Running Just to Catch Myself.......

....or perhaps, my twin sister-

The Official Butte to Butte post-

At 6:30 Wednesday morning, I have to tell you, I was really questioning our decision to run the 6.2 miles that it takes to complete the Butte to Butte race. Why, when I could be sleeping in, or making carmel rolls for the family, was I donning a paper number to my stomach (which was full of butterflies) and hopping in a vehicle at 7:10 am to stand around with a bunch of ultra-athletes to torture myself?

To tell the truth, I have been preparing for this event since May. Prior to May, I've never ran more than a four mile distance - so when I hit 5 miles on the treadmill I had to call everyone I knew - what a huge deal to me (however, after brother in law runs 100 miles - it kind of takes the wind out of the achievement....... =) ) Michele was already running and getting in primo shape (she looks awesome) - so when she suggested doing the Butte to Butte with John - my pride interceded and I agreed to the crazy event. My mistake.

The time before the race started seemed to drag, so I can't tell you how fun it was to run into Michele and I's favorite teacher - Mr. Halupa, his wife, daugter, and grandson - also ready to take off. In fact, I got so distracted by them, that when the race began, I hadn't even figured out my i-pod to get the music prepped for the most dreaded first mile - all uphill. That was problem #1. I'll go ahead and list the rest of the problems that morning-

#1- I-pod malfunction - couldn't figure how to start Lee Greenwood's "Proud to be an American (God Bless the USA)" and then put it in the armband without turning it off. Hence, I let Michele get us up the hill way too quick because I was so distracted. Good news, I didn't realize how "hurting" I was until we were practically moving backwards at the steepest crest - bad news, I was ready to throw up and totally overheated and had only completed mile one.

#2- After running downhill for the next mile, in the shade, and figuring out my i-pod, I was starting to get my groove (I also made Michele slow it down a bit, I mean, it's not a race - well, I guess it is, but not for us.....) so just as I was feeling like I might be back in this thing, I totally turned my ankle. Fortunately, that former teacher of mine had just passed us, so I didn't attract the kind of attention I didn't need at that point. I continued running, hopefully, I could shake it off.

#3- By about mile 4, I had worked out the ankle thing, to some extent, and had found a few sprinklers and water cups to douse myself. This was a good thing. But, wouldn't you know, that cooling effect of the water - had an adverse affect - can you say "severe chaffing"? Oh, man, that was worse than the ankle - it hurt every time I moved those thighs. Where's some Desitin when you need it?

#4 - Running with Michele - Absolutely the only reason I finished the race still running (and not succumbing to the desired walk pace) - but, pretty much the only reason I decided to race in the first place. And, unfortunately, why I'm sure I'll do it again next year - and this time see if we can't beat that 1 hour and 10 minute end time. Love you Michele - thanks for hanging in there with me - what an UNBELIEVABLE memory running through the chute - with the crowd cheering and Mom looking on - very proud of you!

As for the extra players - John and Travis both ran as well - Travis, who had been training very conscientously, did fantastic - even passed one of his "friend/competitors" in the last stretch. Way to go, dude. John, who, due to some calf injuries, hadn't been training for the last 6 weeks - had a not so happy experience, but finished just barely over an hour, nonetheless. Proud of you too, honey!