This past weekend I was one of six ladies on a relay running team, that took the challenge to conquer one hundred miles of hills and turns, from Stowe to Killington Vermont. We were a seasoned group of gals in our forties and fifties. We all come from different backgrounds and different life styles. Some of us met for the very first time, this past weekend. We had one common goal of embracing the challenge and having fun doing so !
This was my first time being on an all ladies relay team, but I’m sure that it won’t be my last. There was something extra special as we came together united as a team and bonding as we encouraged each other and applauded each others accomplishments along the journey.
These ladies inspired me with their go for it attitude. It was a break from real life struggles for some, and a time to set that aside, as we joined in this therapeutic time together. There is something truly restorative, in coming together, raising the bar to what we think can be accomplished individually.
I love to run with my Sweet Hubby Matthew, but Matthew is not only my love but he is my protector. He takes that quite seriously and I have become quite comfortable allowing that to be his roll. Due to early life experiences, I’ve lived most of my life battling many fears. One of my great fears, on my running journeys, is running alone at night. One of my all time great fears in life, is being alone during thunderstorms. You may have guessed that I had to face those fears over our race. Yes, my last leg to run was at the tail end of a thunderous downpour. At first I wanted to back out or switch my leg with someone. However, the strength of our team gave me the confidence to be bold. As I faced my fears the storm actually passed.
My biggest issue was the lack of visibility due to the fog in the higher elevations and the humidity along with the rain was making it hard to see through my glasses. As I ran along gravely curves without much shoulder, I lost sight of other runners and vans due to the fog. Everyone was lit up like a Christmas tree, but my head lamp only provided enough light to see just ahead of me. Because of the rain, I wasn’t wearing my phone and I couldn’t see the mile markers. I had absolutely no idea how long I had ran, until I came around the last corner and saw the lights at our exchange point. I heard our next leg runner Val, yell out to me, “Is that you Lisa”.
What a rush it is to overcome your fears. I have felt like I’m wearing an imaginary superhero cape this week, that only I know is there. Watch out world, who knows what is next on this chick’s plate !!
The running community is pretty awesome. With over one hundred thirty teams of runners , you could feel the support and encouragement throughout. Some ran in crazy costumes and some ran to support personal causes. Cheers between our fellow runners and offers of support were a continued theme throughout the journey of one hundred miles. We were one sweaty and adrenaline fueled family, accomplishing what we set out to do . Sounds good doesn’t it ?
So with this Vermont trip in the books, I find myself looking up crazy relay races that are around the globe. I’m looking forward to another weekend with these amazing ladies, and extra excited to use our new team name. We’ve decided to call ourselves, “The Hot and Flashy”. So until next time !! Thank you again ladies for the time together and I must end with the hashtag. #marthamademedoit
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