When you train for a major running event, or motivate a loved one on their journey, there is a lot of reflection that takes place along the way.
This past year has been a bit tricky between the individual training schedule that both my husband and I were following. Weekends were saved for long runs, but at times it seems like more of a game of tag with the passing of each other through the door on the way out to hit the pavement.
This past weekend my husband completed one of his biggest challenges, his first official 100 mile race. For a man who never ran, outside of an occasional friendly football game with mates back in London, I admire his commitment and dedication that he has shown since he first became intrigued in running. From his first local 5K in 2011 to now a 100 mile race in 2018….WOW!
I’ve cheered my husband on at various running events, as he crossed the line from just being a marathon runner to an ultra runner. He has ran two, 24 hour races in a row, with the ultimate goal of achieving 100 miles. Running a 3-4 mile loop repetitively just blows my mind, I couldn’t do it. However, with minimal mileage for loops, it makes it extra convenient for refueling or planning for weather changes.
We checked in early Saturday morning. One thing I like about Ultra running races is that it is a smaller scale. Hundreds of runners all with the same purpose, and families who are there and ready to track their runners. In a marathon, you have dedicated families who cheer you on for up to 6 hours, but this race, the love carries those families through the late hours for nearly 27 hours. It’s something about knowing you are supporting a loved one that the exhaustion never fully kicks in until they cross the finish line.
This 100 miles on the other hand, was a tad different. 20 mile loops, so less daunting in that you don’t have to see the same scenic sights so many times, but also intimidating, knowing . you don’t have as easy of access to all your supplies every 3-4 miles. My husband was up for the challenge!
I managed to pace my husband for 20 of his 100 miles in the late night. While we were in the complete darkness, the course was tough regardless. Even with exhaustion, you really have to be mentally awake. Crossing slippery bridges, tree stumps that stick up out of nowhere, animal sounds from around the corner. You really have to stay focused. Each 5 miles or so they had a service tent, each one with a different theme, which really helps to keep the spirit going.
After a quick nap in the car, following my 20 mile pace…did I mention I just ran a marathon the week prior? I anxiously awaited the arrival of my husband. At just over 25 hours, he finally came through the finish line. He achieved his goal and earned his buckle! This made me think about the times in education, those times that are a big struggle, where we don’t think we can make it to the next day. Could my husband have stopped? Yes! When he was trembling in the night from being cold and sweating, could he have just decided to leave and go to bed? Of course! Even if this may have crossed his mind, he never once took this action. As an educator, I try to remind myself that tomorrow is a fresh start. The day may not be perfect, but those hurdles only get you closer to making your goal.
Teaching In Stride 