Friday, May 18, 2007

My First Western States 100

In 2004, I ran Western States 100 as my first 100miler. My family and friends filmed my every move. I watched that tape last night for the first time in two years. It was awesome and I enjoyed it so much. I had to laugh quite a few times when I saw the funny and dumb things I did prior to the race. First of all, I think I counted nine burritos, several peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, cut up fruit, gels, energy bars, and lots of other so called "tasty treats", that I had my Mom, Matt and the kids making the night before. Everything was fresh and wrapped in plastic. There was so much food, that we could have fed several people for a couple of days. The funny thing about that is that I have a problem taking in solid food in races!! I don't think I ate anything that my poor crew made me! I thought I was being so prepared.

Secondly, I watched with impatience, the time I spent at the aid stations with my crew. I enjoyed back rubs and everything else a loving crew that has no time limits can deliver. Sponge baths, application of sunscreen and bug spray, sock changes and tlc. Wow, how the time clock flies when you are out there standing still!!

There are so many things that you learn at your first 100. I hope not to repeat them again this year. One thing I do want to do the same and that is to enjoy the whole experience. I want to be present enough that I take time to enjoy the journey and remember how thankful I am to be able to be fit enough to attempt an incredible adventure like the Western States 100.

Two years ago as I stood before the start line of that race, I knew that I would finish. I have lupus and I think many people didn't believe that I could. Living with Lupus has put a lot of obstacles on my trail. As an ultra runner, running races with the Montrail/Nathan logo on my shirt is a reminder that I am strong and capable of doing anything I put my mind to. I choose to be happy, healthy and fit. Ultra runners continually motivate me to be everything I want to be. I encourage you to go out and be ALL you can be. BELIEVE in yourself!!

You can count off the days.......or you can make them count. Like all things in life it is ones attitude that matters.

2 comments:

GB said...

Hi Kelly, thanks so much for visiting and commenting on my blog. I'm going to look into ways to massage that tendon because I don't want it to get worse.

I am in awe of ultra runners and hope to tackle an ultra someday. I have unfinished business with the marathon distance though and want to concentrate on that this year.

You are very motivating and inspiring! It is so great that you run as hard as you do with Lupus. The WS100!!! Very, very awesome!

I love your runningskirts, by the way. :)

Anonymous said...

Being there as a support to you was incredibly awe-inspiring for me. I still do not know all the ways it is affecting me still, but I feel I am different because of that experience of watching you and the other ultra runners. I'm so very proud of you. And, I say that with a now blurred vision with happy tears in my eyes.

Your sister, Shawn