August 28, 2006
BEWARE OF MAN BEARING HARNESS …
… and wearing funny helmet ;). Just spells ‘relaxation,’ doesn’t it?
I’m recovered today, though. Spine is back in alignment, and after sending off my online read submission, I took a good long walk in the sunshine … and then SLEPT THE REST OF THE DAY! Gawd, I don’t remember when I last did that. I must be getting old(er). But I feel fabulous. Sleep is way underrated 
Also got my Five Peaks time today, and discovered I didn’t do that badly after all. I placed 13th, which is not saying a hell of a lot, because there aren’t that many woman in their 40s who do the enduro race. Still, being in the middle of the pack for my second trail run ever suits me just fine, thank you :). And judging by the other times, I wasn’t the only one who suffered. It was a tough haul for most. I think it was the heat, the altitude, and the rapid elevation gain combined.
And I do this …. why?
I think I need to meditate on that one a bit. Why DO we do things like this?
Victoria Marathon — 41 days to go!!
Honolulu Marathon — 104 days to go.
And don’t forget my Contest. August is almost over. And thank you to everyone who has entered so far — I will announce the winner here on Thursday.
meretta Says:
Did DH know he was going to fashion coordinated with his helmet? And yes. Nothing says RELAXATION than a get up like that. Very reminiscent of rock climbing.
Did I tell you I always had it in my mind that I was going to climb at Squamish? Then I came and visited you and actually saw the thing up close? Um. Yeah. I think I have a heroine who’s going to do it instead.
I like my body unbroken, thanks!
Glad to hear your physical health is back on track. Good for you to have a sleep! And way to go on your finish spot. You Rock!
Bailey Stewart Says:
My God - I leave you alone for a couple of days and look what you do! Yikes! Glad you’re feeling better and Meretta is right - you rock!
Kristen Says:
Well, I have to say congrats on the 13th place. That’s pretty good for your second run. I’m glad everything is alright =) And I agree with Bailey and Meretta, you rock!!
Loreth Says:
Climb the CHIEF?? Meretta, you blow me away. You’re one adventurous woman for even just *thinking* about it. You wouldn’t find me dead climbing the Chief — well, actually that’s probably exactly what you WOULD find me … at the bottom. That would be ROCK bottom ladies!!
But thank you for the cheers.
Ruby55 Says:
Very well done. That is marvellous for your second run. I’d probably have succumbed after 5 minutes if that. I hate going anywhere without one of those granny walkers.
I was at the library today and happened to see a magazine called “Explore” (July/Aug issue). One of the three main articles was on running a race in Death Valley and I have the same question you did: Why do people do this to themselves? What motivates them? This is definitely not a healthy exercise but a very extreme sport. Give it a look if it interests you in any way. It was a Canadian magazine so, of course, they were writing about a Canadian participant.
Another article showed 40 of the most awesome natural wonders in Canada. And none of them are anywhere close to here except Niagara Falls and the Niagara Escarpment which runs from the Falls up to the Bruce Peninsula. In fact, the Niagara Escarpment was named a “biosphere” or something similar. I’m not sure if I’ve ever actually been on it. But it borders my brother’s property where it’s about 5-6 feet above his level. It doesn’t really look like much. The best part of it is the Bruce Trail. It’s also high behind Hamilton, ON and that’s, I think, the only place I’ve really been on it. Oh yeah, they figure that in 1500 or is it 15,000 years, the Niagara Falls will be only rapids.
Now, BC for instance has a lot more interesting places…
Loreth Says:
LOL @ the granny walker, Ruby!! :). And now that you mention Death Valley
:) … the Badwater is one of the things I have wondered if I could ever do in my life. The Comrades, too. I’ve got a book on my shelf “TO THE EDGE” about a reporter’s quest to do the Death Valley race after his brother’s suicide, and it’s also an invetigation into the why’s and motivations of the men and women who do this run (or make this journey). Fascinating stuff. Most say it’s about facing that place in yourself — the edge, where everything says ‘quit’ and learning that if you dig even deeper, you can find the power to go on. It’s also almost about physcially running into your own psyche — going out and far while really journeying inward. A vision quest of sorts, I think.
(Went to Niagra many, many years ago — while I lived in Ontario as a kid)