experience like this was that it really affected my brain. I have been in this daze like I just took a handful of cold medicine. Even two days out I am having a hard time remembering things. There are sections of the course that I have no recollection of running. My family is having to tell me things over and over again. During the run Devon was answering the same questions I asked 10 miles back. Weird... Will I do it again? ABSOLUTELY! When I wake up and feel normal again I will post some pictures!
14 comments:
Great job Monica! You did so much better than I did in my 1st 100 miler. I'm sure next year you'll smoke the course.
We're very proud of you Auntie Monica! We thought about you alot while we relaxed on the lake this weekend:)
Love, Oliver, Anthony and Lisa
Monica!
You are awesome! I love the comment about the cold medicine-I can relate! I am bummed about the vandals having experienced them myself on course...ACK! And stomach issues are nasty! Yet your attitude and spirit soar! Congratulations! Please take the time to recover from your efforts and accomplishment! I get the sense you are antsy to get out there again-very soon and well, I am sure-just please-take enough time to process and recover! Yay for Monica!!!!
Yay! Your first 100 attempt is also your first success! I bet Devon had fun playing broken record with you. ;) Seriously, Annette is right - don't go all gangbusters and get out there again too soon. I also sense that your fiery spirit is raring to go again once you get out from under that gauze of braincell trauma (which I have read about - it's "normal" if you can call anything like this normal!). My heartfelt congratulations, Monica! You look awesome in Glenn's photos. See you in the mountains.
Oh My Gosh!!! You Rock!! Congratulations on such an accomplishment. We think about you guys all the time. Lots of love, Kana, Coty, Kyli and Saydi.
Way to hang in there, Monica! What your body is going through right now is absorbing all the lessons learned, which will make you even stronger next time! Even though you were obviously tuckered, you always manage to flash that lovely smile and that spirit will always get you far! Congratulations!
Good job, Monica! Now that you are qualified, you must enter Hardrock. It's the best!
Hope we get to meet someday,
WSG Steve
Awesome performance, Monica. We are so proud of you!
Great job, Monica! First one is always a good learning experience. Those stupid kids...I paced that section and got some extra miles too. I'd run it before and still got turned around. ARRRGGGG. Sorry you were having stomach issues. Sounds like you still had a great time, though. Come run over here if you get sick of the rain!
Thanks Everyone!!!!
Congratulations.
You are so hot.
Congrats!!! Shawn just told me the news.
Congrats again on your first 100. I call that feeling the post-long-run-stupids. It seems those long ones temporarily kill short term memory brain cells. don't worry, they will come back :) (although some of my family may tell you otherwise)
Way to go Chica!
You are amazing. :)
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